Mother Soki, Alana Markel

Mother Soki is among a generation of new artists forging their paths and creating music that attracts fans seeking a soul connection. That creativity led her to sign with independent label Mom+Pop early in 2025. A bit farther back in her trajectory, Mother Soki wasn't even clear about how to pursue music. Carving her way through adolescence with a fierce artistic drive, though, the Minneapolis-based musician discovered her passion for making music while attending college in Chicago. Attempting to pursue other forms of art and avoiding what was her true calling, Mother Soki says, “I realized it was far more fulfilling than any art medium I had tried (and I’ve tried a lot), from beginning to end, and even after. Something about the process of music felt so natural to me, even when I did not know how I was doing it, I was just doing it.” Now immersed in her passion for music, Mother Soki gravitates toward the dreamy textures of Dream Pop and the sonic nostalgia of the ’90s. Drawing daily inspiration from her surroundings, she channels her creativity through classic influences: The Sundays, Imogen Heap, and Cocteau Twins. Her sound blends modern interpretations of vintage synths with heavy guitars and airy, spacious vocals—creating contrasts that shouldn't work, but somehow do. Mother Soki makes the unexpected feel seamless.