After recently returning with her stunning comeback single 'Wish You Would (Stay)' earlier this year, emerging singer-songwriter Sonya Glass is back once again to offer up her latest humbled effort 'Horoscope'.
Capturing more of that sweet and tender aesthetic she is quickly cementing for herself, 'Horoscope' makes for a beautifully serene listen. With her light and airy voice layered across a shimmering acoustic-led production throughout, she is certainly looking to pull on our heartstrings with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
In all honesty the first instrument I fell in love with was vocals. The way someone can use their voice not only to express how they feel, but also, make you feel what they are feeling. That blew my mind as a kid.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was raised on Yusuf (f/k/a Cat Stevens), Carol King, Simon & Garfunkle, and Sarah McLachlan. When I was around seven years old I discovered Tori Amos and was in awe of her voice and songwriting. She is still one of my favourite artists today.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Definitely Back To Black by Amy Winehouse.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. When I feel it, I write. I would say the one thing I try to do is just write and not allow my thoughts to get in the way. If I want to go back and make changes or edits that is fine, but I try to stay in the moment when I am writing and allow the words to come as they do. As for melody, I try to create melodies based on the feeling I am experiencing while writing the song. Like, what melody will help enhance the words I have written and give the listener insight into how I was feeling when I wrote the track? Not sure if that makes sense but I would say that is my process!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Currently I would say I have been listening to a pretty wide variety of stuff. But Damien Rice, SZA, Daughter, Angel Olson, Amy Winehouse, Sharon Van Etten, Tegan & Sara, Janis Joplin, Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys…
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Do they have to be alive? Because I would kill to open for Amy Winehouse or Janis Joplin. But if they have to be living, I’d say Sharon Van Etten, Daughter, or Lana Del Rey.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me, the most rewarding part is being able to speak my truth and hoping it can reach someone who needs to hear it. Life is challenging, I mean sometimes it is down right messed up. As someone who has struggled with addiction and mental health issues, navigating my way through the world has been challenging. At times, I felt completely alone in that struggle. If I can reach one person and help them feel a little less isolated, that is the reward.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think for me it has mostly been not allowing myself to get in my own way. Like most creatives, I am extremely critical of everything I do. I am definitely a self-proclaimed imperfect perfectionist. At times, it can be really frustrating to try and break through that mindset or the idea that something just isn’t good enough.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I was ever given was, if you want to do this, if you really want to do this, you have to love it. Otherwise, all the insanity won’t be worth it.
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Sonya Glass' new single 'Horoscope' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.