Conversations with Sofia Ramirez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Ramirez.

Hi Sofia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Boise, Idaho. I’ve always had a passion for creating! When I was younger, I would draw ALL the time, and even created my own characters with their own backgrounds. I painted, wrote short stories, and always loved arts and crafts. I started learning guitar at 11 years old after getting the instrument for Christmas. Where I took guitar lessons was really cool. Once you were decent enough at your instrument, they would throw you in a band with other kids. So by age 14 I had already been in like 4 bands- it exposed me to all different kinds of music and taught me how music is all about connection. I wrote my first song on a ukulele at 13 called “Lost At Sea.” I was scared to go into high school, all my middle school friends were going to different schools. It helped me to process my emotions and I kept writing songs on and off since then. Freshmen year of high school I auditioned for the school musical on a whim. Even though I was in ensemble I still fell in love with the stage! My senior year I auditioned for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and got into the musical theater program. I’m very grateful for my parents who have always been so loving and supportive of me, no matter what I choose to do. College made me go thru a lot of ups and downs, writing music through out it helped me to process everything. Even if I left songs unfinished, I was still able to understand and put into words just what I was going through. I graduated in October (with honors!) and have been writing songs non-stop. I love performing and sharing what I create with the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is it cliche to say the biggest obstacle has been myself? Being impatient and a creative is not a good combination! When I got to college I kept comparing my abilities to everyone elses. I wanted to be better, I couldn’t appreciate where I was at. I kept putting this intense pressure on myself to be perfect, forgetting the whole reason I was there in the first place was to learn! I stayed up countless nights in the practice rooms just running songs on repeat, wanting to make sure I could hit every note perfectly. The more afraid you are to make a mistake, the more likely you are to mess up. When I performed in class I never thought about what I did right or appreciated the effort I put into it, I always focused on the one part I did wrong. I’d beat myself up over it, as if my worth depended on it. It’s not wrong for wanting something to be amazing- it means you care! I learned that I had to remember I’m a human, not a machine. The final few semesters of college I was finally able to appreciate who I was and the potential I have. Mistakes happen, that doesn’t mean I’m not good enough. That means I have room to grow!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter! Right now, I specialize in writing in my little notebook then putting it onto guitar chords. Currently, I’m most proud of graduating college and finding the motivation to keep pushing myself to be better every day. My music is mostly about my mental health and the ways I view the world. I’ve written a couple love songs but it’s not really my main focus. I love being playful with my lyrics and writing jokes or strange things into them. I want to convey as much as my personality as I can into my songs.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like the history of LA. Think about the La Brea Tar Pits! Even before humans existed, this place was already holding so much importance. Laurel Canyon was where legendary songwriters created beautiful works of art! So many pieces were created here and so many more will be created here.

I dislike the drivers the most! Why are you honking at me for walking during the pedestrian turn?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f4ke.blonde_
• Twitter: https://x.com/F4ke_Blonde
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@F4keBlonde
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/mZ0OHEIKgOZCYSN1Od

Image Credits
Polina Bakuleva – @photo.pbk