Meet Sohomski

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

Hi Sohomski, why did you pursue a creative career?
At first I tried every creative avenue, acting, dancing, film. Everything always lead back to music. I didn’t want to be a musician. I didn’t choose music, music chose me. After trying so hard to do something else, I always ended up working on a song at 3 in the morning. It’s a part of me that wouldn’t be ignored.

Then I realized that I was myself when I made music. I wasn’t putting on an act, or trying to be something that I wasn’t. It was raw, it was me.

Now I enjoy being able to create my music. Sharing personal stories with someone is the purest form of vulnerability.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from other musicians is my composition, I always try to put a lot of effort into the instruments so that there’s life brought into them. Chords are especially important to me, and they often have a specific purpose within the song that connects it to the story being told. Along with that, my lyricism is inspired by poetry. My mother was a poet, and we often wrote together, I feel very connected to that part of my childhood. I love learning new words and ways to communicate things in my work. Also, singing songs in Croatian helps me stand out and connect with my roots, considering that’s pretty niche. Singing in Croatian actually been helping me learn the language better, funnily enough.

I am most proud of my style. Although I have experimented in many genres, I’m starting to find my home, so to speak. I recently came up with the title “indie-islander” to describe my style of music. I’m Croatian, a heavily coastal/island-focused culture, I grew up in the forests of northern California and the beaches of Kauai. My father did a lot of work in Japan as well, leading to a deep respect and admiration for their culture. Basically anywhere I went, or even where my family was from, there was saltwater and wildlife. I adore the nature-side of my life, and as I further my career, I want to enrich my music with those experiences. This title is a way to remind me of where I came from, and imbue that power into my songs. My style is also inspired by the amazing work of Joe Hisaishi, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, and Vinko Coce.

Getting to where I am was no easy challenge, but I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I learned many lessons on the road here, and it was bumpy. The most successful thing, that has never let me down, is connection. If you want someone to like you, it shouldn’t be a one-way street. Finding the time to care about the people you market to, and learn more about what it means to be a creator is always a good resource. People really love my cat Bear, and they love when I make funny Q&A videos where he cartoonishly explodes. Did I plan to do this? No, but my fans think it’s hilarious. It’s a fun side-hobby, and it allows me to connect a little better with my audience. Not everything has to be serious, sometimes hard work can just be messing around!

One genuine professional note: Business card, get one.

All of that said, I want the world to know that I’m here to make an impact, this is all so much bigger than me. My brand is me, and I will always do my best.

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?
Well, food-wise my top picks would be: Boiling Crab in Burbank (I am obsessed with crab), Kabuki in Pasadena (Absolutely amazing menu), Gen Korean BBQ in Glendale (The brisket is amazing), honorable mention is Tao in LA (expensive but a great experience)

Drink-wise: The Fox and Hounds in Studio City (Great cider and karaoke nights!), El Tejano in North Hollywood (Get the Texas-sized margarita), and

Visit-wise: Brand Park and Mount Thom in Glendale (amazing hike), The Santa Anita Derby in Arcadia (grand architecture), Venice Beach (party-focused), and the IKEA in Burbank (you will get lost)

Hangout-wise: Library Park and LOOK Dine-in Cinema in Monrovia (very cozy), the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia (a bunch of options), and The Americana in Glendale (beautiful spot)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could thank every person I’ve ever met, they all have an impact. To keep it simple, I’d like to thank my friends and family for always being there for me, especially my parents. My mother and father are a pillar of support through every step of the music industry. I would also like to thank Pasadena City College, the folks there can really sparkle. I don’t think I would be as well-off as I am if it weren’t for the friends and mentors I met there. Finally, I’d like to thank my girlfriend Katrina Manor, not a day that goes by without her giving me butterflies. She’s my peace, and the best woman I could have by my side. All in all, the ones closet to me believe in me, and having that is something I’m truly grateful for.

Website: https://linktr.ee/sohomski

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRmzWQl30OIJvUnT9aU-ekw

Image Credits
Katrina Manor