Meet Sofia D’pols | Singer, Actress and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia D’pols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Well, I was born and raised in Chile, a country that isn’t really known internationally for having a focus on artistic ventures but as an insider the story is a little different. Growing up, all around me art could be found, both my parents, my family and most of the people around me had a deep connection with art. Many even having had dreams of being an artist and following that dream for a while before settling for a more economically stable life. Whether it was on the house my dad had designed, the decoration that my mom filled it with, the family gatherings with dramatically acted out stories when they were being told or the car rides accompanied by Cat Stevens, Vicentico, Sandro, Cerati, Pink Floyd and so many other great musicians on full volume, and the unmissable songs being sung by all of us together at the end of a beautiful night with a guitar, it didn’t matter where but art and creativity were always around. I remember hearing stories of their short lived affairs with their creative passions being told with so much love and longing, almost as if remembering it was re living it for a moment and it made them so happy, it was such a beautiful thing to witness but so heartbreaking at the same time. Art evokes such a big passion in my country and there are so many creative people with so much talent that have given up their dreams for stability that it unmistakably evoked a very strong feeling in me too. I used to feel alone most of the time except for when art was around, and as an artistically creative person, from a very early age, I remember wanting to have that feeling forever, not wanting it to end. Daydreaming of someday being on a stage in front of hundreds of people who were feeling understood with the lyrics being sung, or acting in a movie and making people feel like they’re not alone, like someone can put into words what they feel, or show them what they have been feeling when they can’t quite do it themselves. Dreaming of building a community where people feel understood and safe expressing or finding out what is going on inside them, a safe space to explore what is going on inside them. So as i grew up, between the struggle of choosing between stability and happiness, I eventually decided i had to try and give it my all, for myself and the people who had inspired me, for the childhood memories and even the memory of being with friends, sitting in a circle playing guitar and singing. I chose a creative path for them and for me, because i know full well that despite all the hardships that come with it, I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As for my work and my art, it’s definitely been a journey. About two years ago, at the beginning of 2023, I moved to Los Angeles thinking I just wanted to be an actress, but along the way I ended up finding so many other things within film that I realised i loved and could also expand on, so I did. I had my first job being a part of crew in a movie called “The Italians” in September 2023, where I discovered more in depth the different aspects and roles different crew members play on a set and started exploring the other side of the camera, which made me realise i wanted to create on a broader spectrum than just bringing a character to life. So i started studying and testing it out as more than one thing caught my attention. As for music, i had been toying with the idea of establishing a project and had been making very low quality demos since around 2022, but was terrified of putting anything out because of fear, fear of being vulnerable, fear of the product not being “perfect”, fear of potential rejection. I didn’t really realise at the time that the only way to get better is to try and fail and then to start again if you do. Moving to LA wasn’t easy, especially the first year, with adapting to a new city, and a new culture for the first time, it was definitely a cultural shock and very different to where I come from, so i left music aside for a while, focusing solely on acting and eventually on film as a whole, but at the beginning of 2024, i started jamming again, because i needed it, i missed it so much. My current project is very much striving to be a mix between music and film, at the end of the day they go hand in hand for me, my heart is in art as a whole, not specific representation of it, and I love the fact that this project is slowly turning into something that’s bigger than just myself. Bringing American and Chilean talent to the forefront, merging structure and passion, and creating a world that is begging me for expansion, to have more people and aspects on board. I think what i’ve learnt in the past year of fully diving and committing to both film and the music industry is that none of it is easy, it takes a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifices and so much dedication, especially as an independent artist who is just starting out, it’s so much more demanding than i ever thought it could be. It truly does take commitment to be an artist, to build a project and to step out of yourself and what you want, to be able to create something that transcends individuality. It takes so many hours, especially at the beginning, in the stages of trying to get people interested in who you are and what you’re doing, but it’s worth it. You need to care deeply, because if you don’t, why should anyone else, right? On the other hand you also need to be able to let go and move on if something isn’t working out, to not be overly attached to a result, which can be extremely hard sometimes. It’s definitely one of those things where the need to create and the love for what you’re doing needs to be bigger than your ego, your pride and your own desires.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in LA can be hectic, but it sure can be a lot of fun. From bars, to museums, to hidden thrift stores and coffee shops, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to find where to go, specially if you’re just visiting. As someone who loves exploring new places, thrifting and creative activities but also loves staying in and being alone, as well as more intimate spaces when hanging out with friends, my favourite spots around LA would consist of a mix between vibes that makes up for good recommendations if clubbing is not your focus. Some of my thrifting little hidden gems are the Los Feliz Flea Market, a variety of smaller thrift shops around the Burbank area, which can be found walking around Magnolia Blvd and close surroundings. Goodwill is also always a good place for some amazing finds, just as Buffalo Trading Post and the occasional stores you find walking around Santa Monica or further downtown and near Silverlake. As for restaurants and good spots for a quick (or not so quick) meal, Tatsu Ramen and Silverlake Ramen are a must have in my opinion if you’re in the mood for good ramen, Pa Ord Noodle has some incredible Thai curry, Royal Curry Cafe and Mayura are some of my go to Indian favourites, Farsi Cafe for some great Persian, UOVO in Marina del Rey is my personal go to for Italian, the service is amazing, the food even better and the vibes all around are immaculate. As for bars and more of a nightlife kind if vibe, i personally prefer house parties or places where i can hear people when talking, more intimate spaces to say it in a way, but there’s a variety of amazing spots with incredible drinks all around the city, Silverlake, West Hollywood and Santa Monica are my favourite places to walk around and explore bars with friends. One of my favorite places in town however, definitely has to be Point Dume over in Malibu, driving there to just think and meditate for a while has to be one of my go to activities to decompress when life gets a little stressful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of people have helped with getting to where i am now, and a lot of people will come in and be there as things progress. I genuinely think the journey is meaningless without people to share it with. Some of those people and things who have been there either in spirit or grinding side by side with me are my family, who despite being scared of me taking a riskier career path have slowly gotten on board and trusted and supported me in their own ways all the way from my home country, my best friends, who have shown me unconditional support and understanding when i’ve needed it and have been there with me every step of the way. My dad, who has stepped up when i’ve needed him, despite of sometimes struggling to understand my decisions or way of doing things. My manager, who is also one of my closest friends, Melissa Mederos, who trusted me enough to take a chance on me before having a lot to show for my work, somehow knowing I wasn’t going to disappoint, and who has helped me build confidence by pushing me and trusting me even when I don’t trust myself, and by truly caring about the work that is being done, other than just doing the work required as a manager. I could name so many other people who have either been there or inspired me and that will continue to be a source of stability, inspiration and motivation that this answer could go on forever, so i will finish with this; the path to get to where you want to be is made up of the people who are by your side just as much as yourself and the work you do, it’s good to remember to acknowledge and appreciate them too, instead of letting your focus become too narrow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiadpols/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sofiadpols?si=HU7P2AW39-dLud8K

Image Credits
Ian Russell
Cristian Baumann
Catalina Stocker
Shofrita