When Sovei steps onto the stage, there’s an unassuming presence that might make you underestimate the power that’s about to be unleashed. But as soon as they begin to sing, any misconceptions are shattered. With haunting vocals that can be described as nothing short of arresting, Sovei’s voice captures the listener in an instant, transporting them into a world where raw emotion and introspective exploration reign supreme.

Sovei’s journey to music wasn’t a straightforward path, but one marked by a deep exploration of self and an ongoing quest to understand what it truly means to be alive. It’s this relentless curiosity and commitment to authenticity that define not only their music but also their approach to art in general.

Sovei | photo by Melissa Simpson for WXPN

Before Sovei became known for their evocative performances, they were immersed in the theater arts. After high school, they ventured out to study theater, first in Chicago before eventually landing in New York City. It was in New York, surrounded by the intensity of the city’s theater world, that Sovei began to question whether this path was truly theirs.

“I fell out of love with the world of theater, at least in New York City,” Sovei recalls, reflecting on their decision to step away from the stage. Despite having family roots in the city, the environment didn’t resonate with their evolving sense of self. Returning to Pennsylvania in 2017 marked a turning point, as they began to explore other forms of artistic expression. It was during this time that Sovei’s musical journey truly began.

On a whim, they bought a guitar and started experimenting with songwriting. What began as a personal experiment quickly grew into a passion. By their 25th birthday, Sovei had written their first song and performed it live at a local coffee shop. This moment, although seemingly small, was monumental for Sovei, marking the beginning of their journey as a musician. “I always thought that I couldn’t write a song,” they admit. But the positive response from that first audience ignited a spark that would continue to grow.

Sovei | photo by Melissa Simpson for WXPN

For Sovei, music isn’t just about creating melodies or writing lyrics—it’s about making sense of complex emotions and experiences. Their approach to songwriting is deeply introspective, often starting with a feeling rather than a specific idea or theme. “I think what comes first is the emotion,” they explain. Sovei’s songs often begin with them playing chords on a guitar or piano, letting the music flow naturally before the words come into focus. It’s a process that’s as much about discovery as it is about creation. “I don’t always understand what I’m trying to say,” they admit, preferring to let the words reveal their meaning over time.

Sovei’s background in visual art also plays a significant role in how they approach music. As a collage artist, they’re used to piecing together seemingly separate elements to form a cohesive piece of work. This same principle applies to their music, where songs are built like collages—layer by layer, sound by sound. They describe their music as a kind of “landscaped collage,” where each element contributes to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact. The result is a sound that’s both experimental and accessible, drawing listeners into a world that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Sovei’s music is a reflection of their life—an exploration of the intricacies of identity, the weight of anxiety, and the universal longing for connection. “I often write out of trying to understand difficult and complex emotions,” they explain, noting that their music serves as a way to process the daily challenges of inhabiting a body that interacts with the world in intersecting and often complicated ways. Themes of gender, loneliness, and the struggle to connect with others frequently emerge in their songs, making their music both deeply personal and widely relatable.

Sovei | photo by Melissa Simpson for WXPN

One of their most memorable performances took place at PhilaMOCA with their previous band, Justmadnice. For this show, Sovei brought a rocking chair on stage, creating a small but impactful set design that transformed the atmosphere. “It unlocked something,” they say, describing how the chair set the tone for the night’s performance. The music was swampy and heavy, and the rocking chair added a layer of intimacy and storytelling that made the performance feel like an immersive experience.

Like many artists, Sovei has faced their share of challenges, with mental health being one of the most significant. Living with anxiety and panic disorder has had a profound impact on their life and career, sometimes making it difficult to take advantage of opportunities. “I had an opportunity to travel and sing, but my anxiety was so bad that I just couldn’t get on the plane,” they share, highlighting the physical and emotional barriers that anxiety can create.

Despite these challenges, Sovei has learned to navigate their mental health with a balance of self-compassion and determination. They understand the importance of going at their own pace, acknowledging that while it’s important to push themselves, it’s equally crucial to listen to their body and mind. “I can give myself as much time as I need to do the thing.”

Decouplr: “Cold Sweat” (Unprecedented Sessions)