Conversations with Sophie Potrykus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Potrykus.

Hi Sophie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born & raised in the Lone Star State, I never quite imagined myself moving to Los Angeles. I spent my college years on the East Coast, that being the only time I lived outside of Texas, and never once made it to the West Coast til I got offered a position as an Assistant Music Editor. At the time I got the call, I had been working the front desk at a tax company in Dallas, answering phones & organizing office supplies, hoping my minimal knowledge of property taxes would help me skate by. I gave a quick yes to the job offer and I found myself packing up my car to make the 21-hour drive to LA, setting me on a path with never-ending question marks. (No need to fret about the aforementioned tax company, I promise they’re doing just fine without me.)

I began playing the Tuba when I was 12 years old, and picked up the Bass soon after. Living in the low end was always where I felt the most comfortable, and I found a lot of inspiration studying the women who pioneered the instrument before me and those who continue to break the mold of what it means to be a bassist. Players like Carol Kaye, Esperanza Spaulding, Mimi Jones, Tina Weymouth, and many others who carve their own path within the industry inspire me daily.

A childhood of playing in orchestras and bands would later lead me to double majoring in Bass Performance and Film Scoring, where I was able to combine my love for music and film, and work with others who have the same passion. During my first year in Los Angeles, I worked as an Assistant Music Editor to Nick South on films such as Vacation Friends (2021) and He’s All That (2021), but I knew I wanted to continue playing bass as much as possible, and explore all the different facets of life I was interested in. Luckily, I moved to a city that embraced all the possibilities.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the industry of being a “hired gun,” you exist within the anxiety of “what’s next?”, just like many other creatives. The idea of a smooth road exists well beyond my imagination at this point, keeping me on my toes and ready to make a quick pivot when needed. Making the jump to Los Angeles in itself was a struggle. Finding where I fit in within a brand new city was confusing and had me turning in many different directions, jumping from job to job in order to make rent, and taking any gig that came my way.

If I’ve learned anything within the time I’ve had in this industry it’s this: Every job or gig is a chance to learn and create. It’s important to build connections with others, beyond the surface level of “networking” (blah, hated even writing that word.) And, you have to trust that if you leap, some sort of net (or fun foam pit) will be there to catch you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a bassist, composer, and writer. These days, I’m predominantly a touring and studio musician, playing for artists such as Fletcher, Alex Warren, Remi Wolf, Mae Martin, Jobi Riccio, Brennan Wedl, and more. I’ve written music for short films & trailers, such as my most recent work on La Fête Du Court Métrage (2024) & Ain’t No Mercy for Rabbits (2020, Dir. Aliza Brugger). Outside of music, I have a newsletter called Hard Gal To Reach about life on the road and whatever else piques my interest.

I believe my curiosity sets me apart, both as a creative and as a person. There’s a willingness to try many, many different things within me that keeps me going in this industry, whether it’s learning new instruments or taking coding classes. When in doubt, you will find me trying to reframe the looming “Master of None” title into something positive.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Community, the ability to change, and the hot dog stands outside of venues. (Where would we be without them? Hungover, probably.)
After being on the road for months on end, landing back in a city that welcomes you with open arms and a multitude of new beginnings is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. It’s what keeps me in Los Angeles. The ability to always keep being and becoming, all while your local bar trivia night keeps you grounded.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sophiepotrykus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiepotrykus/