"I'M TRYING TO STAY AS TRUE TO MYSELF AS POSSIBLE"

INTERVIEW | SOLYA by Anne Kelly

Texas native Solya has built an empire out of bedroom demos, retro flair, and unapologetic self-expression. With her acclaimed debut album Queen of Texas now out in the world, the 19-year-old singer is returning to the UK for her biggest live dates yet. Swapping solo setups for a full backing band and her first UK festival stage, Solya is about to take the UK scene by storm.

Straight from her flight across the pond, Solya took the time to open up about Texas, thrift store aesthetics, her love for The Ronettes, and finding her voice amongst the noise.

Let’s jump straight in, how are you feeling about returning to the UK for your biggest shows here yet?

I am so excited to be here again and to play my first festival. I made such wonderful memories last time I was here and get nostalgic looking back on that summer.

Do you have any favourite memories from your past visits? Were there any particular shows or crowds that left a lasting impression?

Last time I was here I was surrounded by great friends and family. We had lots of fun exploring the UK. The Bristol crowd was the loudest last time I was here and all of their energy became one with me and so that was my favourite show.

A lot has changed for you over the past couple of years, most notably the release of your debut album Queen of Texas. For anyone who hasn’t listened yet, how would you describe the record?

Queen of Texas is a blip in my timeline, written in 4 months and recorded in 10 days. Musically it was inspired by the music I grew up listening to from the 50s, 60s, & 70s. I was 18 when I wrote it and I think I have a better understanding of this world and of myself than I did then. Writing that record helped me come to terms with a lot of things that happened throughout my life and allowed me to release that energy and move on.

Your music echoes 1960s girl group nostalgia – what artists did you find yourself returning to while writing this record? Have those influences shifted much over the past few years?

I was listening to a lot of The Ronnettes around that time. I love T Rex, I love The Flaming Lips and Yeule. I listen to a lot of rap music mostly actually.

Do those musical influences spill over into other aspects of your life, like your personal style, aesthetic, or values?

I go thrifting all the time for my clothes and for my decorations. I don’t really have a particular influence for my overall aesthetic. I’m kind of just wearing whatever I find at the thrift store. I’m drawn to old things.

Artists like Luvcat and Aimee Fatale are tapping into a similar style here in the UK. Are there any current British artists you’re loving right now?

My dear friend Bambi Baker made some beautiful music.

As the album title suggests, you’re a Texas native. What was it like finding your voice as an artist in a conservative-leaning state, and what were your biggest challenges along the way?

I’m very proud of where I’m from and I’m very proud of what I’ve created here for myself. My entire family is here and so are my closest friends. Being a Texan has shaped me and my outlook on life and so it’s only natural that it’s seeped into my art.

Looking ahead to the UK tour, what can fans expect from this run of shows? How do you plan on taking the live performance to the next level?

Last time I was here I played solo and this time I’ll be with a UK band. At this very moment I’m on the airplane and haven’t met them yet, but I’m looking forward to going out on the road with everyone.

Finally, with a debut album out and a headline tour taking you across the world, what’s still at the top of Solya’s bucket list? What’s the next big goalpost?

The next project I do will be nothing like this one. I’m trying to stay as true to myself as possible and only be influenced by what my heart tells me.

Queen of Texas by Solya is OUT NOW.

You can see Solya live on her QUEEN OF EUROPE tour across the UK this summer. With Manchester already SOLD OUT and a second night added in London due to high demand, don’t hang about to catch this rising talent – remaining tickets on sale HERE.