We caught up with the brilliant and insightful SONI WithanEYE a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

SONI, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Absolutely! Being able to do what I love is food for my soul. Through the ups and downs, I would not trade it for the world. The life experiences it has brought me are priceless.

SONI, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Do you have time? LOL Born & raised in Queens NY, of Puerto Rican and European descent, I first began honing my skills in church while singing in the choir. I played piano and guitar as well. My father was a singer in a doo-wop band, a self taught sax, piano, guitar and percussionist player. He managed The Brooklyn Breakers which my brothers were a part of. I was in theater as a kid and landed my first music job at 18 at Jellybean Benitez’s record label, H.O.L.A Records. I was still too young to get into the clubs, so I decided to promote for them as a way in. All I wanted was to submerge myself in music, regardless of the role I played. I was in 2 female vocalist girl groups (Euphoria & Dymez) while growing my confidence in my song writing, performance and recording capabilities. I never wanted to be pigeonhold into one specific genre which led me to work with legends such as Todd Terry, Louie Vega, Timbaland, Bubba Sparxx, The Beatnuts, Quest Love, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang’s Raekwon which led me to countless tours internationally and nation-wide for over a decade.

I hosted a live weekly broadcast for B Real of Cypress Hill interviewing artists and party goers. I have been able to help catapult fellow artist’s brands and created my own such as Lovebreak, Funkbox NYC, Full Haus, Haus of Creatives which all celebrate a love for culture in music while providing a platform of opportunities for other artists to be heard. The events and parties I have produced have built a reputation for being an inclusive space for all creatives, music lovers and tastemakers creating unique experiences. I began playing records so I could be more than just a producer/host/promoter at the parties. I never thought it would become a full time job. It has definietly become the icing on the cake. I was also the voice of a reoccuring character for the comedic USS New York Cartoon.

I expanded my resume by adding brand & lifestyle influencer while on tour leading up to the pandemic. Launched my own independent record label and boutique agency “Haus Of Creatives”. During lockdown, having had time to work on growing my capabilities as a musician, I added music producer for brand commercials, influencer campaigns, and recording artists. Once I was approached with opportunities by brands I had built work relationships with, I figured it was time to do what I had always wanted to do. When I was approached to score a film created by actor, producer and creator John Anthony Torres, I knew this was a good opportunity to add a skill to the resume that I would be passionate about. The experience made me realize is was something I loved and am looking forward to scoring more future projects. I am gearing up to launch a podcast called “Engaged Never Married” with my co-host and DJ sister, C. DevOne in late June 2024. I am about to release a house album summer of 2024 tited “Osmosis”, which I co-produced, songwrote, sang, vocal arranged, and collaborated on with Polyrhythm. A follow up from

When times get tough in this prodominantly male driven industry, I don’t give up. It is why I have been able to live out most of my dreams. Balance is key. I am most proud of being able to teach the youth and use my platform for good causes such as fundraising for non-profits, national and international releif and development organizations such as waves for water, doctors without borders, puerto rocksteady festival, angels 4 autism, the legacy center etc. I also teach the youth of today, future of tomorrow how to DJ for an organization called the Third Street Music School Settlement.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to create emotion, joy, consciousness, compassion through music in many different atmospheres is a blessing. To help heal through music and the energy exchange is beautiful. Music is food for the soul.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think a good way society can support artists is to donate to local arts organizations. Buy their work. Share their work. Hire them and pay them based on their experience level. Attend their shows, exhibitions. Follow and share their social media. Always credit them when using or posting their work. Word of mouth is an effective way of creating awareness of an artist and their talent.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soniwithaneye.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniwithaneye
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soniwithaneyeofficial/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/soniwithaneye
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/soniwithaneye
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/soniwithaneye

Image Credits

Image 1 (pink dress): Photographer: Angie LMV Vasquez

Image 2 & 5(DJ shot & Recording Studio): Photogragher: Kyle Glenn of BKG Photography