Introducing #293 - Sonia Elisheva
Let us introduce you to Sonia Elisheva - who has just released her new single 'Playground'.
Arriving as an eclectic dose of electro-leaning alt-pop, Sonia Elisheva’s distinctive vocals bring out the soul in 'Playground'. Catchy and cathartic, the track finds solace in the realisation that no one truly knows what they are doing. Playground is your reminder to look beyond the polished facades.
Sharing more, Sonia explained: ‘I’ve often found in my own life that I’ll reach these places I’ve dreamed about getting to, only to realise that the people around me don’t necessarily have it any more figured out than I do. Some people are just better at pretending than others. . I’m not the first to write about this of course, imposter syndrome is such a common feeling. Playground is ultimately about letting go of some of that pressure to present as though you have everything figured out and to detach from the constant need for external validation.’
Sonia took a moment to talk to us about her music and what the future holds for her.
Hey there Sonia - how are you? So your track ‘Playground’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
I’m good thanks, I hope you are too! The song is about the strange little playground we create for ourselves as adults. The way we chase validation, try to look like we’ve got it all figured out & then quietly wonder if everyone else is just doing the same.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I’m originally from a town called Egham in Surrey, and what I like I doing there is getting on the train and going to London hahaha. I'm just kidding (sort of). I do love going back though to visit my parents - it’s nice having somewhere a bit quieter to escape to.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
I grew up listening to a lot of jazz & swing, and artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Caro Emerald and Caravan Palace were a big influence on me when I first started making music. I’ve always had a huge love of pop too, so over the years I’ve found myself drawing more from British artists like Lily Allen, Jessie Ware and Charli XCX. I’m also really inspired by French electronic-pop bands like L’Impératrice. I think that mix of jazz, electronic music and pop is probably what has shaped my sound the most.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
Imagine you’re drinking cocktails at a jazz bar but then you decide to get on the nightbus & head to a sweaty night club - I think that pretty much describes my sound!
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
I’ve got my second album, Illusions, coming out early next year, so there’s lots more music on the way. I’ve also just started a Substack where I’ll be writing about the stories, ideas and rabbit holes that inspire my music. And I have a 7-piece jazz band, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage and playing some live shows with them too.
