Meet Sofi Mari | Vocalist & MC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofi Mari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk has taught me more lessons in life than it has to simply remain cautious about making decisions. Risk taking is something that I believe helps us step out of our comfort zone and grow as a person. Each time I’ve ever taken a risk and moved into unknown territory, Ive seen, experienced & learned things I never thought I could. It’s helped in numerous ways both personally and professionally. It’s basically what helped get me to where I am as an established vocalist and MC within Drum & Bass as well as finding that out that I make a great vocal instructor. I highly encourage taking some risks on anyones journey–you never know where it can lead you and what it can teach you!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been singing professionally since 2004 within the genres of drum and bass, hip hop and jazz fusion. Since then I have released a number of singles, collaborated with others in hosting and throwing drum and bass events, sung as a guest with local Miami hip hop artists, hosted drum and bass parties in the US, UK & Europe, graduated university with a degree in commercial music business, become a content writer for an electronic music blog and database, done some voiceover work and realised that I rather enjoy teaching others (from kids to adults) how to sing safely and effectively.

One of the main things I would hear from others over the years was “…You have to pay your dues!” I often felt frustrated and as though I had paid more than enough “dues” to feel as stuck as I often had on my vocal journey. My talent had taken me quite far, but the work necessary to take me that much further was what made the difference. That and refusing to give up on something that felt so fulfilling to me–being a part of the music world.

As a creative you need time to create and express yourself. When it comes to managing yourself as a creative you also need to make time to network and reach out to others, maintain a website and social media outlets, book yourself for shows, and be sure you’re being properly compensated, rehearse; it can become exhausting. I’ve learned countless lessons over time and know I have many more to learn moving forward. One of the biggest lessons has been accepting that it’s almost impossible to do everything yourself. My advice is to build a team as you grow your brand, have others you trust and can turn to when needed. I now appreciate the journey of being a creative more than anything and honestly wouldn’t change all that much. I hope my music inspires others to move and to keep pushing no matter how tough times can get. Love is ultimately why I do this. Love for yourself, for others and for life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami has so much more to offer than the usual tourist spots. One of my favourite beaches to frequent is Haulover Beach lagoon, just north of Miami across the bridge from Bal Harbour. From there we could go up the road to Hiros Japanese restaurant where I have been dining since I was about 7 years old. Oleta State Park rents out Kayaks for your friends and family to explore the bay so that would be on our list of things to do as well–maybe attend one of the full moon kayaking trips! Kabobji is a Middle Eastern restaurant not far from the park and would be a great spot to eat after (or before!). The Abbey Brewing Company is also a great little bar to grab some home brewed beers just off Alton Rd on Miami Beach. Friends that come to visit for a while also get taken to Gramps in Wynwood, have a wander around the Wynwood Walls, grab some authentic Cuban food from Palacio De Los Jugos, another beach day at Bill Baggs state park and also grab “The Blackbird” cocktail from Blackbird Ordinary on another night out! The Big Pink on Miami Beach would be a lunch spot my friends get taken to and then another night out in Coral Gables at “The Bar” would promise more dancing and drinks. I can go on and on, but these are some of my favourite spots to frequent around the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out  V Recordings, Function Records UK, Sun and Bass Festival and fellow creatives for inspiring and supporting me in doing what I do. Local Miami artists and friends such as those involved with Stanklove, United D&B and Miami dnb. As well as the team over at The School of Rock North Miami!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofimarimusic

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Image Credits
Skyper Photography