Meet Sonia Schmidt | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Schmidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think I have learned that taking care of myself is part of my creative process. Sometimes that looks like going for a long hike in nature and reading a book, and letting my mind wonder and ponder for a while. I would really stress out about not being more ‘productive’ and had to unlearn the idea that productivity only looks like actually doing the work. The creative process encompasses all aspects of daily life, nothing is wasted. It’s about being disciplined to do the right things, but also about letting myself live my best life while doing it if that makes sense.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I am the most proud about with my musical journey is the amount of growth I was able to experience through it. If you would have told me just a few years ago that I could not only write and perform, but also produce and mix my own music, I would not have believed you! It takes so much effort, discipline and belief to make it happen, but it’s definitely worth it! Being a woman in music, I had to learn how to be heard by becoming more self confident. I also had to battle with impostor syndrome a lot, which is an ongoing process. The most valuable lesson I’ve learnt through it all is to value my artistic vision, and to be ready to learn more and more each day. I’ve definitely had to expand my capacity as a person tremendously not to be discouraged with every obstacle. My hope is that my music ends up in the ears of the people who need it the most. Whatever the reason is, If it can make a difference for even one person, my goal would be accomplished.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh! This is such a hard one in COVID times! I love Tacos tu Madre in Los Feliz, as well as Go get em Tiger. The Observatory is always a winner with visitors. I personally love just walking around my neighborhood and getting lost in the hills, looking at the beautiful houses and taking in the views and nature. LA is such a vibrant and exciting city, but I have to say, I’ve mainly been focusing on developing my project and am probably not the best guide in town! Oh another one that I miss during these times is the Roadhouse in Eagle Rock/Glassell Park. They have a wonderful bar/record shop and some live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It truly takes a Village! So many people have been influences, support, friends, and believed in me when I had a hard time to. My practice of Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI (an international lay Buddhist organization) is by far what helped me the most throughout the years to deeply transform my sense of self and my core values. More recently, my friend and incredible artist Rebecca Janes has been instrumental in helping me in many ways. I also love going back to the writings of Patti Smith that reminds me that being an artist takes a lot of courage, but it also is the most freeing route.

Website: https://www.ohsergio.com/
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