Sofia, or Fia, as some of us call her, is a business major and is interested in pursuing a music minor. Fia may seem like your typical Cal Poly student, but what most people don’t know is that she is insanely talented and musically gifted.
HCCP: When did you first become interested in music and why?
Fia: I grew up in a musical family. My parents led worship, and so I started out by singing and writing worship music. I eventually branched out to do my own music when I was 12 years old, and started performing in front of audiences when I was 16.
HCCP: What was the first instrument you learned to play?
Fia: The first instrument that I learned how to play was the piano. When I turned 14, I switched over to the guitar. I found that the guitar was more conducive to playing shows since it’s more portable and is great for playing solo performances.
HCCP: How many instruments do you play?
Fia: I played the flute, and I love percussion, such as cajón and shakers. I think it’s imperative to learn how to keep a beat and stay on tempo. It’s so important for making music. I also really want to learn how to play the drums.
HCCP : I hear that you write your own lyrics. How old were you when you started writing lyrics, and what prompted you to write?
Fia: I began writing lyrics around the age of 14, and I think it was just the idea of telling my own story that prompted me to write lyrics.
HCCP: Where do you draw your inspiration for your lyrics?
Fia: When I first started writing lyrics, it was all about boys and love. After I went through the “love song about a boy” phase, I shifted to writing songs about my friends and more complex themes, such as the real world and life. I wanted to write about things that you would not normally hear on the radio, so I don’t really write love songs anymore. I also get a lot of inspiration from books, movies and people’s stories.
HCCP asks: So, you also play shows around the San Luis Obispo area. Where specifically do you play? How old were you when you first began performing?
Fia: I first started performing when I was 16. I performed at this outdoor music event called Magic of the Night; it took place down the main street of my hometown, and musicians would play their music throughout the street. I was able to receive some major connections through this performance. I did performances at stores and theaters. Then, I got in contact with this guy who orchestrates all these shows in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area, so I now I perform at cafés, wineries and other intimate venues.
HCCP asks: Do you get nervous performing in front of an audience?
Fia: I don’t get nervous in front of an audience. Although, I sometimes find it hard to introduce myself and talk to the audience.
HCCP asks: How would you describe your musical style?
Fia: I dabble in a little bit of everything. I might create a pop or techno song one day, then country the next day and a jazz or blues track after that. It varies a lot. I would say that my lyrics are unique, though. Sometimes my lyrics may not necessarily make sense right away to the listener, but it’s because it’s my story that I am telling.
HCCP asks: Would you like to be a professional musician for a living?
Fia: College has always been my backup plan. I have faith that music will play a bigger role in my life someday. I decided to major in business so in the event that music doesn’t work out for me, I could use my degree to work at a record company. Also, I am currently taking music production courses, and I would love to learn more about the different software to use to produce music. Either way, music is still my primary plan. Music is what I want to do and I am too passionate about it to let it die.
HCCP asks: You’ve said that someday you would like to live in Sweden permanently. Would you want to be a famous musician in Sweden, the United States, or if possible, both?
Fia: I would probably choose Sweden. Lots of famous artists have come out of Sweden and there are some great recording studios there. Plus, it’s so casual to be a music star there.
HCCP asks: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your music?
Fia: When it comes to recording music, it’s so much fun to open a blank project. I usually like to start with the music and let the lyrics come to me. I think it’s just incredible that we as humans can create such amazing songs. It’s beautiful.
If you would like to check out Fia’s music, visit her SoundCloud.