Sophia Stel is alternative pop’s newest, hardest feeler.
Since the release of her 2022 debut single, ineedthat – a propulsive, club-ready torch song – the 27-year-old has barely strayed from Vancouver. But the ecstatic crowds on her first international tour as well a freshly inked album deal with @a24music suggest it’s time for serious scale-up.
At her debut London show, @clairemahealy witnessed mass singalongs and sweat-soaked euphoria among her fast-growing fanbase, who rushed to meet Sophia at the merch stall where she was shifting hoodies and tees emblazoned with I’M WITH SOPHIA STEL →.
“I always go into the crowd. But it was actually the first time where I had a moment where I was like: ‘I feel a little scared!’” Sophia tells THE FACE. “Not in a negative way, but more like: ‘I’m gonna catch an elbow.’ Like, if we get too excited, we’re gonna go through the floor.”
Hit the link in bio to read the full cover story.
Words @clairemahealy
Photography @davidsimsofficial
Styling @reed_danny
Music director @_davyreed
Fashion directors @reed_danny@danielleemerson_
Creative director @jonnylu
Production @erinfeeproductions
Stylist’s assistant @gemmabaguley
Post-production @skn.lab
Sophia wears hood @nokiofficial , trousers @adidas and boxers @americaneagle
A24 Music introduces artist & producer Sophia Stel. Featured as a Dazed 100 and Pigeons & Planes Artist to Watch, her debut album arrives later this year and tour begins April 10.