At only 19 years old, singer-songwriter Sonny is a fast-rising star in the UK. Hailing from South Shields, Sonny has written some beautifully intricate songs that are influenced by R&B, indie, folk and soul. After a fantastic reaction to the release of ‘Northern Nights’, Sonny will be heading to Trimmer’s Arms, South Shields this month so Rachel Byrom caught up with him to chat new music, style inspiration and collaborations.
Congratulations on the release of your second EP, ‘Northern Nights’. Have you been surprised by the reaction to it?
The response to ‘Northern Nights’ has been amazing. It feels so great to know that people are listening to your music and enjoying your creations every day – it makes everything worthwhile.
Do you have a favourite track from the EP?
If I had to choose a favourite, I’d probably pick ‘Lonely Man’ as it’s the most personal song I’ve ever written and means a lot to me.
After the success of your recent releases, are you excited to play back in your hometown of South Shields at your own headline show?
I am extremely excited to be back in South Shields playing a headline show because it’s literally where it all started. I played at this venue when I was so young, only playing covers, and now I’m going back to play my own songs so it’s going to be a really special night for me.
Where is your favourite place to play in the UK and why?
My favourite place in the UK apart from South Shields is probably Manchester as they always have a good crowd and I love the city.
You have a vintage-inspired look, for example, 50s fashion influences are visible on your EP cover. Are your musical influences/icons from the same era?
I think my fashion icons are definitely from that era. The likes of Elvis Presley and James Dean inspire my style and I just think they are such cool people.
You’re featured on a dance track by Jelly Elephant. Does dance music influence your sound at all?
Dance music is definitely something I enjoy experimenting with. I am 19 and a lot of my friends love this type of thing, so it’s cool to write songs for a genre that I’ve never written for. ‘Million Reasons’ is a song I’m really proud of.
And finally, can we expect to hear any new music from you soon? An album perhaps?
100%. New music is always on the way. I’ve got some really exciting songs that I’ve written recently that I cannot wait for everyone to hear.
Sonny heads to The Trimmer’s Arms in South Shields on Thursday 13th September. Tickets, priced at £7.00 in advance, are available from seetickets.com. For further information about the gig, please head to thekidsaresolidgold.co.uk.
