“Bloom” – an interview with Soraia

Philadelphia rockers Soraia’s third studio album with Wicked Cool Records is out now and builds and improves on the success of the 2021’s “Tight Lipped” and 2020 breakthrough album “Dig Your Roots”. Featuring recent single ”I Seek Fire” which has been flying up Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart, ”Bloom” comprises of ten tracks of hard-rocking anthems but also some more tender moments. Having recently supported the legendary Joan Jett, it’s clear that Soraia are a band on the rise and the new album will only enhance their reputation.

We caught up with drummer Brianna Sig to talk about “Bloom” and their recent live shows.

Hi Brianna! How’s everything going right now?
Great! We are currently on the road finishing up our Northeast part of our Bloom 2022 tour with our friends from Sweden.

What classic album cover is your current mood?
The Clash “London Calling”

Your new album “Bloom” is out on October 28th. When was it written and recorded?
It was written in 2020 and recorded in 2021. Due to vinyl plants being backed up it’s finally released now in 2022. It’s been quite a long, but fun, process.

One of the highlights is recent single “I Seek Fire” which has been flying up the Billboard Modern Rock Indicator Chart. Was it a song that, when you wrote it, you knew would have so much success?
I know I remember ZouZou saying when we came together with the song as a band that she knew it was going make some waves. As the drummer, I never know haha. I’m just a big geeky fan of everything ZouZou and Travis write. I love them all and have a ton of faith in all of them for different reasons. I do remember overthinking the drum part and when ZouZou and Travis suggested just playing the double time down beats in the chorus I thought it was absolute magic. It was simple but also made me want to dance. That’s always a good sign in any song if it makes you move.

“Bloom” is your third album – do you feel you’ve changed much as a band since 2017 studio debut “Dead Reckoning”?
Oh absolutely. We’ve been through a lot together as people, friends, and musicians. We’ve certainly grown and learned a ton from each other and Geoff Sanoff who produces the records with us. Especially Little Steven. Since that album we’ve gained so much confidence in our writing, playing, and communication in the studio.

If you could only listen to one record, what would it be?
The Beatles “Let It Be.”

You’re signed to Wicked Cool Records, owned by the legendary “Little Steven” Van Zandt? How have they been to work with?
Absolutely wonderful. They really care about their artists and want to cultivate their authentic sound. They don’t sign someone and immediately try to change their sound. Steven signs bands that he already likes and guides them in a way where they feel they’re still in control of their art and freedom of expression. He collaborates. The whole Wicked Cool team are so hardworking and down to earth. They’ve become such great friends and almost like family.

You recently supported Joan Jett on a couple of dates as part of your current “I Seek Fire” tour. How was that experience?
It still feels so surreal at points. Joan is not just some regular rock star. She’s a legend! But she doesn’t care about any of that. She’s always so kind to us. She and her amazing team are always making sure we’re ok. You don’t see a lot of that in this business. Coming from giants like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – it’s unreal. Her fans have the same qualities. They’re always so kind no matter in what part of the country we find them. Joan’s energy and attitude is contagious. It’s always an inspirational experience playing with them.

You’ve played a lot of live dates already this year. What is your favorite venue that you’ve performed at?
There’s a place called Small’s in Hamtramck. They have the best stage and always phenomenal sound. The crowds are so diverse and full of energy. AND, it has really cool vampire lighting. At least that’s what I call it. I always feel like a vampire when I walk around in there.

What would go on your signature pizza and what would it be called?
Well, we’re more sushi people. So if we can bend the rules and have a signature sushi roll  – we’d be all about that. Maybe some snow crab with a layer of tuna over the top with eel and avocado. That might be too much. But we can call it the “Tornado Roll”.

What do you have planned for 2023?
We are currently working on getting a bunch of festival shows on our roster, and focusing on larger-scale shows. Plus, touring with Joan Jett some more of course 🙂 Oh – and lots and lots of writing.

Soraia are ZouZou Mansour (Lead Vocals, Tambourine), Travis Smith (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Brianna Sig (Drums, Backing Vocals). Their third studio album with Wicked Cool Records showcases tragic romance, awakened passion, fiery desire, and lost identity – yet is ultimately filled with their consistent foreboding of hope. These themes – combined with the band’s signature hard rocking, motivating sound – create a unique listening experience. ‘Bloom’ inevitably empowers the listener to make the change they choose– it advocates speaking your truth and living your life – consequences be damned. The band will celebrate the release of ‘Bloom’ with a hometown show at Philly’s Kung Fu Necktie on December 10th.

You can find out more about Soraia on their website and follow them on Instagram and Twitter for all the latest news.

Photo Credit – Synthetic Shadows