Hailing from Philadelphia, Soraia is a force to be reckoned with. This powerhouse trio – ZouZou Mansour, Travis Smith, and Brianna Sig – channels the raw, unbridled spirit of rock and roll legends, while infusing their music with a hunger and urgency all their own. Mansour’s whiskey-soaked howl, Smith’s switchblade riffs, and Sig’s relentless drumming combine to create a sound that’s equal parts grit and soul. In a world of manufactured pop, Soraia is a much-needed shot of adrenaline, reminding us of the power and passion that made us fall in love with rock and roll in the first place.
Soraia’s music is a master class in the art of simplicity, proving that you don’t need a wall of sound to make an impact. Their songs are like perfectly cut diamonds – stripped down to their essence, yet still capable of filling a vast concert hall or setting the mood in an intimate bar. But what sets Soraia apart is their authenticity – there’s not an ounce of pretense in their sound. They’re not afraid to reinvent themselves, but they always stay true to their roots, never losing sight of who they are.
The story of Soraia is inextricably linked to the journey of lead vocalist ZouZou Mansour. From her first taste of the spotlight at a childhood talent show to the heartbreak of rejection from a major label, Mansour’s path to becoming a singer was anything but easy. But music was in her blood, and she found her way back – first as a drummer, then as a vocalist. Today, she’s not just the driving force behind Soraia, but a songwriter and performer in her own right, having finally found her place in the world.
Soraia’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. They’ve graced the pages of Rolling Stone, shared the stage with the legendary Joan Jett, and turned heads at SXSW. But it’s their music that truly speaks for itself. From the raw power of “Jokers, Thieves, and Liars” to the infectious energy of “I Seek Fire,” every track is a testament to Soraia’s mastery of their craft. Mansour’s vocals are a force of nature, while the guitar work and rhythm section are as tight as they come.
But Soraia isn’t just a band – they’re a part of a long and proud tradition of rock and roll rebels. They draw inspiration from the likes of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Blondie, The Pretenders, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, and MC5 – artists who fought tooth and nail to make their mark. Like their heroes, Soraia’s music is a celebration of the rock and roll spirit – raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. They may wear their influences on their sleeve, but make no mistake – Soraia’s sound is entirely their own, a potent cocktail of garage rock, punk, pop, and even a little bit of Elvis for good measure.
Currently, the band is planning a re-release anniversary issue of an album from 15 years ago, and a cover song for a multi-band compilation.
Their recent cover of Blondie’s “Union City Blue” is a tantalizing taste of what’s to come – a nod to their influences, but with a distinctly Soraia twist. And as they hit the road this fall, they’ll be bringing their electrifying live show to stages across the country, leaving a trail of happy fans and ringing ears in their wake.
For those who have yet to experience the raw power of Soraia’s music, there’s no better time than now to dive in via their Linktree.
For first-time listeners, Soraia’s music offers a novel blend of garage rock and rock n roll, with an energy that resonates especially with anyone who has faced adversity. Their anthems are both cathartic and empowering, inviting listeners to journey with them from darkness and into the light of self-discovery and redemption. As they continue to drop futher music, perform, and tour, Soraia stands as an inspiring symbol of the enduring power of rock n’ roll. Follow and connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.