We were lucky to catch up with S0nny recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, S0NNY thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Absolutely, I’ve encountered moments where my work and even I as a person have been misunderstood or mischaracterized. I think it comes with the territory when you’re someone who wears multiple hats and ventures into different fields. One particular instance that stands out is when I first transitioned from being solely recognized as a music producer to becoming an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Some people couldn’t quite reconcile these different aspects of my life. They saw me as just a “music guy” and assumed that my ventures into business or charity were side projects or distractions, not serious pursuits.
There was this misconception that my involvement in music was my only defining trait, and anything else I did was secondary or perhaps a way to cash in on my success. What they didn’t realize is that for me, music, business, and giving back are all interconnected. They’re all expressions of my creativity and drive to make a positive impact. Music taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of listening—all crucial skills that I carry into my entrepreneurial ventures and my nonprofit work.
One significant learning from this experience is the importance of owning your narrative. If you don’t define who you are and what you stand for, others will do it for you, and they might get it wrong. I learned to be more vocal about my vision, to clearly communicate that my work isn’t confined to one box. I’m not just a producer or an entrepreneur or a philanthropist—I’m all of those things, and they each feed into the other.
This experience also taught me the value of resilience and authenticity. No matter how people perceive you, it’s crucial to stay true to your purpose and your path. I realized that it’s not about convincing everyone to understand me; it’s about continuing to do the work that I believe in, regardless of how it’s perceived. Over time, those who misunderstood or mischaracterized my work began to see the bigger picture, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.
In the end, these experiences have only strengthened my resolve to keep pushing boundaries and to continue creating, whether it’s in the studio, in business, or through my nonprofit efforts. It’s all part of the same journey, and I’m committed to seeing it through, regardless of how others might try to label it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Certainly! I’m Sonny, a multifaceted creator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Los Angeles, though my roots trace back to the rugged beauty of Antelope Valley. My journey began in the world of music, where I found my passion at a young age. At just 16, I discovered FL Studio, a music production software that completely transformed my life. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a full-blown career, as I immersed myself in learning the intricacies of sound and composition. By 18, I had signed a deal with Tantrum Records under Universal Music Group as an in-house producer, collaborating with industry giants like Clipse, Method Man, and Kardinal Offishall. Music was my entry point into the world, and it remains a core part of who I am.
But my story doesn’t stop at music. I’m also deeply invested in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. After honing my skills at the Music Institute in Hollywood, where I earned an Associate’s Degree in their Independent Artist Program, I expanded my focus to include business ventures. I founded Mary Ann’s Gumbo House, a restaurant in Universal City, California, where we offer authentic, soulful cuisine that brings people together. I also launched Sojourn Stays, a luxury travel destination company that curates unique, unforgettable experiences for our guests.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating a holistic impact, whether it’s through music, business, or giving back to the community. I believe in blending creativity with purpose, and that’s evident in everything I do. For instance, through my nonprofit, the Jesus Piece NPO, I work to empower underserved youth by providing them with opportunities and resources to pursue their passions, just like I did. I’ve always believed that success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about lifting others as you climb.
When it comes to my music, I specialize in crafting immersive soundscapes that resonate on a deep level. I produce, write, and engineer music that tells a story, whether it’s in an album, a single, or a soundtrack for television. My work has been featured on major networks like MTV, VH1, BET, and E!, reaching audiences worldwide. I solve the problem of bringing authentic, emotionally resonant music to the forefront of the industry, and I take pride in creating art that truly connects with people.
In my entrepreneurial ventures, my focus is on delivering exceptional quality and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. At Mary Ann’s Gumbo House, it’s not just about serving food—it’s about offering a taste of home, comfort, and community straight to your door. With Sojourn Stays, I aim to provide travelers with luxurious, meticulously curated getaways that offer both relaxation and adventure.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to inspire others. Whether it’s through my music, my businesses, or my nonprofit work, I want people to see that with hard work, creativity, and a little bit of grit, anything is possible. I’m living proof that you can break out of the box others might try to put you in and define success on your own terms.
For anyone looking to connect with my brand, my message is simple: I’m here to create, inspire, and give back. Whether you’re listening to my music, ordering from my restaurant, staying at one of my properties, or involved in one of my nonprofit initiatives, know that it all comes from a place of passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to excellence. I’m not just in this for the accolades—I’m in it to make a meaningful, lasting impact, and I invite you to be part of that journey.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely, there’s a unique challenge in being a creative that I think many non-creatives might struggle to fully understand. One of the biggest misconceptions is that creativity is just about inspiration or a sudden burst of genius. While those moments do happen, the reality is that creativity is often a disciplined process that requires immense effort, resilience, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
As a creative, whether in music, business, or any other field, you’re constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and taking risks. This means facing a lot of failure and rejection along the way. For example, in music production, you might spend hours or even days working on a track, only to realize it’s not working and have to start over. The same goes for launching a new business venture or a nonprofit initiative—you pour your heart and soul into something, knowing that there’s no guarantee of success.
