Sonia Stein Talks New EP, Her Voice And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Monika Ottehenning
Sonia Stein arrives with her beautifully crafted new EP ‘Golden’. Stepping to her final pregnancy chapter before motherhood, the project is a raw, reflective collection of songs that revisits her twenties, as Sonia reclaims emotions she once thought were ‘too much’, with a reflective compassion and clarity.
What is your earliest musical memory?
I remember asking my mom to put California Dreaming on every time we got in the car when I was really little and it making me feel a certain way
When did you begin songwriting?
I began songwriting at around the age of 14
You have your new EP ‘Golden’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
This EP came about at a writing camp, at the time I didn’t have a solid idea for the project, just that I wanted to be creative and free within that and see what happens. The songs on the EP are a result of that.
Where did you record the EP and who produced it?
Once the songs had been written at the camp, the rest of it was recorded in London and co-produced by Bubba McCarthy, JungleBoi and PALMR.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
The entire week feels like such a lovely memory to me, I have been trying to conjure up this feeling of creating for fun, creating with friends, creating in a spontaneous way and renting a house in the countryside with a group of vibey people and writing music every day really felt like that to me.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I always use my trusty U47 Telefunken mic which is my only real piece of gear that I invested in over 10 years ago.
Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I would probably say Eyes is the happiest track, I don’t think I really have an angry track on there and Golden is definitely the most reflective.
Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?
All of the co-writers and producers so Julia Posnik, Taneisha Jackson, Bubba McCarthy, Robin Pearkes (aka PALMR), and JungleBoi. We had some amazing live drums on Eyes by Isaac Kizito, some incredible guitar on Hell Ride played by Ben Jones and some more live drums by the talented Reuben Harsant on Golden.
Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
The title track felt really reflective of where I am, understanding the beauty of the journey rather than focusing on a destination. So the word Golden kind of encompasses that to me, this idea that there is treasure to find everywhere rather than just at the end of the road.
Was it a difficult EP to write?
No, the songs came about really easily, the whole team at the writing camp worked together so well and we were really inspired by each other.
Who designed the EP artwork?
The photo was taken by my friend Monika Ottehening, who took the photos for the entirety of blooming season as well. Because of my current state (being 9 months pregnant) a lot of the images I used for this were taken by her a year or so ago and still worked beautifully for this project which in my mind was a continuation of Blooming Season in a way.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Warsaw is where I grew up so that feels like my “hometown.” It feels quite defiant/resilient, historic, dynamic, cultural and vibrant.
How do you look after your voice?
I try to have singing lessons regularly, especially during times where I will be performing. I use a steamer and do my warm ups before singing and I also try to be mindful of how I use it in loud and crowded spaces.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?
No, given I am about to give birth I have not planned any live gigs for this year! Excited to get back to it at some point.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope to have touched someone in the crowd, made them feel seen or made them reflect on something in a new way they hadn’t before.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I think my favourite instrument to be accompanied by is always a piano but have also always loved a nice reverby and atmospheric electric guitar.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I just finished reading the novel Wellness By Nathan Hill. I feel like writing the soundtrack to the film of that would be fun given the themes are quite satirical and feel very current and within my realm.
One of the tracks is ‘Hell Ride’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?
Hell Ride is about the intensity of loving someone in almost an unhinged way – there is some humour and self awareness to the weight of that- I wanted to fully lean into those feelings rather than explain myself or be subtle about them which is what I would have done in the past.
Do you have any visualisers to accompany the EP?
Not at the moment , again, in my current state it has been a little difficult to create visual content in a way that would feel true to the music on the EP which was written before I got pregnant.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I have really been loving Chloe Qisha, Eli and the new Doja Cat record recently. When it comes to influences I find those difficult to name as they change almost every session I go into so I will leave you with those 3.
What makes Sonia Stein happy and what makes you unhappy?
I am always happiest surrounded by people I love, my family, my friends, my husband doing something together, eating, taking a walk, doing something crafty. I feel unhappy when I feel under pressure to do something that doesn’t feel right or feels rushed
Feature Image Photo Credit: Monika Ottehenning
Sonia Stein’s new EP ‘Golden’ is out now.
Listen Here: https://mrthn.fm/ss_golden
Follow Sonia Stein:
INSTAGRAM / TIK TOK / SPOTIFY / YOUTUBE
