SONI withanEYE is a remarkably multi-talented phenomenon: DJ, songwriter, publisher, performer, promoter. Raised in Queens and proudly of Puerto Rican heritage, she discovered her love of music - and honed her early talents - by singing in her Catholic church choir. She quickly went on to master guitar and piano, and then eventually took to the decks to become a standout DJ in a crowded New York City scene. By the time it came to record her debut album - 2018’s fittingly titled Rebel - iconic musicians were scrambling to collaborate with her, with The Roots’ Questlove, Raekwon of Wu Tang Clan, as well as Mobb Deep and Gloria Velez all guesting on the record. Her influences range from Donna Summer to David Bowie, Dolly Parton to Dinah Washington - but her core message is very much one of female strength and empowerment. She enthuses: “I would love for my music to create emotion, joy, consciousness and compassion.”