An Interview With Soheill
A new single release from Soheill gives off a textured and alluring vibe with swelling and ambient synths and guitars that swirl around you and create an atmosphere all it's own.
"Red" has a beautifully layered and deepening sound as vocals are performed with a passion and the track's breathing and alive feeling takes over.
The single washes you away with its cinematic and vast soundscape.
Guitars float throughout the song's outer layers, synths present a melodic and synth-pop undertone all done with an alternative style that drives the emotion of the song.
Soheill can take sounds and paint with them. The notes are flush with each other and build a backbone for the music and it's done with love. You can hear that this artist is in love with his craft and this is part of why his music is so good.
This is a pop artist that takes elements of a variety of genres to bring together a sound that becomes his staple. It's almost a feeling all together that when you hear it, you know it's him.
"Red" follows songs like "Can't Stop Thinking" which also presents a refreshing pop sound while keeping familiar. Almost like you may have heard it somewhere before.
There is a comfortable style and sound to the music that keeps you coming back for more.
The songs are orchestrated with precision and performed with a gusto.
The songs come from real places and this shows in the music quite loudly.
With the release of "Red", we wanted to have a chat with Soheill to find out where exactly this came from.
TSWS: Let's start with "Red". This track has a massive ambience and an almost alternative pop feel. Where did this track come from?
I actually wrote this song on the acoustic guitar when I first moved to Nashville in 2017. At that time, I was excelling in many facets of my life, but not romantically. I felt like I was a bit jaded. "Red" was essentially a cry for help, calling to my younger and more pure self, asking to feel again.
TSWS: I'm hearing some different styles on this one. Who Are your biggest musical influences?
I listen to all kinds of music and my inspiration evolves each and every year. When I produce music, I really enjoy darker sounds similar to the style of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode. I'm in love with anything 80's sounding, so I definitely wanted to throw some retro synths in the composition.
TSWS: How did this all start for you?
I have always been in love with music. I just feel alive when I'm writing on my own or connecting to someone else's music. I started showing interest in music probably around the age of 4 to 5, and then started exploring the guitar when I was around 12 years old. I haven't stopped since.
TSWS: With things slowly getting better out there, will you be focusing on any live performances?
I definitely will. I'm releasing a couple more singles and then probably starting to perform around the fall. I am starting to put some things together to make that happen.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I love hanging with my dog, Lucky. She keeps me centered. I also do some graphic design as well and love creating playlists.
TSWS: What kind of setup do you have for recording?
I have a home studio that I put together for producing music. I generally record in Logic (Mac), but also have some external analog synths. I produce my drums using a Maschine Mikro and use real drum samples. Aside from that, I have a bunch of guitars and other toys that I probably shouldn't be spending my money on.
TSWS: Who are you listening to right now?
I've been listening to a lot of Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Et
ten, The National, Tusks, and other Alt Pop/Rock artists. I love all kinds of music and it just depends on what mood I'm in.
TSWS: You've been releasing music on Spotify since 2016! What kind of advice would you have for up and coming artists out there?
Be consistent and don't worry about what other people are telling you to do with your music. Just create what you want so you can be comfortable expressing yourself without any inhibitions.
TSWS: What do you think is next for you as an artist?
I'm going to be producing a lot more music and mixing up the flavors. I have a new song coming out later this summer that's got a lot of energy. It was a lot of fun making it and I can't wait to share it with everyone.
TSWS: What sort of things inspire you to write?
I'm usually inspired by the thoughts in my head that need to be released. My lyrics are usually an escape route for these thoughts so I can make room for more thoughts... the vicious cycle.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I'm super appreciative that you've supported my art and I will continue to make music for you guys. All musicians took a hit this past year, and we know it is our job to continue pushing our art in times when people need it most. So no matter what, the music must go on.