Stea, with her first single “Sur le son” and a series of successful showcases, is making her mark in the French alternative pop scene. As a sensitive and determined artist, this Toulouse native will be the opening act for Vanessa Paradis in Brive-la-Gaillarde next July, where everything started for her. Here is a portrait.
Stea has the tempo, the temperament, and most importantly, the momentum. Emerging artist in the French alternative pop scene, she is part of the new wave of female artists shaking up French pop with a blend of audacity, sensitivity, and creative freedom. Her music, a mix of new pop, electro, and hyperpop, balances between danceable energy and subtle melancholy – a balance that defines her style.
Born artistically in Corrèze, Stea (real name Sofia) has overcome several milestones. Starting from local stages, she won the Tremplin Corrèze 2025, Tremplin Brive Festival 2025, and was also a finalist in the student showcase “Pulsations.”
Her debut single, “Sur le son,” released on January 30th, establishes the foundation of her universe: an alternative pop with electro influences and a 2000s aesthetic, carried by a modern, light, and subtly introspective writing. The accompanying music video reinforces this visually distinctive identity.
Her relationship with music developed intimately. She says, “I’ve loved music since I was very young, even though I didn’t grow up in a particularly musical environment. I listened to what girls my age were listening to: Lorie, Jenifer… I started composing and writing seriously only two years ago. I had a very difficult period and I quickly realized that only writing helped me express what I felt.” In a collaboration with sound engineer Lindigo in Brive-la-Gaillarde, she began to put her words into music. Stea’s first major stage experience was at Bascala in Toulouse, where she now resides.
“Sur le son” addresses the fear of change and the need to surpass it. The lyrics seem like a settling of scores with the past but mostly the declaration of a 25-year-old woman who decides to ignore the disaster in the rearview mirror.
Upcoming events are exciting for Stea: set to perform on the Main Stage of the Lovely Brive Festival 2026 on July 18th, alongside Ben Mazué, Jérémy Frérot, and Vanessa Paradis, for whom she will be the opening act. This opportunity holds a special significance for her, as Vanessa Paradis is her childhood favorite artist. Stea is establishing herself as one of the rising voices in the new French pop generation – a talent to watch out for.
“Sur le son” by Stea is available on all music platforms.
