Sonia speaks to the world how music can be an art of expression and how easy it can be to master such a soft and elegant skill. While her inspirational source can be something totally non-music, her abiding passion for music is shown throughout her interview. If the motto is “bring a smile” on faces, she can be claimed to be on the right track to change the world

guitarist

Sonia Anubis 🇳🇱

How long have you been involved with music?

I've been playing music for 6 years now – before as a bass player and now guitarist.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

I play the guitar for two Swiss heavy metal bands, Burning Witches and Cobra Spell.

Have you been self-taught or studied music academically?

Self-taught, but recently I started taking guitar lessons with Marcel Coenen from Ayreon.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

I haven't been the main songwriter in any released album yet. Only wrote lead guitars or bass lines. But I have 2 EP's in the making for 2 projects that I’ve started.

Do you have any near future or further plans for your music? Whether a project on your own or any other music related collaboration? Where are you going with music?

Currently, I have 2 new projects in the works, one of which is going to be a heavy rock/metal 80s style project named Cobra Spell and the other one, in death metal style, is still unannounced.

“There shouldn't be rules or expectations on how music should be done. Restrictions will only slow down the evolution of music.„

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands. Who were your main influences?

My favourite musicians/artists keep changing from time to time. But right now my current favourite ones are Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken and W.A.S.P.

What does music mean to you and what are your expectations?

Music to me is an art of expression, and a way to express emotions, statements and literally anything that comes to the mind. I believe there are no barriers or limits to anyone that wants to create music. There shouldn't be rules or expectations on how music should be done. Restrictions will only slow down the evolution of music.

How do you get inspired to make music?

I personally get inspired when I see (oldschool) live performances of bands from back in the days, music videos, or simply music. Sometimes the aesthetic and vibes that a band gives me inspire me to create something new. Also, people and optimism inspire me a lot.

How do you see your audience? What do you wanna tell them and what do you expect from them?

I see the audience as a unity when I play on stage. I do not expect the audience to act in a certain way. I just want them to be natural. I do love it though when people go crazy and loosen into the music, and when people have a great time or give a smile which mean the world to me.

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going

The rock n' roll world is getting smaller, and I hope it doesn't disappear, and more younger people pick up the guitar and play together in bands and also that people go more to live shows and support bands!

“The rock n' roll world is getting smaller, and I hope it doesn't disappear, and more younger people pick up the guitar and play together in bands.„

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?

The hardest part of being a musician is that people will be very openly opinionated about you because you are putting yourself out there, and a lot of people see you. Sometimes they can be very nice, but also they can be really rude. And even more when the gender is female unfortunately. Another hard part, is that sometimes female musicians on their craft are not taken seriously, and this is a very sad fact.

Do you believe in paying to see an amateur newly-formed band even though you can pay the same money for a much better performance in town?

ABSOLUTELY! I try to support every newer band possible because I know what it’s like, as I am still a new, young band trying to make progress myself. My dad and I go and see live music very frequently to support new artists but, of course, we like to go to some bigger concerts as well!

Do you believe in bad music? If so, what is bad music?

I do not believe there is bad music. 'Bad' is a subjective term.

When and where were you born and raised?

I was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, where I lived the first 3 years of my life. After that, I moved to Barcelona, Spain where I lived for 11 years. And finally, I returned back home and have been living there ever since.

Apart from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had in the past?

SONIA

Aside from music, I've studied Web Development and Media Design in Rotterdam. I've had some jobs as a front-end developer. But I would love to just be able to focus on music full-time.

“hard part, is that sometimes female musicians on their craft are not taken seriously, and this is a very sad fact.„

What are some of your hobbies (obviously apart from music)?

I do love doing make-up looks, programming, drawing and gymnastics.

Who are your main supporters as an artist and how do they motivate you?

My biggest supporters are my father, my mother and my dear boyfriend, and of course also my supportive fanbase!

Whose concert that you’ve attended has been the most memorable to you?

One of my most memorable concerts that I've attended are Anthrax live at Wacken and Alice Cooper live in Tilburg.

Are you the kind of musician who wants to change the world? How?

I want to inspire and bring a smile to everyone's face. I want to bring more attention to the guitar genres and hopefully get more younger people to start playing the guitar. And I will just keep doing what I love the most to reach this.