Olya Sonica is High on Life and so are we

Photos by William Rafael

Sucker for good 'ol rock'n'roll that I am, Olya Sonica's "High On Life" hooked me from the moment I pressed play and It hasn't let go, worming its way into my daily rotation at some point or the other during the day with its cavalier attitude and infectiously spirited vibe. It's the kind of "feel-good" rock song that makes you take on the daily grind with a wry smile and a pair of wayfarers upon your face; an unironic and thoroughly earnest "Bad To The Bone" vibe comes from this one.

You and I are going places

Here comes the time to face it

Any doubts you have

Step into the light

Let’s get high on life

12 years ago, Olya came to NYC to chase the dream. Now, the classically trained pianist and a self-taught guitarist stands proud thanks to a heritage of female-fronted rock bands with this debut single at the hands of Fan Girl Records -a label for women and by women- who will also be supporting her forthcoming debut album as well next year.

-Please introduce us to Olya Sonica.

OS: Olya Sonica is rock’n’roll renaissance, a wild & sensual force for a new rock’n’roll generation.

-What is Rock & Roll to you?

OS: Rock’n’Roll is freedom. Freedom of expression, freedom of movement. It’s visceral and straight to the point. It’s operated on a raw honest feeling that comes from a place of true connection with self.

-Where does "High On life" come from?

OS: I wrote High On Life after watching a doc about Oasis playing Knebworth at Alamo Drafthouse Theater Downtown LA.

I was so inspired and connected to that larger than life feeling. After yelling along to Oasis songs in the car on the way back with my friend Fernanda I came home and “High On Life” just channeled through me in about 2 minutes.

That was one of those incredible moments when your heart and mind are in perfect harmony and music and lyrics just pour out of you.

Next day Liam Gallagher announced he’ll be doing Knebworth gig again, 20+ years later, so I bought tix for myself and my best friends and flew to London in June and had the most amazing time at that show.

Funnily enough as I’m typing the answers to your questions I’m getting ready to go back to Alamo to watch the doc about Liam’s Knebworth gig I attended this summer. Gotta love the serendipity and the full circle it made here, haha.

-What's the best way you know to get "High on Life"?

OS: The best way to get high on life is to connect with something that captures your imagination and run with it. Spend hours learning about something you love, go places you’re curious about, stay in it, stay true to that passion and the desire, and that’s how you get higher and higher on life. Looking back or substituting it with empty substances can only bring you down. So stay true to what your heart desires in its purest form, trust it unconditionally. It’s worth it.

-What went into you choosing this song to debut your solo career?

OS: As simple as this was the song that got me writing for my solo record. It’s #1 for me in every sense. It was my own post-covid pick-me-up and I thought it could be great if the first song I ever release can help elevate people who listen to it to a higher frequency and make them feel excited about life again.

-Who would you cite as your biggest influence?

OS: Oasis, Mark Bolan, Blondie, Jeff Buckley, Television, Radiohead, Garbage etc etc etc, haha.

-What do you get up to outside of music?

OS: I love “going places” - quoting my own song, haha. But really, I love walking for hours, connecting with nature, traveling, discovering new things about places and their culture & originality, also books, meditation, spirituality. Connecting with minds alike. But I can’t take music out of the equation, it is a huge part in it all, because it’s the biggest force in taking me places.

-2022 is almost over, when can we expect more from Olya Sonica?

OS: 2023 is gonna be a big year for Olya Sonica, expect the new single in the very beginning of the year, and then many more, followed by the release of my solo record. Also shows, videos, surprises and appearances and whatever universe will put in the mix to make it more fun. Get ready.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based. 

I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant  ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.