I met singer-songwriter Sofia Zorian at UCLA over a year ago, as we discussed our shared major, future career plans, and hobbies. I remember her telling me how she chose to pursue a major in English due to her love for songwriting, and in this past year, her passion and creativity as a musician has come to fruition in her burgeoning career as a young songstress. She has performed at countless venues in the LA area, expanded her global fanbase, and just today, released her first-ever music video for her single, “Feeling.” Read on for our interview with Sofia, and be sure to check out the beautifully captured, brand-new music video!

How did you get into music? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do as a child, or did you realize it later on?

I was born with a love for music. I would always enjoy singing for fun to Alicia Keys while messing around on the keyboard and having my mom braid my hair just like hers. It was always a passion of mine to write songs. To meet lyric with melody is the most beautiful process. I was classically trained on the piano from a young age and progressed toward finding my own musical voice. I knew that music was something I could not live without, but to bring it to the point of a career is a dream that I am still pushing toward today.

What are some inspirational forces for you in artistic mediums other than music - film, literature, art, or fashion?

Film is a huge inspirational artistic medium for me! I was greatly inspired to write a Beatles-style song after watching Nowhere Boy and constantly find myself finding beautiful emotional inspiration to pull from movies into my music. Cloud Atlas, The Notebook, The Fountain, Ex Machina, Avatar, Into The Wild, Inception, Moulin Rouge, and Burlesque are some examples of incredibly extraordinary films that moved me in one way or another. As an English major, literature is another ruling force for my music, ranging from Jodi Picoult’s intriguing novels to the Middle English classic of The Canterbury Tales. From the dark, mysterious and romantic feeling of The Vampire Academy to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, there is no limit to what the mind can imagine and take from all that I expose it to. Fashion is also something I am very passionate about and I believe that wearing a certain outfit can make me feel more confident and powerful. Plus, you always have to look good on stage!

What does your creative process look like? What usually serves as the foundation for your songs?

I have to, have to, be inspired! When I try to force myself to write, it never feels magical. The real glory is found when I write a piece in no time at all and it just flows straight from the heart and mind. The melody usually comes with the lyrics at the same time, but sometimes I will find a chord progression I love first, and then the words follow straight after. When I do not finish a song in one sitting, there is something that is not going right, whether it is in the chords I am playing, words I am choosing, or melody I am singing. Instead of frustrating myself further, I record all of my ideas and give it some space before I return to it with a fresh and inspired mind. The best songs are written unforced and in thirty minutes or less!

How has Los Angeles shaped your creative persona; do you think it’s a significant influence on your work?

Being born and raised in Los Angeles has allowed me to be surrounded by many like-minded artists, musicians, filmmakers, actors, and an endless number of people pursuing the ultimate American Dream. Many people have moved from other cities, states, and countries all to come here and push their art forward, but I got to be a part of this incredible city from day one. The hustle has always been a normal thing for me. I have always been pushing towards my dreams and setting goals all of my life. It is something that I feel I was born with, but maybe it is the opportunities that Los Angeles presents that makes this dream all the more possible. This place has shown me that I have to continue to be myself and never give up, no matter the countless obstacles I may face.

What was your experience like shooting “Feeling,” your first-ever music video?

Shooting “Feeling” was an incredible experience! I am so excited to show everyone what we have come up with for the visual platform of #FEELING! I will never forget the rain scene because in theory it sounded fun, but I was freezing, shivering, drenched, and trying so hard to sing as if it were all okay into the camera. One of my favorite scenes from the video is the kitchen fight, where I am devastated on the floor with shattered glass around me because it really portrays the raw emotion found in relationships. There are good times and there are bad times. Never is there only one side to the story. The line between a good and unhealthy relationship is being played with in this music video and it shows how grey that area can really be. I hope that this will make the viewers really feel something deep within.

The kitchen scene is my favorite as well - very raw, emotional, and beautiful! Anything coming up that we can keep an eye out for?

My next upcoming single, “You’ve Got This All Wrong,” and my EP, Involved! These will be premiering in the beginning of next year in January or February! 2017 is an exciting one for my music! I am also going to be revealing merchandise that I have been working on very soon, which will go along with my EP.

*If you are interested in being the first to see, hear, and react to new songs, videos, photos, and more, check out www.Patreon.com/SofiaZorian to support her music! Also, be sure to follow her (@sofiazorian) and stay connected through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and find her music on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify.

By Pauline Pechakjian

Dec 23 An Interview With Sofia Zorian

Dec 27 Nine Inch Nails Release New EP, 'Not The Actual Events'

Dec 20 Bob Dylan, The Poet