Electroniq is a showcase of some of the best up-and-coming names in electronica. With a focus on live vocals and immersive visuals, the event puts female artists front and centre, highlighting the talent shaping the future of the scene. We caught up with Sophie Sirota for the July (31st) event.
A classically trained violist, singer, and composer, Sophie is known for her innovative performances, creating ambient soundscapes, using looper and effects pedals to craft intricate, evolving textures. Her work showcases her skill as a violist and also highlights her expertise as a composer and arranger, pushing the boundaries of music and sound.
How did you get into making music and what is your live process?
I’ve played music for other people for many years as a session musician, but I’ve always tinkered around with sounds and compositions, never thinking that it would amount to much. The approach of my 50th birthday incentivised me to go for it and I finally started performing my own work in 2023 when I discovered the Coastal Electronauts sessions. I write to perform and all my compositions are loop based, often building around a central theme and always with room for improvisation. I like to keep things loose so that in a live situation, when things inevitably don’t quite go according to plan, I can adapt around that. I treat my pedal board like an instrument and my sets are DAW-less.
Who are your influences and inspirations?
I love all genres of music. My first influences are the classical composers that I grew up hearing. The minimalism and phased music of Steve Reich is a particular favourite, as well as the Shostakovich string quartets which move me beyond words. Huge influences are Bjork, Pixies, PJ Harvey, The Cure, and Radiohead – I was a real indie girl at one time! I love the breadth of sound created by Portishead and Massive Attack along with all the beautiful strings. .
You’ve played at some of the world’s most prestigious music venues including none other the Royal Albert Hall. Can it get any better than that?
I have had that pleasure quite a few times now – it’s such an iconic venue, and walking out onto the stage at the Royal Albert Hall is always electrifying. I am incredibly lucky to have played with some world class musicians, and even some of my musical heroes – Kim Deal at the Barbican in 2025 was the gig to top it all. Without discovering her through Pixies, I don’t think I’d be doing what I am today!
You’re quite active on the electronic music scene, even running your own event ‘Coastal Electronauts’ how is that going?
Discovering Coastal Electronauts was pivotal for me, and introduced me to the brilliant community that has formed around the electronic music and EMOM scene, giving me the chance to play at events all over the country, meeting new and interesting people every time. Since becoming one of the main organisers, Coastal Electronauts has grown in audience and participants. We are particularly proud of the number of first-time performers that we host each month, and the start of a yearly festival at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre which was a great success this year!
Which artist would you most love to support?
That’s a tough one! I’d love to support someone like Bjork or DJ Krush, but my interest lies more in getting the opportunity to work with other artists and to collaborate with them.
What can we except from you at Electroniq?
I’m really looking forward to playing some new material as well as one or two tracks from my album ‘Pressure Drop’. My newer compositions are more minimal in terms of layers, but richer in content I think, using new effects. I’ll also be playing one or two tracks with Leg Puppy – we collaborated on a track called ‘Codify’ last year so that will be cool.
I can’t wait to hear the other artists as well, Lucida Records curate a great night, and always champion female artists- big up!
Exclusive to Joyzine, check out the live version of Transmission, a 12 minute atmospheric epic.
Electroniq July 31st also features Ashkat, Leg Puppy 2.0 feat Nownois & Lia Mice with live visuals by Jack Hollywood.
Tickets on sale
Sophie Sirota socials | Instagram | Bandcamp |
Article by Mr Laurence
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