The internet has a new alt pop princess to look up to, this time hailing from Vancouver’s underground scene, which thrives in DIY spaces such as the skateparks Sophia Stel frequents. Amid the fleeting chaos of life, there is something alluring in giving importance to ordinary moments in one’s day-to-day life, more so when it comes from a relatable and authentic place. Stel’s lyricism and sonic palette serve this purpose, echoing a wider sense of emotional self-reliance and reflection among her following. With short and vague captions, nonexistent biographies and relative lack of social media presence, her image is not central to her project.
Despite borderline anonymity by not feeding into the dynamic of artists becoming influencers trying to farm viral moments and sounds, I’ll Take It has organically garnered that same virality and attention from niche groups on social media many chase. Stel’s autotuned anthem, ecstatic basslines and energetic kicks have become the score from everything #hopecore to breakup advice and celebratory videos. The “sonic lovechild of Ethel Cain and 070 Shake” as coined by Dazed, Sophia is one to watch.
With just two EPs to her name and three years releasing music, the Vancouver-based artist has rapidly garnered a cult following, hooked by her sprawling, genre-blending electronic autotuned ballads. Oscillating between themes of modern intimacy, fragility, heartbreak, introspective takes on isolation and coming of age, her music speaks for an entire generation for which life can feel too much at times. Think of her as a Gen Z messiah, overflowing with that same swag Lana Del Rey used to have in her Lizzy Grant days but less Americana and more authentically gritty. Also reminiscent of Pinkpantheress in the way she combines heavily autotuned vocals and fast-paced layered instrumentals with dreamy synths and deeply reflective lyrics, her songs are made for smoking areas, rural towns, wandering around alone in bustling cities and liminal spaces where one meets themselves.
After having released her new EP, How to Win At Solitaire, the Canadian alt pop princess is playing her first headline EU and UK tour this November, with dates in cities like Barcelona, Paris, London, and Berlin. We catch up with her prior to these shows to unpack her latest work, reflect on her year, and talk on taking such private songs to sold-out venues. Don’t sleep on her or you might soon wake up to Sophia Stel becoming the next alt pop it-girl.
Hi Sophia! How are you? What are you up to?
I’m good. I’m at my house. I’ve been making beats.
You’ve had quite a strenuous year, releasing the deluxe version of Object Permanence, the EP How to Win at Solitaire, and you’re currently on tour. How do you keep yourself grounded amidst this schedule?
I was thinking about this the other day, and I think the most grounding thing for me is that I make music anywhere I go. Nothing makes me feel more calm than that. Everything that stresses me out, I just start making a song and then I feel fine. Also, having Scarlet (my best friend and collaborator) travel with me everywhere and staying close with my friends helps a lot too.
Tell me about conceptualising your latest record. Do you think it will also get a deluxe treatment?
I don’t conceptualise too much in advance of writing. I just start to write songs and I feel like the larger concept around them becomes more clear with time. As far as the deluxe, I’m not sure right now, but I hope so.
Your first release on platforms was ineedthat (2022), but you’ve been releasing music more consistently since 2024. What drove that consistency and push?
I felt like I needed quite a bit of time to try different things and figure out what I wanted to make, but now I’ve felt a change in confidence in what I’m doing, and I feel ready.
“I make music anywhere I go. Nothing makes me feel more calm than that.”
Does your fanbase have a name?
I don’t think so, but I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
You told Office in July that you “didn’t really understand how the music industry worked” when you started out. Has that changed?
I’d say I understand it more now, but who knows, someone could still always pull a fast one on me.
I know you have a flip phone that you use, however, you still seem to be quite culturally tapped in. How chronically online are you?
I’ve actually recently had to get an iPhone SE because it’s impossible to travel with a flip phone. I love it online truly, but I try not to go on there too much.
Having opened for A.G Cook, been called the “lovechild of Ethel Cain and 070 Shake,” and I’ll Take It gaining a lot of traction online, what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Playing my first headline tour has been absolutely my highlight, because touring is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do.
Your music is quite introspective and, as you yourself said, “soundtrack-like” and “quite private.” I usually listen to it at home, on walks, or moments when I feel like I need to disconnect. Having said that, how does that privateness translate when you’re singing live in front of people?
I think it translates very naturally. Playing music live is like releasing it for the first time over again in a sense because performances feel like a sort of public version of songs. It’s almost like a collaboration with the people in the room because it’s always a new iteration of my voice, and all kinds of new things happen at each show.
Do you see yourself taking such private music to a massive festival stage or headline show?
I’d love to.
How have your experiences with love informed the music you make and artistic direction you take?
I write about all of my experiences with love, whether that’s romantic or anything else.
What’s something surprising that people should know about you?
I don’t know if I’ve ever said this before, but I’m gay.
You’ve lived in Vancouver for over half a decade if I’m not wrong. Do you partake in the city’s nightlife? What’s it like?
I’ve only lived in Vancouver for four years, but I’ve been a bartender since I got here. I love to go to the club. I personally think the nightlife here is great because I don’t think there’s anything better than going out with my friends, and my friends aren’t in other cities, so Vancouver has the best nightlife.
Do you see yourself moving out of Vancouver?
Hopefully not.
I’ve read that you’ve had a lot of part-time jobs as a gardener, house painter, and bartender. What’s the most valuable thing switching jobs so often taught you?
It taught me a lot of practical skills. Now I know how to garden, paint a house, make a cocktail, as well as some other things. I also learned to have a good attitude towards learning something new.
Lastly, what’s next for Sophia Stel?
I’m looking forward to touring Europe for the first time.
