A soaring rock success from Los Angeles-based artist Olya Sonica, “I Only Dream When I’m Awake” balances dreamy vocal introspection with rousing, anthemic escalation. “It’s about a divine force within us and choices we make,” the artist explains. “It’s either stay on a path of resistance and manufactured reality or create your own.”

Gentle guitar strums build an initial mystique. “I only dream when I’m awake,” the artist’s serene vocals break through, hypnotizing with caressing impact. “No more aching for a dying day,” they escalate into a reveberating array of distorted guitars and ensuing vocal anthemics. The initial “I only dream,” lyric sees an impactful reprise here, surrounded with compelling effect by the bursting guitar tones.

A self-taught guitarist and classically trained pianist, Olya impresses with a strong thematic hold — emphasizing personal perseverance and the power of choice — alongside an engaging sound with doses of ’90s alt-rock nostalgia. Look for her upcoming debut album, Alchemy, to release this upcoming fall on Fan Girl Records.

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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

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