Sophia Stel’s Pop Ambitions Are Stronger Than Her Nerves

Sophia Stel is releasing her debut album, *the greatest album of all time*, after years of making music while holding jobs that left her time to create. The Vancouver singer and producer says the title grew from a remark about wanting to make a great album, and she turned it into a challenge to build confidence as her music career opened doors to unfamiliar settings.

Stel began releasing music in 2024 with the EP *Object Permanence*, which attracted an audience for its vulnerable lyrics and experimental pop sound. She followed it with *How to Win at Solitaire* last year, drawing on electronic, trap and ambient music. She says sharing early work helped her stop chasing perfection, while earnings from shows eventually allowed her to give up gardening, bartending and house painting.