At just 20 years old, Solya has developed a distinctive musical identity rooted in personal experiences, analog recording, and a determination to create music that stands the test of time. Following her performance at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2026, the Texas-based artist talks about her early commitment to music, the experiences behind her songwriting, and why she has little interest in following trends designed for social media.

Recorded during ACL Fest 2026, this interview, conducted by TMN founder Pablo Herrera, explores Solya's musical beginnings and the decisions that shaped her career. She recalls writing “Butterfly” at 16 about a relationship that lasted three years, graduating early from an alternative school, and dedicating nearly all her time to recording and writing music. Although her parents were supportive, she largely developed her musical direction independently, drawing inspiration from artists such as Marc Bolan and David Bowie, whose interviews helped her understand her own artistic ambitions.

Solya explains that her songs come directly from her life and personal experiences. Having played piano since the age of six and picked up guitar around 14, she gradually developed her songwriting and recording skills. She also talks about gaining confidence as a performer, admitting that singing in front of people initially made her nervous. Today, her approach to performing is considerably more relaxed, even on a major festival stage.

The conversation examines Solya's preference for analog equipment and her skepticism toward music created specifically to go viral on TikTok. She questions whether songs designed around current social media trends will remain relevant in ten years, arguing that authentic songwriting and careful attention to sound are more likely to endure. As she explains, “I want my sound to be timeless.”

Solya also shares the challenges of recording her most recent album in just ten days and her intention to spend considerably more time developing her next project. She describes revisiting songs months after writing them, changing lyrics and arrangements as her perspective evolves. For Solya, finishing a song is not always a definitive decision: new experiences can change how she understands the emotions that originally inspired it.

The interview concludes with the story behind the cross necklace that has become part of her recognizable image. What began as a piece of jewelry she simply enjoyed wearing gradually became a symbol audiences associate with her, without any deliberate attempt to establish a visual trademark.

Read the full interview with Solya on our blog.

📍 Recorded at ACL Fest 2026

🎙️ Interview by Pablo Herrera

✍🏼 Edited by Pablo Herrera

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