Today we’d like to introduce you to Amira Gadd.
Hi Amira, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It all started in 2017 when it hit me in my soul: “I should be a lyricist.” I’ve always loved writing songs and poems in my diary ever since I was about 7 years old. Rhyming intrigued me and made me happy. I always had melodies in my head and played piano by ear. Funny enough, I never thought of music as a career until 6 years ago. And I’ve never been happier.
This enlightenment about my purpose in life prompted me to learn about music through mentorship programs and showing up at music events. As a hands-on mom, this was my secret magic door into my me-time and I come to discover a creative side of me that needed to be unearthed. I set the intention to write positive and uplifting songs that might help listeners one way or another.
Ever since, I have built a catalogue of more than 130 highly produced songs, one of my songs was performed at ASCAP’s conference, have had tons of Sync placements, was hired as a Sync mentor, Sync speaker, Moderator, Panelist and independently became a Sync Consultant. In addition, I was invited by the Recording Academy (Grammy’s) to be a Voting Member and a Grammy U Mentor for an aspiring Music Supervisor Honor student at U.S.C. Moreover, I partnered with OneTree Planted and used my Bandcamp account to release songs that would plant trees. I was able to plant more than 100 trees with just one song and also pay my collaborators their fair shares.
The sweet surprise was when I got hired to be a Lyricist Consultant for a short Movie Musical. I got to see my name at the end credits. You can imagine the gleeful look on my face! Lastly, I now have a podcast called “Serendipities To Success,” where I interview successful individuals who have had amazing serendipities that led them to who they are now. This podcast gave me the chance and honor to interview amazing professionals whom I never thought I’d end up having the pleasure of knowing.
Throughout this music journey, I discovered that I have this love for L.A. that I didn’t know I had before. I started driving to L.A. from Orange County back and forth for networking. Even though I hated traffic, I absolutely look forward to it. L.A. is a special mood. Another thing I love about my journey is the talented artists I get to meet along the way. I’ve joined songwriting camps and writing sessions, which resulted in many incredible collaborations. There are so many epic singers and producers out there. They need to be heard!
Last and not least, my favorite part of this journey is volunteering at events. I have decided the best way to give back to the music industry community is to help however I can, especially to the ones who believed in me along the way. I volunteered for the Guild Of Music Supervisors, Catch The Moon’s Sync Keeper’s events, and WIMN’s She Rocks Awards.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, it was not easy. I did not have a music background, so I had to start from the beginning at an older age. I studied 7 days a week for at least 2 years. I skipped many personal family and friend events so I can attend mentorship sessions and learn everything I could. I tried to not leave any stone unturned. My family responsibilities come first, so I was always struggling for time. The limited time I had pushed me to finish my deadlines for a song or brief submission in a timely manner. It’s true that time is money.
Also, the music industry is expensive. In order to create a high-quality song, many times I had to pay for good producers, session musicians, and even session vocalists. Conferences and mentorships are not cheap and so as building a great music catalog. Songs feedback were a crucial learning curve for me, and I had to invest in them as well along the way. Lastly, I invested in a songwriting coach, Suzan Koc, who has helped me tremendously to be the songwriter and lyricist that I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Lyricist and a Songwriter. I write songs for artists and for T.V. and Film placements. I am also a Sync Consultant and Grammy U Mentor. I am known for my knowledge in the Sync world and for loving to rhyme in my lyrics. I am proud that in just a short time, I was able to accomplish so much in so little in the music industry. I tell everyone: “If I can do it, you can too!”
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I take the business and legal side of the music industry very seriously. When it comes to collaborations, the business talk comes first on the table. Then when all parties agree on what to be expected, we have fun with creating song after. In addition to honoring the creative side of the song, I like to look at it as a product and a service. I am a music entrepreneur.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Listening to my heart and gut feeling has been crucial. The most important lesson that I have learned in my music journey is that dreams do come true with hard work, tenacity, persistence and patience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amiragadd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiragadd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amira.gadd.58/photos_by
- Youtube: youtube.com/@amiragadd
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/serendipities_to_success/
Image Credits
Studio Reem and Gabby Neely
