Meet Sophia Urista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Urista.

Sophia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to New York City out of college with no drivers license, no money, and no clue. Just a feeling and a need. A need to be around ferocious creativity. After about two years of professionally exploring myself, I won a karaoke contest which set me on the career path I’m on today, as a singer.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was born with a competitive nature. I love and live for obstacles. You have to if you choose showbiz! Kevin Systrom (founder and CEO of Instagram) said “a lot of people say “you should love what you do” but it’s more “you should love what you’re shooting for. Cause work is hard. It can be miserable at times. Nothing great in this world came easy. It’s a universal law that great things come with a lot of work.”

The real hard part is balancing my personal life with my career. Being on the road as a singer means I don’t get to see my family enough. It hurts to know how much they need and miss me. The sacrifice is real.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us more about what you are currently working on.
I’m currently a resident artist in a show on the strip in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan Hotel called OPIUM. My character is a shape-shifting Barbarella-type intergalactic space diva called “Dusty Moonboots. It’s a riot; a loony and brilliantly casted circus set in space.

I am also the lead singer of a nine-piece brass band called “Brass Against”. We do Rage Against the Machine and TOOL covers. The videos went viral & every show sells out. This June 2019 we’re opening for Lenny Kravitz in London. I have missed the tour b/c of this Vegas gig but I still fly to NYC regularly to film videos for the fans.

I’ve never had a consistent, everyday job so, while it’s very challenging, it’s refreshing. Every artist should try to have a job at some point. It teaches responsibility, the importance of collaboration. Also, a consistent paycheck can, if you’re disciplined enough, afford you time with your own projects.

Before all this, I was hosting burlesque and cabaret shows around the world as a singer/MC. I’m known for my versatility, crowd work, singing, and aesthetic style. I’m certainly not the best at what I do, but I’m the best at being ME! That’s enough encouragement to make me work harder.

Contact Info:

• Website: sophiaurista.com
• Email: sophiauristamusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: @sophiaurista
• Facebook: @sophiaurista
• Twitter: @sophiaurista

Image Credit:
@filmshootersmedia, @andrewsea, @shervinfoto

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