On June 13, 2025, Sonnee, aka Charlie Mannion, released his newest EP titled Innershy. Containing three tracks, it reflects Sonnee’s penchant for producing emotionally charged dance rhythms. Joining “Heartfalls” (feat Khazali) and “Pollen” is Sonnee’s newest release, “u+i”, a delightful tune that speaks to the restful moments in between misty evenings and eventide echoes. This EP is punctuated by emotional lyrics and cadenced deliveries that connect with a listener’s heart. You’ll feel elation as these beautiful melodies push you towards understanding Sonnee’s perspective on the tension between connection and confusion.
In the weeks after the release of Innershy, I enjoyed a relaxing chat with Sonnee. Ours was a friendly and engaging conversation where we talked about his Innershy album and SOLAA event series. As you’ve come to understand of me, I think of artists as storytellers. Thus, I engaged Sonnee about the intention and meaning behind this EP, and his music in general.
Let’s start with “Pollen”, a beautiful track that springs to life beside the gentle chirp of birds. A dulcet tone emerges with words of warmth. Initially, it sounds like longing in a way, but a sense of trust is ultimately conveyed. At least, that’s my takeaway. Examine this sample from the lyrics. “I’m waiting on you // In no way that I can hide the truth // There’s nothing to lose // Time only ever brings me closer to you.” This is a heartfelt tune that binds glowing lyricism to moving beats layered with shimmering character. It’s hopeful. We often find ourselves waiting for someone, whether a friend, family member, or romantic partner. In those moments, we yearn for their company. However, this track embodies quiet contentment knowing that when they do arrive, our souls will be put at ease.
Considering, “Pollen”, Sonnee had this to say. “The meaning of it kind of came over time. The meaning has to do with my brother and how close I am with them. It kind of transitioned when I got Jared to do the vocals.”
“Heartfalls” is a perfervid and personal exploration of distance and detachment. Khazali contributes lyrics that seem sorrowful while mingling with potent organic textures in creating a track that envelops and captivates listener’s in its elegant sound. Examine these words from the track’s chorus. “I need to let it go, let it go // To make it up.” The way this portion strikes me is that to move forward with our lives, what’s often standing in the way is our own heart and feelings. You may not want to release your pining affection for another, but usually the best course of action is to let their image fade to becoming little more than a memory. It’s good to love, but the best love we get is that which we give ourselves.
Sonnee shared these thoughts about “Heartfalls”. “I was trying to make my sound feel bigger. Khazali, when we were in the studio we were chatting about life. Things he’s been through, things I’ve been through. The core theme was letting go in a really positive way. Just being at ease with difficulties you’ve had in your life, whatever they are. The track tried to build up to that and the feeling of letting go was supposed to be the last synth line, when you do let go.”
The final release from this EP, “u+i”, marks a passionate culmination. You’ll notice warm synth textures wrapped around bemusing bass and comforting vocal chops. Looking inward at presence and distance, Sonnee presents the idea that it’s okay to hold on, even when you don’t know where you stand. Sonnee’s conveyance of his concepts remains consistent as he portrays intimacy that we all should be happy we are capable of putting forth. If not for others, at least for ourselves. These lyrics resonate a profound influence. “That always leaves me wondering whether we stand for something // if baby it’s you and I.”
Sonnee contributed these words towards the motivation that “u+i” is based upon. “I’ve started throwing these events in Manchester, London. The idea is that we’re going to build them out across different cities. Just after I did my first in Manchester where I’m from, I’d gone til like 4AM, I was super tired, and I was like, I need to make a song that I can play in [these] event spaces. Cuz all my stuff before is quite low-key. I want to start making music that also relates into the club space.”
Sonnee’s event series is called SOLAA. As I hail from the Chicagoland area, where we have a plethora of venues and clubs offering their own unique atmospheres and experiences, I was curious for insight into how Manchester and London’s club scenes inspired Sonnee to curate his own vision for his events.
“SOLAA was really inspired by Manchester. From my experience, it’s very community oriented. Because it’s such a small city, if you’re into that alternative electronic stuff, you will come across the same people every week. That’s kind of what I wanted with SOLAA, it to be more of a community thing where you go, and you’ll know who’s there. Slowly, you’ll kind of grow together. London is obviously really huge and there’s stuff going on every day, all the time. So, I wanted to try and bring Manchester to London as well. Manchester influenced what this is quite a lot.”
I asked Sonnee if SOLAA stands for something. During his explanation, he also highlighted where his artist moniker came from. His parents.
“I wanted to call it SOLAA to make it connected to Sonnee, but not just about Sonnee. SOLAA is warmth. When I was born my parents had two names. They had Charlie which is obviously what they went with, but for the first six weeks they were trying out Charlie and Sunny. I remember when I started making music, I was like I need a name. I was living in Barcelona at the time, releasing my first ever track, and Sunny popped into my head. I always really liked that name. I was happy to be able to use it again with that meaning. It’s who I am. The spelling is completely random. Electronic music can be quite dark and serious. I didn’t want to be too dark or serious.”
Before parting ways, I asked Sonnee to share some of his own words of wisdom. When times get rough, or things don’t go as planned, how does he motivate himself to keep moving forward? He supplied this succinct thought. “Everything will pass, [and] this too will pass. Just keep going.”
You can follow Sonnee on Instagram @verysonnee which includes his Linktree, complete with links to sign up for his mailing list and tickets to his SOLAA events. Sonnee’s next SOLAA event is upcoming on August 8, which will be held at the legendary Hootananny Brixton in London, UK. His music can be found on Spotify, Soundcloud, and other major streaming platforms.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
