After the debut of “Rush” at ABGT600, SØNIN shared insights into his journey with Anjunabeats, the genesis of the single, and what lies ahead.
Finland’s Anton Sonin has had a remarkable career in the music industry, beginning with trance nearly two decades ago. “As a kid, I got a computer and decks, and started collecting records and just experimenting,” he recounted in an interview with EDM Identity about his early beginnings.
Upon signing with Be Yourself Music, which was established from ID&T Music in the Netherlands, Sonin received his first significant break when Rank 1 remixed his track “Undone.” He reminisced, “It was supported by Tiësto, Armin [van Buuren], and others back then. I ended up working in the same studio with Super8 & Tab, Miika Kuisma, and Joonas Hahmo at HelsinkiVibe Studios.”
During this time, he began collaborating with Miika and Janne of Super8 & Tab under the SØNIN alias. Their track “Black is the New Yellow” was released on Anjunabeats in 2010, marking the start of his enduring relationship with the label.
Following this, Sonin expanded his music production skills and worked with various artists. “I produced for Universal Music Group when I was 19-20. Then I found myself working on pop acts in Scandinavia,” he shared. “I produced tracks for R3HAB, co-produced the TENANSKE album on Armada, and collaborated with Yotto on both his albums. For the second, Growth, I was more involved in writing and production.”
It wasn’t until the COVID pandemic that Sonin refocused on his solo career as SØNIN. “I had different career plans. I was signed with Warner, aiming to build my songwriter and producing career internationally. When everything stopped, I had a lot of time to make music,” he reflected.
We were facing an unprecedented situation, and in a way, it became a blessing. I created music solely for myself, free from the pressure of “who will play this or where do I sign this record?” It was about making music in its purest form, for my own happiness.
SØNIN
During the pandemic, Sonin also developed a closer relationship with Above & Beyond’s Paavo Siljamäki. “The Finnish electronic music scene is small, so we crossed paths multiple times, but I got to know him better at ADE 2018. During COVID, I spent a lot of time at his place in Finland, collaborating with other producers like Marcus Schössow from anamē and Leon Bolier [BLR], making food, music, and spending time together.”
The creative freedom he found in those collaborations led to the creation of his first SØNIN tracks, which he initially had no plans to release. “I was switching management to Onno van Kemenade, an A&R at Armada Music, who sent my tracks to Gareth [Jones]. The rest is history.” Sonin returned to Anjunabeats on November 15 with the eagerly awaited “Rush,” featuring BLR and Brieanna Grace.
Stream SØNIN, BLR and Brieanna Grace – “Rush” on Spotify:
What began as a bootleg remix of an Ariana Grande track for Instagram eventually evolved into the melody and chords for “Rush.” “This record took shape over a year in various studios, from the Nordics to Holland to the U.S. I had the instrumental for months and needed a new vocalist,” Sonin explained. After receiving Brieanna Grace’s initial demo, both Sonin and Bolier recognized the potential for collaboration.
“At that point, I was tired of the instrumental,” he chuckled. “I thought it would be refreshing to get some fresh ears on it. Leon added his touch, and that club mix was our first version. It truly represents the essence of trance music.”
This collaboration evoked memories of his pop production days, where “the creative process is more collaborative.” He elaborated, “I enjoy that aspect. In the dance scene, many artists work alone for months, but I thrive in a collaborative environment where we motivate and inspire each other.”
“Rush” caught the attention of Above & Beyond, who showcased the track at ABGT600. It was one of only two non-A&B tracks in their set, becoming a standout moment for numerous fans.
“It was a huge honor for us. We knew they had a wealth of music to choose from, as they have a lot of their own material that deserves attention,” Sonin noted. “Paavo mentioned that it sounded like a classic record, which felt fantastic, as I’ve looked up to him for years.”
From an outside perspective, this could appear as a full-circle moment. However, for Sonin, making music is about balance and creating what makes him happy, rather than conforming to specific labels.
“If it fits Anjunabeats, great. But if it doesn’t, it’s not a disaster, as I’ve been making music for most of my life. I don’t feel that pressure. I want people to enjoy my music, and that’s what matters,” he stated. “Ultimately, it’s about collaborating with those who are genuinely excited about your music rather than obsessing over signing with a particular label.”
This approach of alleviating pressure and focusing on creating beloved tracks resonates with Anjunabeats as well. Sonin participated in Anjunabeats After Dark events before ABGT600, even reuniting with label staple Oliver Smith for back-to-back sets. He revealed that one of the first Anjuna records he purchased was from Smith & Pledger, making his collaboration on 2023’s “Passion” feel “incredible.”
These B2B performances were highlights of the tour for those fortunate enough to attend. “In our sets, 80% of the music is our own, with a few surprises mixed in,” Sonin shared. “The experience has been fantastic, as we share a similar musical DNA and aesthetic.” Looking ahead, he hinted at “a lot of new music on the way.”
Regarding the future of dance music, Sonin maintains an optimistic outlook. “The entire dance scene is experiencing a revival. When a brand has existed for 25 years, remaining relevant is challenging. Few brands stay at the top for that long like Anjuna,” he remarked. “With a new generation of listeners, many of whom are 18-19 and uninterested in trends set by older artists, the industry will shift. Exciting innovations are emerging from these young artists.”
What excites Sonin most is the revival of UK trance sounds reminiscent of the ’90s and 2000s, but with a contemporary twist. He cites artists like KI/Ki, Ben Hemsley, and Hannah Laing as ones to watch. “This music mirrors what I listened to as a child, so it’s wonderful to hear that aesthetic returning,” he reflected. “People want to relive certain eras of their lives through music.”
These up-and-coming artists are reshaping the scene, and Sonin believes there’s a vital lesson to learn from them. “For record labels, I advise maintaining a beginner’s mindset. Stay excited about new things and avoid cynicism. Losing excitement often leads to being left behind. Great things rarely emerge from a cynical environment,” he stated.
After speaking with Sonin, it’s evident that his pursuit of balance and personal fulfillment is bearing fruit. He’s been touring internationally, sharing his craft with larger audiences. A standout moment this year was performing at Fabric in London, which he described as “an iconic venue that felt truly special.”
“All of the shows have been fantastic,” he noted. “I feel fortunate to pursue this as a profession and to have the opportunity to tour and share my music with eager listeners.”
Despite a busy tour schedule, he strives to maintain balance on the road, incorporating gym sessions and healthy routines when possible. He has observed a shift toward healthier touring lifestyles in the scene, which has been advantageous. “It’s increasingly common for people to attend raves and parties sober, including artists. Many DJs are embracing a healthier relationship with the culture,” he said.
In his personal life, Sonin has revisited an old hobby—programming—to create balance in his interests. “I did more of that when I was younger, but now I’ve been building things. No career plans in that area, but I might create some plugins for fun,” he laughed. “It’s been helpful for music, but mostly, I dive into projects through trial and error. I learn best through practical experience.”
Looking to the future, SØNIN has plenty of new music in the works and exciting shows to announce. “I aim to make next year even bigger and better,” he stated. He plans to embark on his first shows in Asia next spring, but with much more on the horizon, fans should keep an eye on his social media for updates.
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