Sonohara

Willow Westervelt (born December 29, 2001), known professionally as Sonohara, is an American musician, composer, record producer and DJ. Growing up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she struggled through numerous physical and mental ailments throughout her life, such as major depressive disorder, gender identity disorder and autism. She initially began her music career in 2008 covering traditional Christmas songs before playing in various rock bands.

In 2017, she began producing electronic music under the Sonohara alias (the name is taken from Durarara!! character Anri Sonohara), releasing her first single "Kitty" on September 27, 2017. Her debut album Nervous Wreck was released on February 16, 2018.

Early life
Westervelt was born in Virginia. While a young teenager, Westervelt would frequent rock and metal concerts in Richmond; she had listened to electronic music "for years", but only became interested in producing around 2016.

Early career
Westervelt has been involved in music since 2008, beginning when she and her sister recorded covers of traditional Christmas songs using Audacity, which Westervelt later described as "garbage". She was also a member of her elementary school's chorus group in 2011 and 2012. She would begin writing her own music in 2010. She formed a band in 2011, which only had one practice before becoming inactive. She remained mostly inactive for many years afterwards, focusing on other things, such as gaming.

Sonohara (2017-present)
On August 30, 2017, Westervelt acquired MAGIX Music Maker. She recorded her first electronic single, "Kitty", shortly afterwards. Not wanting to use her own name for the song, she decided to take the name Sonohara, naming the project after a character in the Durarara!! franchise. She then sent the track to fellow producer and friend GTL, who signed her to Jerk Recordings shortly afterwards. Sonohara's debut EP, Shadows, was released on October 13, 2017. She would switch to FL Studio soon after its release and release her next EP Anonymous on November 17, 2017. Her debut album, Nervous Wreck, was released on February 16, 2018.

Musical style
Westervelt plays primarily in the genres of electronic rock and house.

Her influences include Nana Kitade, deadmau5, Skrillex, Chris Devoe, I See Stars, ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D, Get Scared, Puffy AmiYumi, From Ashes To New, Linkin Park, Asking Alexandria, Porter Robinson, Madeon and Breathe Carolina.

Personal life
Westervelt is transgender. She came out on May 23, 2015.

Westervelt is a fan of anime. She has named Durarara!! and ''Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z'' as her favorites.

Studio albums

 * Nervous Wreck (2018)

EPs

 * Shadows (2017)
 * Anonymous (2017)

Singles

 * Kitty (2017)
 * Shadows (2017)
 * Alone (2017)
 * Hallucinations (2017, with Blyzo)
 * Cry Baby Tears (2017)
 * Angel's Death (2018)
 * Departing This World (2018)