Ahead of her London show, the Vancouver artist talks tequila, DMing Lorde, and her gay awakening

It feels fitting to meet with Sophia Stel during Lesbian Visibility Week. As we walk around London’s brutalist Barbican Centre ahead of her show later in the evening, she eagerly tells me I need to get a pair of her boxer merch – branded Sophia Stel in a font knowingly reminiscent of Calvin Klein. Later, when I make it to the merch stand, they’re already sold out. It seems her other lesbian fans had got there first. Stel arrives for the interview dressed in her usual uniform: Adidas track pants, which she tells me she owns around 25 pairs of; a True Religion hoodie and bright red Superstars that match the low-slung, red Telfar bag she is now fumbling around in for a pack of Belmont Kingsize. After she finds them they don’t leave her hands again.

Over the past year, Stel’s moody electronic tracks have been wired through the headphones of the most tapped-in. It’s an ascent that can be mapped by milestones: the breakout virality of track “I’ll Take It,” her recent signing to A24 and the packed-out crowds at her shows, often captured in grainy camcorder footage by best friend and creative collaborator Scarlet Ross, who joins us today. But her rise can also be measured more materially – through the tequila stocked on her rider. As we climb the Barbican’s endless staircases, she explains how her earliest shows came with the cheaper bottles on her rider, yet over time, increasingly premium brands have begun to appear backstage.

The Ascendancy of Sophia Stel: From Vancouver Basements to Global Stages

Sophia Stel, a rising force in the electronic music scene, has rapidly captured the attention of global audiences with her distinctive blend of moody production, warped electronics, and introspective lyricism. Hailing from Vancouver, Stel’s musical journey, though seemingly meteoric, is rooted in years of dedicated artistic development. Her recent signing to the acclaimed A24 music division marks a significant milestone, positioning her alongside a curated roster of innovative artists. This collaboration with A24, known for its critically lauded film and television productions, suggests a strategic alignment with a brand that values artistic integrity and a unique creative vision.

Stel’s breakthrough moment arrived with the viral sensation of her track "I’ll Take It." The song’s raw emotion and distinctive sonic palette resonated deeply, propelling it across social media platforms and into the mainstream consciousness. This virality was not a solitary event but rather the culmination of consistent output and a growing online presence. Her performances, often documented by her close friend and creative partner Scarlet Ross, showcase an immersive and intimate stage presence, further fueling fan engagement. The grainy, lo-fi aesthetic of these fan-recorded videos has become a signature element of her visual identity, creating a sense of authenticity and shared experience.

The evolution of her rider, specifically the increasing prominence of premium tequila brands, serves as a tangible indicator of her growing success. What began with more budget-friendly options has transitioned to sought-after labels, reflecting both increased demand and a higher level of industry recognition. This subtle yet significant detail underscores the practical realities of an artist’s ascent within the music industry, where material success often mirrors artistic momentum.

A Unique Path to Music: From Opera Dreams to Electronic Soundscapes

The trajectory of Sophia Stel’s musical career is as unconventional as her sound. Unlike many contemporary artists whose influences are deeply embedded in the pop music of the late 2000s and early 2010s, Stel’s early exposure to music was shaped by a more eclectic and, for some, surprising upbringing. Raised in a religious household, her formative musical experiences were primarily centered around religious hymns and classical compositions. This early immersion in structured, often vocally demanding, music laid an unexpected foundation for her future artistic endeavors.

"Honestly, I did not grow up listening to a lot of music," Stel revealed in a recent interview. "I grew up religious, so it was mostly religious music and classical. I was actually really into opera as a child." This fascination with opera, a genre demanding immense vocal control and dramatic expression, speaks to an inherent inclination towards powerful and emotive performance. When questioned about the possibility of a career in opera, she humorously admitted, "Yes. Badly. I thought that was my whole direction." This candid admission highlights the divergence between her childhood aspirations and her eventual artistic path.

