We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Synah Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Synah below.
Alright, Synah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One project that comes to mind is the process of creating my most recent EP I’ve been working on. This project isn’t just about the music; it’s a journey of becoming my actualized self that I am so far. Being a singer-songwriter and plus size curve model has given me a unique perspective on self-expression, self-acceptance, and breaking boundaries. This EP is my opportunity to intertwine all these aspects of my life.
While working on it, I would often draw inspiration from my life experiences and my advocacy for mental health. I wanted to capture the essence of perseverance, the importance of believing in oneself, and the beauty of embracing one’s uniqueness, be it in the realm of music or physical appearance.
Directing my own music videos has added another layer of depth to the project. It’s allowed me to visually convey the stories and emotions behind the songs, work with amazing creatives who have become friends. All of which are deeply personal to me. For instance, one of the tracks touches upon the challenges and triumphs I faced growing up in Valdosta, Georgia, and my journey to Los Angeles to reaching my dreams and taking my time with my journey. It’s a tribute to my roots and an ode to my future self and every dreamer out there.
The entire project, from its inception to its execution, is a testament to my belief that no dream is too big or too small. And through it, I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace their individuality, and persevere no matter the odds.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I go by SYNAH, a singer-songwriter, curve model, dancer, and an unyielding advocate for mental health. Originally hailing from Valdosta, Georgia, I now find my creative playground in the bustling city of Los Angeles. My journey into the music and modeling industries began from a deep-rooted love for artistic expression. Growing up, I was surrounded by a blend of musical genres which cultivated my passion and, over time, I found myself refusing to be boxed into one genre. This led me to create music that fuses pop, R&B, and other eclectic sounds, resulting in a unique blend that’s distinctly SYNAH.
In parallel, my venture into curve modeling stems from a commitment to challenge and redefine traditional beauty standards. I take pride in offering an edgier, more distinct representation in the plus-size industry, echoing the sentiment that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and shouldn’t be confined to specific molds.
In terms of my offerings, apart from musical tracks available on all major streaming platforms, I also direct my own music videos, ensuring they align with the story and emotion I intend to convey through my songs. Additionally, when not engrossed in music, I create User-Generated Content (UGC) for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands. This facet of my work aids brands in amplifying their online presence with authentic content, crafted with a touch of SYNAH’s essence.
What sets me apart? I believe it’s my determination to stay genuine, authentic, and true to myself. While the music and modeling landscapes can be challenging, I’ve learned the importance of self-belief, resilience, and not being swayed by fleeting trends. Instead, I prioritize staying grounded in my roots, sharing real stories, and connecting with my community in profound ways, be it through behind-the-scenes snapshots or engaging social media content.
The accomplishment I hold closest to my heart is my ability to serve as a beacon of hope, perseverance, and determination for others. Every lyric I pen, every song I produce, and every photo I model for carries a message – one that speaks of self-acceptance, breaking boundaries, and chasing dreams fearlessly.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that with SYNAH, you’re not just getting an artist or a model – you’re engaging with a movement. A movement that advocates for self-belief, resilience, and the magic that unfolds when we dare to dream beyond conventions
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think about this often. About how music and being an artist chose me and how being a non creative seems so peaceful. Navigating the realms of music and modeling and content creation, especially as a curve model and a genre-less musician, comes with its unique set of challenges. What I’ve realized over the years is that non-creatives often struggle to understand the deep rooted emotional connection we artists have with our work. Every song I write, every music video I direct, and every photoshoot I partake in is not just a job or a task; it’s an extension of my soul.
For instance, my journey of blending various genres isn’t just about making music. It’s a representation of my upbringing, my experiences, also my refusal to be pigeonholed. When I produce a track that fuses pop with and Rap,it challenges the norms, questioning the status quo, and expressing my multifaceted identity.
Same in the world of modeling, I’m not just posing for a camera. I’m creating a story, advocating for a broader definition of beauty, representing those who’ve felt unseen, and challenging an industry to be more inclusive.
Non-creatives might see the end product – a song, a video, a photograph – and appreciate it for its aesthetic value. But underneath that lies countless hours of self-doubt, vulnerability, resilience, a losing and finding myself and an undying commitment to authenticity. There’s a constant internal battle between adhering to industry standards and staying true to one’s artistic vision.
If there’s one insight I’d like to share, it’s this: Every creative endeavor of mine is a journey of the soul. It’s filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity, and periods of confusion. And while the end product is what the world sees, the process and all its rawness and realness, is where the true magic happens. That one line I sang 20 times to convey the right feeling. So, when you engage with a piece of my art – be it music, fashion, or any form, take a moment to delve deeper and appreciate the heart, soul, and story behind it.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting is a huge part of my creative journey. I’ve learned being adaptable is a gift especially in a business where everything has such short seasons. One of the most profound pivots I experienced was during the early stages of my career, juggling between my passions for music and modeling. Especially on social media.
I initially started with a strong inclination towards music, pouring my all into songwriting and performances. But as I ventured deeper into the music industry, I realized that it demanded more than just talent. The pressure to conform to certain aesthetics and styles simultaneously, I was exploring the world of curve modeling, a realm that not only embraced my unique physique but also celebrated it where as in music there’s a specific look that’s constantly reproduced.
The pivotal moment came when I began receiving feedback – some well-intentioned, others not so much – suggesting that I might have to choose between music and modeling. The common sentiment was that mastering both might spread me too thin and confused my fans. But deep down, I knew that both these avenues were not just careers for me; they were expressions of my identity.
Instead of choosing. I began integrating both worlds, using my platform as a model to promote body positivity and inclusivity, while simultaneously infusing these themes into my music. This pivot led me to creative direct my own music videos, content, emphasizing authentic representation and challenging traditional beauty standards.
It hasn’t been an easy transition, and its required me to step out of my comfort zone, unlearn certain beliefs, and adopt a more holistic approach. But looking back, its not only allowed me to stay true to myself but also provided me with a distinctive edge in both industries. It taught me that sometimes, the best way forward is to forge your own path and build my own table even if it means defying conventional wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fsyntheintrovert&e=AT32u1xt_K0yNASJO7agcD6zarObee1RD28wEj36dlCmqcf3rVvILQHnIieUmgkW4EsoSZeVHR3TEfv6rOc39AywvDnN7Com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syntheintrovert/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FaM8DLkBYGgI%3Fsi%3DwYWuY75Ud1LBeUMj&e=AT1iOVvLPcIyKEdCy_mDjJU0gNRhdS9FwKXU_dCfPce1ANNticzoSIVlxT7H2qgOQtLm-bVFhxRZK3dEo1zsoeGCuuOTrIr5
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syn_the_introvert?_t=8gcgZU9KPiY&_r=1