Non-creatives might see the final product—a hit song, a successful business, or a thriving nonprofit—and assume it all came together effortlessly. But what they don’t see are the countless hours of work, the late nights, the moments of doubt, and the many iterations that didn’t make the cut. Creativity is as much about perseverance and resilience as it is about imagination. It’s about showing up every day, even when inspiration is nowhere to be found, and trusting that the process will eventually lead to something meaningful.
Another aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional investment involved. When you create something, whether it’s a piece of music, a business, or a community initiative, it’s deeply personal. You’re putting a part of yourself out there for the world to see, and that can be both exhilarating and terrifying. The highs are incredibly rewarding, but the lows can be equally challenging. Criticism or failure isn’t just about the work—it can feel like a personal rejection.
However, this emotional connection is also what makes the journey so fulfilling. The satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life, of creating something that resonates with others, is incomparable. It’s what drives creatives to keep going, despite the challenges. And that’s something I think non-creatives can benefit from understanding: creativity is a journey of highs and lows, but it’s one that’s fueled by passion, dedication, and an unyielding belief in the power of ideas.
But here’s the thing—there really isn’t such a thing as a “non-creative.” Everyone has creativity within them; it just manifests in different ways. What might seem like a lack of creativity is often just a matter of not having found the right outlet yet, or not recognizing the creativity in everyday tasks. For example, someone who’s great at organizing, planning, or problem-solving is exercising creativity—they’re just doing it in a way that might not fit the traditional definition of “creative.”
Creativity isn’t exclusive to artists or entrepreneurs; it’s a mindset and a way of approaching the world. It’s about seeing possibilities where others see obstacles and being willing to explore, experiment, and take risks. If you think you’re not creative, it might be because you haven’t discovered how your creativity expresses itself yet. It’s like a muscle—you can strengthen it with practice, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
So, my advice to those who might not consider themselves creative is to embrace the process in whatever you do. Whether it’s finding innovative solutions at work, exploring a new hobby, or simply approaching life with curiosity and openness, creativity is something we all have within us. It’s not about being born with a special talent; it’s about cultivating a mindset of exploration and discovery. And while the journey might be challenging, the rewards—both personal and professional—are well worth it.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, Hahaha, have sparked a lot of conversation and debate in recent years, especially within creative industries like music, art, and entertainment. From my perspective, NFTs present an exciting opportunity for creators to take control of their work in new ways, but they also come with challenges and considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked.
On the positive side, NFTs offer a way for artists, musicians, and creators to monetize their work directly, without relying on traditional intermediaries like galleries, record labels, or streaming platforms. This can empower creators by giving them more ownership and a greater share of the profits from their work. For example, a musician could release a limited-edition album as an NFT, providing fans with something truly unique, while also ensuring that the creator benefits financially every time the NFT is resold.
NFTs also offer the potential to create new types of experiences and engagements for fans. Whether it’s exclusive access to content, special behind-the-scenes material, or virtual interactions, NFTs can enhance the relationship between creators and their audience in innovative ways.
However, there are also challenges and concerns with NFTs that need to be acknowledged. The environmental impact of blockchain technology, particularly with certain cryptocurrencies, has raised significant questions about sustainability. Additionally, the speculative nature of the NFT market can lead to volatility and uncertainty, both for creators and buyers.
There’s also the issue of accessibility. While NFTs can democratize access to certain markets, the technology and the platforms are still relatively new and can be difficult for the average person to navigate. This can create barriers to entry for both creators who want to explore NFTs and fans who want to engage with them.
Despite these challenges, I feel that the current state of NFTs and their perceived “failures” might just be a precursor to something even bigger. They represent a testing ground for new concepts in digital ownership and value, and their evolution could lead to groundbreaking developments in the future. NFTs are part of a larger experiment, and their journey might be laying the foundation for more refined and impactful innovations to come. For creators and enthusiasts alike, it’s worth staying engaged and open to the possibilities as this space continues to develop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://s0nny.xyz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s0nny.xyz
- Twitter: https://x.com/s0nny_xyz
- Other: https://ma-gumbohouse.com/
https://sojournstays.info/
Image Credits
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