Her current musical direction, characterized by moody, low-lit electronic productions, warped sonic textures, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of lovesick longing and late-night introspection, is a stark contrast to her operatic inclinations. Yet, the underlying thread of emotional intensity and expressive delivery remains. "I try to write things that are very reflective of my life and current experiences – that’s my north star," she states, emphasizing the autobiographical nature of her songwriting. This commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of her artistic philosophy, resonating with an audience that values genuine expression.

The Genesis of "Object Permanence": Crafting an Album in Vancouver’s Underground

Before achieving widespread recognition, Sophia Stel honed her craft in the vibrant, albeit somewhat isolated, music scene of Vancouver. Her early experiences working shifts at Paradiso, a local club, provided a unique backdrop for her creative process. During downtime between shifts, she would meticulously document lyrical ideas and sonic fragments in her phone’s notes app, laying the groundwork for future compositions.

"The Vancouver scene is a lot of people trying their best – there’s a lot of room for experimentation because people are quite isolated from other scenes," she observes. This sense of artistic freedom, fostered by geographical distance from larger music hubs, allowed for a more organic and experimental approach to music creation. It was within the club’s basement, a space often overlooked but rich with creative potential, that Stel began the arduous yet rewarding process of recording her debut album, Object Permanence. The album was meticulously pieced together in the quiet hours after the club closed, a testament to her dedication and passion.

The process of creating Object Permanence in such an unconventional setting speaks volumes about Stel’s resourcefulness and unwavering commitment to her art. The album’s eventual release and subsequent critical reception solidified her presence in the music landscape, demonstrating that impactful art can emerge from unexpected environments. The raw, unfiltered energy of her early recordings, captured in the liminal space of a club’s basement, undoubtedly contributed to the authentic and immersive quality that has become synonymous with her sound.

Dream Collaborations and Defining Moments: Inside Sophia Stel’s Creative Universe

As the evening’s performance looms, the conversation shifts to more personal aspirations and influences. Over a tequila soda in a nearby beer garden, Stel reveals her current dream collaboration: the elusive producer Cash Cobain. His distinctive production style, characterized by its minimalist beats and infectious energy, would undoubtedly offer an intriguing counterpoint to Stel’s more atmospheric sound. The potential for such a collaboration hints at Stel’s willingness to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of her artistry.

When asked about pivotal moments that shaped her identity, Stel candidly identifies Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games as her "gay awakening." This personal revelation underscores the power of representation in media and its profound impact on individual self-discovery, particularly for those within the LGBTQ+ community. It highlights how art, in its various forms, can serve as a catalyst for understanding and embracing one’s identity.

Her current sonic obsession is Future’s "Purple Reign," a track that exemplifies the artist’s ability to craft immersive and evocative soundscapes. The inclusion of this particular song as a repeat listen suggests an appreciation for artists who excel in creating distinct moods and atmospheres, aligning with Stel’s own artistic sensibilities. This shared appreciation for evocative sound further solidifies her position within the contemporary music dialogue.

The release of her latest track, "Bitches Talk Shit," just prior to our meeting, is accompanied by a fittingly raw, handheld video capturing the chaotic energy of a house party. The lyrics, "Cause you’re a rockstar you should have a lot of money / Course I am a popstar but I’m still very up and coming," serve as a bold declaration of her ambition and current status. The track’s assertive tone and self-aware commentary on the music industry resonate with her burgeoning fanbase.

A few hours after our interview, Stel posts a blurry shot of a Patrón bottle from her rider to Instagram, a subtle yet potent visual affirmation of her continued upward trajectory. This image, seemingly innocuous, speaks to the tangible markers of success within the industry. As Sophia Stel continues to navigate the complexities of fame and artistic expression, her journey from the underground clubs of Vancouver to the global stage, marked by authentic expression and a unique artistic vision, promises a compelling future for this dynamic artist. Her upcoming performance with pop royalty Lorde is not merely a concert date, but a significant moment in her career, underscoring the remarkable arc of her musical evolution.