Meet Sophia Angelica | Singer-Songwriter & Creative Activist

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

Hi Sophia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe a lot in taking risks. Risks have been the reason that I’ve gotten to where I am today. When I was little and was invited to sing at the United Nations, I immediately said yes without thinking about it. That led me to perform at many other important events, which I said yes to, a snowball effect that would soon become my career. Now, I’ve been a mixture of a commercial singer-songwriter and a creative activist, all because of those risks. Who knew what I was getting myself into, but I knew they were opportunities that could take me to the next step. They all helped create my path as an artist, the people in my life, and the experiences I’ve had. So, I believe taking risks is a necessary part of someone’s life and career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a singer-songwriter and creative activist. So, I write commercial pop music as well as music for social causes that I perform at the United Nations and with organizations nationally and internationally. I also perform bilingually in English and in Spanish. I recently released a full-length album called #Angelicas with songs in both languages that also explore many different genres, a bilingual pop fusion of sorts. I love to combine my passions, my two cultures, and write about topics that are important to me, from love to human rights. I always say that if you have a talent and a passion for something, to use it for good, because I have seen how music, even my own, has changed or helped people over the years. I am currently working on a new bilingual pop project, and continue to release music videos. It’s been a really unique ride, from singing at the UN and formal events as a little girl to underground venues in New York and releasing my original music. It definitely hasn’t been easy, but I would say my support system and my passion for what I do has helped me succeed and reach my goals. I still have a long ways to go, but I can say I am doing what I love, and that’s the most important thing for anyone to learn.
For a little bit of background, I set out on my entertainment career at 6 years old and made my debut on “Good Day New York” on FOX and “Dora the Explorer” on Nickelodeon. In March of 2018, as lead speaker and performer, I went on a University Human Rights Tour in Taiwan. Soon after, I received the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors “Breakthrough Artist Award,” and the “Presidential Volunteer Service Award” in Washington, D.C. for my volunteer work with human rights. I’ve also received letters of recognition from New York State Governor’s Office, the State Legislature of New Jersey, and many other political leaders. On a more personal note, I also wrote the song, “My Brother, Big Brother,” and created a national music awareness campaign for my brother who, at the time, needed a life-saving kidney transplant. Not long ago, I returned from being invited by the Gates Foundation to perform in Thailand, in Chicago for the United States Hispanic Leadership Conference, and with Wonderama TV in Times Square with David Osmond. I also continue to perform in venues across the tri-state area, such as Birdland Jazz Club, The Stone Pony, Yankee Stadium and Meadowlands RaceTrack. I also most recently had the honor to receive a Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award under the category of Contemporary Pop, presented by Clive Davis.

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?
New York City is definitely one of the most diverse places on Earth. However, I do have my usual hangout spots or cool places I love to always check out. I would definitely take someone to the Hudson Yards, the Village for live music, possibly a party cruise on the Hudson River where you see the Statue of Liberty, the highline park, Williamsburg, Central Park, Koreatown for karaoke, and the Freedom Tower. For dinner, I have a few spots I love to go to, including a little incredible French restaraunt in midtown called Chez Napoleon and Fushimi Times Square for great Japanese food. It’s definitely an experience to see Broadway, so that would be one of our destinations, as well as Rockefeller Center. There’s always so much to explore, so I would also discover new things with anyone who wanted to learn more about the city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a really big shoutout to my family. They have been my support system and my pillars throughout my life and career. Without them, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten to this point. My mother, Susan Rybin, has been indispensable in my path as an artist. She has helped me develop and grow into the professional and person I am today. I also want to thank my team, and those who have helped guide me along the way and have given me those opportunities that I most needed, including my videographer Manny Garcia, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, John Velasco, my acting manager Alejandra Palomera, James Diamond, among many others.

Website: http://sophiaangelica.com/wp_sophia/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-angelica-62aa6117a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAngelicaMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiaangelicamusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PEpj9OnMDZCDJMjUsEWyg

Other: https://unitedmasters.com/m/angelicas

Image Credits
Headshots in Pink and with jacket with wings: Zalo Photography Photo singing in red: Raul Blanco Album cover: graphic designer Edmanuel Rodriguez / Photographer Tina Turnbow