Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Ilay Sonoro
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory connected to music is when I started writing funny little songs about my friends — they loved it, and it made us all laugh. Later on, I began discovering Afro House and Latin House music, and I completely fell in love with the sound. One of the first tracks that really inspired me was “Yamore.” That’s when I started creating music in that style myself.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for creating music began when I noticed that the songs I was making actually sounded good — people really enjoyed my music, and I loved it too. That positive energy made me want to keep creating, and over time it turned into a real passion and one of my favorite things to do.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The story behind my current music project is simple — I’m doing what I love. I create the kind of music that makes me feel alive, and I truly believe in its success. This project represents following my passion and trusting that my sound will reach the right people.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe my sound as a mix of Afro House and Latin House with a lot of rhythm and positive energy. My music is all about making people feel good, dance, and enjoy the vibe. It’s a groovy, uplifting sound made for parties — the kind of tracks DJs love to play and use in their sets.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
One thing I’ve learned that completely changed the way I make music is to believe in myself, because I know I can do it. My first track even reached 20,000 plays, which gave me a lot of confidence. My goal now is to keep following my path, keep growing as an artist, and I’m always looking for new ways to promote my music and reach more people.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I create my music using a software called Suno, which allows me to produce tracks with the help of AI. I understand that not everyone connects with this approach, as some people prefer live, traditional music. But I truly believe that anyone can create music in their own way. Music has so many styles and is a universal language that can connect everyone, no matter how it’s made.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I don’t listen to many indie artists, but I can say that the songs that have inspired me the most are “Yamore,” “Go Again,” and “It Goes Like Nanana.” These tracks really motivated me and gave me the drive to start creating my own music.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences have influenced my music because I truly enjoy listening to and connecting with my own tracks. I even created a new playlist combining my songs with tracks from many other artists that inspire me, like Peggy Gou’s “(It Goes Like) Nanana,” ATB’s “9PM (Till I Come),” Roger Sanchez x HUGEL’s “Go Again,” and Diplo x SIDEPIECE’s “On My Mind.” I take inspiration from these songs while creating my own music, and I always enjoy the process of making and sharing my sound. Right now, I’m also looking to grow followers for this playlist and develop it further as a way to share my music with more people.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope listeners connect with my music in their own way. I love when people choose the songs they feel the most connected to — whether it’s adding them to their playlist or DJs picking them for their sets. It’s important to me that each listener finds the track that speaks to them personally and feels right for their vibe. I want my music to give people the freedom to enjoy and connect with it in their own way.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The most important lesson music has taught me is that growing as an artist is not easy. As a beginner, it was very challenging to get my tracks added to playlists, connect with other artists, and reach the right audience. Even today, it can still be difficult to share my music with the right people, but these challenges have taught me persistence and the importance of continuing to work hard and stay true to my sound.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
My dream festival is one that plays my music and gives my tracks the chance to reach a wider audience. I would love to see my songs shared with the world and connect with people through the energy and vibes of my music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, I would love to work with a big artist or DJ who could help give my music more exposure. I would be thrilled if someone wanted to include my tracks in their sets or collaborate creatively. Anyone interested is welcome to reach out to me at ilaysonoro@gmail.com.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://music.apple.com/il/artist/ilay-sonoro/1828513443
https://www.youtube.com/@IlaySonoro
Or you can search me on any platform you want.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Looking toward the future, my dream is to reach 100,000 streams on my songs on Spotify, increase my plays on other platforms, and ultimately have my music heard all over the world. I want to continue sharing my sound with more listeners, connect with people through my tracks, and keep growing as an independent artist.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners will discover that my music is about living in the moment and enjoying life, even when things aren’t perfect. I want my songs to remind people that no matter how hard or bad a day might feel, there’s always a reason to dance, smile, and feel free. My music is all about positive energy — letting go, having fun, and flying high in the moment.
