Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophia Bavishi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sophia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I have been singing for over 12 years, and for years, focused on musical theater. I loved being on stage, and I loved singing so I honestly thought that was what I would be doing the rest of my life. Somewhere in my Sophomore year of high school, I started singing a little pop and started writing some lyrics and music. I did a 1-week Singer-Songwriter summer camp through Berklee School of Music between my sophomore and junior year of highschool. It was intimidating at first because I was around all these kids who had been writing music for years, but I jumped in and loved every minute of it. I wrote a song, collaborated with a few other kids to add instrumentation, and we performed it at our end-of-camp showcase. As I sat behind the keyboard, singing the song I wrote, I just knew. This was it. Writing music, expressing myself, and sharing that music made me feel vulnerable and exhilarated. And I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Sophia, 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?
I am a singer-songwriter and produce music. While my songwriting started earlier, it wasn’t until my senior year that I officially entered the music industry. I started working with a producer to finesse songs I had been working on. My first song was released in February 2021. I now have 5 songs out on all streaming platforms, as well as 2 full length music videos out on YouTube. I am working on new music, and will be releasing several new songs later this year. I sometimes have to pinch myself because I can’t actually believe I’m a published singer-songwriter. Sixteen year old me would be so proud! After releasing music, my eyes were opened to how big the music industry is, with endless opportunities and possibilities. My most recent single is called “Rain,” and has an accompanying music video that was so much fun to shoot. I’m so proud of this song and video. I really pushed myself, which has further motivated me to keep pushing and working and striving to be the best I can be.
The music that I write is more Pop than anything else, but I discovered this past year that I have a huge passion and interest in live digital performing. I have always found electronic music to be fascinating, but it was not until I started playing around with different pieces of equipment that allowed me to create loops, beats, and melodies all with the touch of my fingers, that made me want to switch from the more familiar live performance (with instruments) to live digital performance. I have especially loved using the Ableton Push 2, which has allowed me to expand my music in ways I never thought possible. The deeper I get into this industry, the more I want to learn everything I can, and be as well rounded of an artist that I can. I’m so excited to see where this adventure takes me!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when fans express how much your songs mean to them. I started writing songs for myself, and even today, a lot of my writing is me processing something I’m going through. So it is so rewarding to know that a song I wrote can help people through a hard time, or be relatable, or make someone feel all the feelings I’ve poured into that song. I’ve had certain songs help me get through a hard time or make me feel better, and to know that I can be doing that for someone else–that’s why I write music. A huge part of being a songwriter is being able to be vulnerable at times with your music while writing it, and to share it can be scary, but when people recognize and feel your music, putting myself out there is so worth it.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Being an artist, I am often asked what my backup plan is, in case I can’t make it in music. To be honest, this question always irritates me because it makes me feel as if people are already giving up on me and expecting me to fail. In the last few years, I’ve realized people ask this question because they think that it’s impossible to make money in the music industry unless you’re really lucky. But there are so many different avenues out there to pursue in the industry, and you absolutely can make enough money to live a good life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough industry to break into, and it definitely requires a lot of creativity and a thick skin, but just because it may seem impossible to others, does not mean it is impossible for me. I know I am not the only artist to have been asked this question, but it is particularly annoying that no one ever asks someone in, say marketing, if they have a back-up plan, just in case. The reality is that no matter what industry you’re in, you need to make your own path. Music has endless possibilities. The challenge is to figure out which possibility is your truth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabavishi/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SophiaBavishiMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiab_music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9AzHeL8lyXU3dK51FHu5qQ
- Other: Tik Tok: @sophiabavishi Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KnAZ5Owav4eqKQPeipgyq
Image Credits
Revolutionarygrl Photography