For Sophia Zamani, a sophomore indie-folk and country artist, music is all about connection.
In 2022, Bruce Springsteen’s producer, Ron Aniello, discovered Zamani on Instagram, and what began as a digital connection swiftly evolved into a life-changing mentorship. Now, Zamani is diving into the music industry — a place she feels she truly belongs and where she can have an impact on others through a union of poetry and lyricism.
“Ultimately, we as humans really want something to connect with — whether that’s experiences or people or places — and I think that I’m just trying to do my part to help people connect to something,” Zamani said.
Finding Her Passion
With eight solo songs out on Spotify and Apple Music and over 100 others written, Zamani is pursuing her career in music while also earning a bachelor’s degree in advertising.
Music wasn’t always her priority. Zamani said when she was in elementary school, she actually hated taking music lessons, and it wasn’t until she stopped and began to appreciate various instruments on her own time that she uncovered a love for music.
“At the end of the day, I just try and sit down with my guitar and write about whatever comes to me,” Zamani said.
When Zamani first entered the music industry, she said she quickly realized the importance of coming out of her shell. She moved to New York City during the height of COVID-19 to collaborate with other artists.
“Something that’s been really big for me is becoming friends with other developing artists because we’re at a similar stage and we can really help each other in this time,” Zamani said.
Zamani has written and recorded many of her songs in Woodstock, New York, a place she said attracts many big names in the music industry. Her favorite part of being there is the clarity of mind she gets without the rushed feeling of the city.
“I feel so inspired in Woodstock — I have written so many songs during my time there,” Zamani said. “It’s so crazy how such a small town is full of so many insane musicians. The nature, history, people and culture make it such a special place.”
Originally, Zamani considered pursuing her career in New York but ultimately decided to stay in California. She said California’s natural surroundings were a big factor in her decision to attend Pepperdine.
“That’s where I ground [myself] and feel like I can connect with myself,” Zamani said.
In learning from other artists, Zamani said she discovered aspects of the music industry she didn’t know before. The many steps it takes to find success as a musician can be a complex process.
“We don’t realize how much work goes into making a song or making a brand, there’s photography, social media development, distribution,” Zamani said.
Building a Career
Zamani said she makes sure to have balance in her life between music and school.
Noelle Hickey, Zamani’s close friend, said she admires Zamani’s hard work and dedication to her music and lyrics.
“Sophia is by far one of the most talented and driven individuals that I know,” Hickey said. “It’s amazing to anyone who watches her from afar but getting to witness her passion and dreams coming true up close is an unbelievable honor. Her lyrics and music reflect her in the most beautiful way.”
Zamani said she loves the songs she’s already released but also has high hopes for what is yet to come. She said music has already helped her through difficult times and elevates good ones.
“I love being on the stage and sharing my music with people,” Zamani said. “The feeling of singing a song you wrote with other people is a truly magical experience.”
Humans want to connect with people and places, Zamani said, and she is trying to do her part to help people discover their passions in the same way that she found hers through her music.
“I am proud of myself for sticking to something that I’m so passionate about, and really doing everything I can to make a career out of it,” Zamani said.
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Contact Kylie Kowalski via email: kylie.kowalski@pepperdine.edu
