Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sofía Élan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sofía , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I do think I would be way more successful in other fields. I am hardworking, detail-oriented, and possess a natural sense of leadership and teamwork, making me wonder if I chose the wrong path. However, when I am honest with myself, I find that I will always be questioning what my life would be like as an artist. I’ve made peace with the decision to keep trying, making art, and embracing my life despite the uncertainty.
Sofía , 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?
Hi! My name is Sofía Élan. I am a singer-songwriter, composer, and producer from Guanajuato, Mexico. “Cantautora” + producer would be a great way to describe what I do. I released my first song at the beginning of 2021, and later that year, I released my first EP called “Yubarta.” My latest EP is titled “Diminuta,” featuring 7 songs that I love. I co-produced this with my favorite person, who is also an extremely talented musician, Petre Bog. With the assistance of one of my best friends, Laura Agudelo, as an engineer, along with many talented musicians, and Adrian Rojo Treviño for mixing and mastering, we brought this project to life. While my main priority is my independent project, I also teach music and production and collaborate on different projects.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
When engaging in any form of art, music, or creative work, there is always someone asking, “When are you going to be famous?” or “Don’t forget me when you get to the top.” I know these questions come from a good place, but the best way to support an artist is by sharing—sharing their music, attending their concerts, and genuinely engaging with their work. We often underestimate how much it helps to simply give it a listen, share it with someone else, or even just spend time appreciating the entire piece.
I realized I used to wonder, “Why aren’t my friends listening to my music?” Then, I noticed how many songs by people I know I haven’t taken the time to listen to. Since then, every time a friend or colleague releases something, I make an effort to play it and pay attention. Sometimes, we focus more on people who aren’t close to us, forgetting that those right next to us are creating amazing things. I would say it’s important as an artist to listen to each other.
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.
I think something I’ve been struggling with and feeling misunderstood about is that people are often conflating two distinct concepts. Being a content creator and the personality of a content creator doesn’t always align with every artist. Nowadays, with social media playing a significant role in achieving success, people frequently suggest ideas for the content I should create. While these suggestions come from a good place, having the ability to create content (possessing the skills to make it) doesn’t guarantee authenticity or a desire to engage in that type of content as an artist.
Yes, social media enables you to connect with a broader audience worldwide, but I’ve witnessed individuals compromising their artistry solely for the sake of generating more content. Your music, your songs, and your art don’t have to cater to everyone. It’s crucial to discover a middle ground where you can remain true to yourself while reaching a broader audience to connect with your project.
One thing I’d like non-creators to understand is that what they perceive as success for an artist (achieving fame) is not always the primary goal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofia.elan.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofia.elan.music/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiaelan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgf14j5-PI2XjhvQ7UYh08Q
- Other: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pSo2XeVzujfKewzhzXK1P?si=l3l8dITDRoq4pdpbUZK1lA
Image Credits
Laura Agudelo Giovanna Tommasi