Born in France, SONIA spent much of her time exploring museums and becoming fully immersed in French culture and music.
By the age of five she began to play the piano and sing.
Now 20, SONIA has taken her learning and love of the arts and has written and produced her self-titled debut EP, “SONIA EP 1.”
Through her unique lens, SONIA has created a one of a kind musical piece.
She noted in a recent press release that her 4 song EP delves into the “concept of duality and reflects in my music through contrasting ideas in lyrics and sounds: darkness versus light, temptation versus virtue. Emotions are universal. Everyone has experienced darkness, but I try to see it from a different angle. It’s okay to feel this way. We can celebrate beautiful sadness as part of existence.”
The result of explorative experience, creative interpretation and unique talent is an EP filled with beautiful vocals that glide on classical and R&B inspired beats.
ECHO had a chance to talk with SONIA about her new EP, inspirations, and performing at Coachella.
You just released your debut EP, “SONIA EP 1.” How does it feel to finally have your music out in the world?
It’s such an amazing feeling. It’s almost as though a weight has been lifted off of me. I’ve worked really hard on this project and have written lyrics that are so personal to me so it’s an odd but satisfying feeling to have people hear my thoughts and what goes on in my heart and brain.
What has it been like to receive such positive reception for your music?
Whenever I receive a message or a comment about how much someone relates to my song or how it has helped them or made them feel better, it reminds me of why I listen to music and why I love making music.
You performed your first show in LA! What was it like to see a full house at the venue for your first show?
I was so surprised by how many people showed up! It almost felt like a giant reunion with all my friends and people I work with.
You’re a singer, songwriter, pianist, and music producer. Do you find that having knowledge of all the possibilities of producing helps your writing?
Being so open to using instruments and different sounds definitely helps my writing process. Playing the piano, especially, helps with writing because I know exactly what chords I want and how I want the song to sound like.
Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is on planes. I love being alone and disconnected from the world. It’s the only time where I feel most in touch with my thoughts. I usually bring a notebook or write lyrics on my phone.
What were some of your inspirations for this EP?
This EP was inspired by my personal life, the trials and tribulations of becoming and adult, and feeling heartbreak and betrayal for the first time. Sonically, I wanted to bring contrast and duality by bringing hints of different genres and emphasizing dark vs light.
You’ve poetically noted that your music is “celebrating a beautiful sadness.” Can you elaborate on what that means to you?
I always say that vulnerability is strength. Sadness is beautiful in its own way for healing, growth and realization. I feel most inspired and creative when I am sad. It doesn’t mean you should always be sad, I’m actually happy and grateful most of the time, but I do try to appreciate the downs in my life.
You grew up in Paris? What things about Paris do you find influence your music?
Growing up in Paris has really shaped my love for art and music. It’s such a culturally and artistically rich city. I grew up going to museums every week and listening to a lot of French music and I use many of it as inspiration in my music.
Has music always been something that interested you?
I’ve been passionate about music since age 5. It started with piano and then singing at 7 years old. At 8, I already knew I wanted music to be a part of my life forever.
What was it like to perform with Petit Biscuit at Coachella?
It was a dream come true. The adrenaline I felt on stage made me love performing.
You have three live shows to celebrate the EP? What are you most excited about for those shows?
I am most excited about meeting fans in these different cities and sharing this experience with them.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to your EP, what would it look like?
I think a live show is the most perfect way to listen to music.
What is one piece of advice that you want to ECHO out to the world?
Never stop working towards your goal if you are passionate about it. Good things don’t come easy.
This decade is almost over, what is one goal for the new year you have in mind?
My goal for the new year is to collaborate with other artists.
