Words by Art Jefferson
Images courtesy of Sonia Stein
The word demented means “to act or behave irrationally due to anger or stress”. However there is something provocative at the way London-based vocalist and musician Sonia Stein sings about the topic, especially when it relates to relationships. There is a striking boldness within the tone of her milky voice that resonates without having to be overly brash. Her vivid lyrics, written like that of storytelling folk singer, reels you into her quiet storm of thoughts, making you “get it” and almost instantly side with her emotions. The grey area between Stein’s reality and illusion of feelings in her music is only the crosswalk to a beautiful place, no matter the direction.
Sonia Stein’s current recording “Demented Mind” is an impressive marriage of pop and electronica, expressing disenchantment with a broken relationship, yet questions why the person still sits in her mind. If the song is an opening ride to the musical brain of Stein, then it’s sure to be an exciting journey.
Art Jefferson-Growing up, was music always at the forefront for you? Walk me through a sort of timeline of your life musically.
Sonia Stein-Definitely. I was singing for as long as I can remember. First in preschool and then as soon as I started learning English (I am originally from Poland). I could sing in English before I could speak it. I had piano lessons from age 6-11 but dropped it when I realised I was learning most of the music by ear and the classical pieces became too difficult. I later picked it back up at around 15 when I started writing songs. I think that [writing] was probably the final “proof” that I wanted to pursue it more seriously.
Art Jefferson-Talk about your song “Demented Mind”. Was it based on your own personal relationship?
Sonia Stein-“Demented Mind” was a song that I wrote a few years ago. It was definitely about a personal relationship. I was sick of writing sad and longing songs about it and I wanted it to be over and done with. I was hoping that by repeating “you mean nothing” it would sort of magically happen. I am also very fascinated by the idea of denial and lying to yourself, and my goal was to repeat certain things so many times and sing them in a certain way, that it contradicts the actual lyrics. It is clear by the end of the song that by “you mean nothing” I am kind of saying “I am obsessed with you” Ha ha!
Art Jefferson-It’s interesting because I think many people actually have a demented mind when it comes to past relationships that may not have ended well. There is that feeling that you do want to other person to suffer, even if it’s just from the feeling that they still love you. In your opinion, why is it so hard to just “let bygones be bygones”?
Sonia Stein-I am not sure. I am still trying to figure it out. But I have noticed that a lot of the time, the hardest part of letting go is accepting that the other person has let go too. There is something comforting about being the first one to be okay and it’s hard to accept someone doesn’t think about you anymore. That emotion of wanting to mean something is often bigger and lingers on for longer than missing a specific person and things about them.
Art Jefferson-Staying on the topic of relationships briefly, for yourself how easy or difficult is it to actually juggle being in a relationship along with all the duties that come with being a recording artist?
Sonia Stein-I might have to say it’s probably the most difficult thing about being a songwriter for me. I am still at a point (and hope to stay there) where the things I write about have to be real and feel intense, and unfortunately for me, the things that inspire me the most are relationships and the weird ways that they work in. I often feel like I subconsciously put myself in difficult and vulnerable positions specifically to write about them and I get anxious when things are going too well.
Art Jefferson-I know that you recently supported Natalie Duncan for a gig. How was that show?
Sonia Stein-It was really fun! It was the first show I played in London that wasn’t an open mic so I was a little nervous to be playing in front of people that actually came to listen. But I love playing live and it was a fun warm up for more. And it was cool to support Natalie, it was the first time that I heard her live and she sounded amazing.
Art Jefferson-You also recorded the track “Friendly Ghost”. Will this song, as well as “Demented Mind” possibly be added to an EP?
Sonia Stein-I am still trying to figure out what’s coming next but if there is an EP, I am hoping that yes, both of the songs will be on there.
Art Jefferson-Your sound is a hybrid of everything from indie to dark electronica, and even hints of pop and folk added to the mix. In terms of production, do you work with a band in the studio, or is there a particular producer handling the bulk of it?
Sonia Stein-I like that description! So far all of the tracks have been produced by Liam Howe. I played the bulk of the keys and Liam did all the other live instruments. Since I started rehearsing with a live band though, we have been talking about revisiting some of the tracks.
Art Jefferson-I would imagine that you have an eclectic musical taste in general. If I were to look into your iTunes, what artists and tracks would I find?
Sonia Stein-There are ones that I always go back to for songwriting inspiration. Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell are probably those for me. Then I go through three weeks to one month obsessions with something new. Recent ones included James Vincent McMorrow, Miguel, Charlotte OC, Lianne La Havas, Kyla La Grange…
Art Jefferson-Finally, what are you currently working on at the moment?
Sonia Stein-Right now I am working on my live set and recording more of the songs that I try to write pretty consistently.
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