Solya’s Queen of Texas Tour Rode Through St. Louis, Capturing Hearts Along the Way

— by Carrie Zukoski

Heralded by many as West Texas’ best next singer/songwriter, Solya is on the road promoting her 2026 Queen of Texas album and proving her chops midway through her 25-city tour. Fortunately, one of those stops included the intimate South St. Louis’ Off Broadway Music Venue.

But first on the bill was another Texas phenom act, Tele Novella. Around since 2013, this Austin, Texas duo (trio on this night with Danny Reisch as tour drummer) is fronted by Natalie Gordon (Ribbons) with Jason Chronis on bass. Self-described as “Coin-operated medieval country songs through a 1950s western lens,” their sound carried the distinct melding of Latin ’60s psychedelia that not only swirled in some syncopation, but was, at times, topped off with a honky tonk vibe. The band performed an eclectic 40-minute set that left the packed, mostly teen audience astounded. Their playful tunes such as “Poet’s Tooth” and “Crystal Witch” garnered most of the crowd’s appreciation.

Solya, the performer fans traveled from as far as Ft. Lauderdale and Poplar Bluff to see, bounded onto stage promptly at 9 p.m., waving widely. Wearing a short-sleeved, white eyelet dress with knee-high sparkling cowboy boots, the musician appeared dressed for yet another hot, sultry St. Louis summer evening (which it was, both out and inside the venue). Accompanied by the same drummer and by Tele Novella’s Chronis, Solya got down to the business of strumming her guitar or playing keys while singing lush, desolate bedroom pop lyrics that, at times, evoked the Cocteau Twins or, on the first notes of “Silver Swan,” will conjure up Julee Cruise until she sings with a touch of twang throughout the song. Is her sound country? Maybe. Is it indie? Sure. Is it dream pop? At times. Is it an undefined mixture of loveliness? Yes.

Her deep lyrics defy her young age, as in “Born Wicked:”
I’ve always found beauty in danger
I was born wicked
My love is a crime
I don’t wanna be saved

Or as in “Every Road I Take:”
And it hurts me to love you undyingly
With this heart of mine that you prayed to keep

The crowd pushed forward, hanging on every note and word. When she stated “I love you,” they swooned. Her 75-minute set ended much too soon on the crushing, yet uplifting, gentle “Is This Love??”

Haven’t heard of Solya yet? It won’t be long. And we hope she finds herself playing a much bigger room on her next time through town.

See all photos from the night here.