Sola Reign

Freedom, medication, and expression are just a few words that symbolize what music means to emerging Toronto recording artist and songwriter, Sola. With a stage name that signifies “the girl that stands alone”, there is no doubt that she continues to pave her own lane in the industry—with a voice that is unique, and original lyrical content that may not be mainstream, but stays true to who she is as a cross-genre artist.

Early inspirations that led Sola to discover her passion for music stemmed from watching successful artists such as Aaliyah and J.Lo impact music lovers globally. However, for her, putting on a show was something she always loved doing—whether it be performing as a youngster in front of friends, or dancing and acting as a part of past school performances. She recognized she loved the impact that sparked from capturing the attention of an audience and having them respond to her work.

Moreover, with the number of artists gaining notoriety in mainstream music today, individuality has the power to make or break any aspiring musician. Despite pressures to go with the ordinary, Sola avidly draws inspiration from her own experiences. The core of her music is rooted in real life situations that affect her and others who share similar stories. As a visually inclined songwriter, if Sola does not see the video or story play out in her mind, the lyrics just will not make the page. The emotions triggered by the beat are also integral to her process as a songwriter.

Furthermore, her eclectic style completes the package as she delivers a musical variation of infused genres. At times, there is no telling what route Sola will take musically because her influences span from an array of artists including Lana Del Rey, Imagine Dragons, and Beyonce, who are all distinct in their unique craft. Sola admits that not every listener will gravitate to her sound, but this is a hurdle she repeatedly triumphs over with her willingness to be different and challenge audiences to be open to her particular art form.

As her career evolves, she considers herself to be her very own creative director, taking on a visual musical approach that presents the opportunity to explore different characters—hence, her love for producing music videos. Likewise, her goal is to ultimately garner fans that share her vision and remain unapologetic for their emotions at whatever stage they are in life. For other artists following in her steps, Sola hopes to curve a distinct lane that allows those who may not belong to a specific genre, gain success with wider audiences as they shift the standards of the industry that create limits to mainstream music exposure.