Fresh off a UK tour supporting ODESZA and the release of his new EP Pollen, Manchester-based producer Sonnee is entering a new season of sound. Released via Attack Decay Sweet Release (the imprint helmed by fellow tastemaker George Fitzgerald), the EP is warm, widescreen, and sonically patient—rooted in the melodic UK electronica he grew up on, but shaped by a deeper emotional pace.
After breakout singles like “Leave The Water Still” and “Our Walk”, Pollen feels more resolved, but not more closed off. There’s more space between the elements, more restraint in the production, and a tighter focus on movement, groove, and human texture. The title track captures that perfectly: rolling drums, clipped vocal lines, and that signature clarity that gives his music both warmth and weight. It’s emotional music for active lives, designed to lift without rushing.
To celebrate the EP, we caught up with Sonnee to talk routines, rest, and the creative seasons that come with releasing your best work.
Do you think your best work comes from periods of rest or periods of pressure?
It really depends on the situation.
I think it’s often a mix of both. Sometimes having a deadline and a bit of pressure can bring out the best in me creatively. But then there are also times when rest and taking a break from music allows me to come back with fresh ideas and perspectives. I definitely think the balance between the two is important.
How do you know when it’s time to push through something versus when it’s time to pause?
For me, it’s about being honest with myself. If I’m forcing something and it’s not flowing, that’s usually a sign I need to step away. But if I feel excited and there’s a spark, even if it’s challenging, that’s when I know it’s worth pushing through. Learning to listen to that internal voice is a skill I’m still developing.
When your schedule gets full, how do you carve out space to actually reflect on what you’re making?
I try to keep a routine, even when things are busy.
Mornings are usually when I feel most reflective and clear-headed, so I often use that time to listen back to ideas or think about the direction I want to go in. I also find going for walks helps a lot. Just taking time away from screens and being outside gives me space to process things.
What part of your creative process tends to feel most fragile when you get busy or stretched thin?
Definitely the exploratory phase.
When I’m busy, it’s easy to just focus on finishing things or sticking to what I know works. But the time spent experimenting, trying out weird ideas, or making something just for the sake of it—that part can get lost if I’m not careful. And that’s often where the magic starts.
How do you preserve that space when momentum and opportunity start accelerating?
It’s something I’m actively working on. I think saying no is a big part of it.
Being selective about the projects I take on or how I spend my time. It can be tempting to say yes to everything, especially when things are going well, but I’m learning that protecting creative time is essential to keep growing and evolving as an artist.
Has your relationship with discipline changed now that you’re playing bigger shows and releasing more music?
Yeah, definitely. When I started, it was just about finding time to make music around everything else.
Now that it’s become more central to my life, I’ve had to develop more structure. I still try to keep things flexible and fun, but having some kind of routine helps me stay grounded and keeps the creativity flowing.
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