Each week we'll take you 'Behind the Beats' to learn more about the artists that play on our airwaves. This week: Sophia Bromberg
We sat down with Antonia Bennett at the end of 2023 for our year-end BEATS magazine. Check out the magazine article 'New Voices' in our BEATS magazine here, but first keep scrolling for the extended version of our interview in text format.
Allen Kepler: You are one of the younger performers, we feature on smooth jazz radio. Why do you think your music connects with audiences older, as well as younger?
Sophia Bromberg: First, I want to express my gratitude for having the opportunity to speak with you today! It’s truly an honor to be featured on radio that accurately reflects the genre of music I want to put out into the world. In reference to your question, in my music, I strive to incorporate both modern and older musical elements that all generations can connect with. Although I was born in the early 2000’s, I grew up listening to 90’s Hip Hop/R&B. As a result, my music is heavily influenced by singers like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Sade. A lot of kids my age, however, weren’t exposed to these vocalists as much as I was, and so I hope that my songs can act as the intersection between these two timelines, re-introducing older examples of neo-soul with new and modern methods of production.
AK: How did you get started as a singer/artist?
SB: I grew up in an incredibly musical environment; my mom and my two older sisters sing and play piano, and so I was introduced to piano, guitar, and singing at the age of 5. The most vivid memories I have of my childhood are sitting by the piano harmonizing with my two sisters. So, when I think about what inspires me as a singer, I definitely credit a large portion of my inspiration to my family.
AK: You also play piano and guitar. Tell us about your experience as a musician.
SB: I consider the piano and guitar as two extra limbs. I can’t recall a moment in my life when I didn’t know how to play them, and as a result, I see all versions of myself in both instruments. Songwriting has pulled me out of my hardest moments and brought me to my highest ones, and I couldn’t have done that without piano and guitar.
AK: Tell us about your musical journey over the past couple of years.
SB: When I was a junior in high school, I participated on Team Ariana of Season 21 of The Voice. After the season aired, I was exposed to an entirely new world in the music industry. I started singing the national anthem for sports teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Golden State Warriors, and SF Giants, and fostered new collaborations with other musical artists; one of them being writing a song that was nominated for “Best Song for Social Change” at the 2022 Grammys. During this time, I was also composing and recording my original music, releasing it on Spotify and all other musical platforms. I am currently working on my first album and can’t wait to share it soon!
AK: Were you familiar with what we call “Smooth Jazz” prior to the release of “Sesame”?
SB: Prior to sesame’s release, I was not familiar with “smooth jazz”, but I am so glad I am now! I have felt so welcomed by the radio’s community and feel that the theme “smooth jazz” epitomizes what my upcoming album is going to sound like.
AK: What are your goals as an artist?
SB: In the next few years, I hope to continue releasing music that people can connect with and jam out to, honestly. Music is an incredibly powerful tool that I can use to convey messages important to me. My song “Cardamom Princess” for example, is about my experience as a woman of color and the struggles I encountered with my identity growing up in a predominantly white city. In my new music, I hope that my songs encompass my authentic identity and make my listeners feel comfortable embracing theirs.
AK: What are your plans for 2024 and beyond?
SB: I’m currently a sophomore studying at UC Berkeley, so in the next few years I’ll be balancing my music with my academics. Next year, I’m super excited to start regularly performing with my band locally in the Bay Area as I continue to grow in school and as an individual!
Learn more about Sophia Bromberg on her website, here.