A Q&A with Sonny
Sweet, breakout indie pop from South Shields –
here’s Sonny…
How did you get the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
I decided to call my new single ‘Place I Love’ because it’s a prominent lyric in the song and it’s about my hometown South Shields where I grew up and still live right now. This little town has so much character, the people are amazing and I always miss it when I’m away or like right now where we are limited on what we can do and who we can see.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest part of this release has to be the restrictions in place for Covid-19. It’s been tough to try and get everything in place (photoshoot, videos etc) when rules are changing every other week. But I’m so proud to have released two singles during the pandemic. It’s a great feeling!
What do enjoy most about producing your own material?
My good friends Jo Perry and David Landers produce all of my music! I travel down south once a month to write and record and they work their magic on it. We just have a laugh really and let everything come naturally, I think that’s important for me.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I always want the listener to feel a connection when they listen to my music. Hopefully my lyrics can relate to a time or experience in their life!
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
My production team have a studio in their back garden, which is really handy! So I’ll travel to London usually for the week and write every day. If we love an idea we go straight to the studio and the track starts getting built! Then I’ll stick some vocals down and we have a semi finished sounding song. It’s really quick to be fair
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
My influences have always been from soul artists and acoustic music, which comes from both my Mam and Dads’ taste. Stevie Wonder, James Morrison (who I was lucky enough to support), John Martyn, Paolo Nutini.
When the world is back to normal where would like to tour, and why?
I would love to travel to the USA. I’ve been on a holiday to Florida before but I’d love to have a presence over there. Travel to the likes of LA, Nashville where the music scene is thriving.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I think my latest song Place I Love is a good place to start! It’s uplifting and gives you a good idea of my life as a 21 year old. I mention the local night clubs and a couple of my mates names.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
My ambition is to continue living my dream as a full time singer-songwriter! Keep writing music I love and releasing. I want to keep building and building!
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
After a gig I always thank the audience for coming and getting involved. I miss gigging so much right now I can’t wait to get back on stage!
For more info visit: instagram.com/sonnysocials
