Interview: Singer Phoenix Sohl
Meet Phoenix Sohl, an artist media personality out of Atlanta, GA. She’s traveled the world and worked with/studied under some of the best in the world of dance, ,music, and acting The Culture has to offer. She’s ambitious and had big plans to take over ,music and media so check out our interview and #GetFamiliar.
You are a creative that wears many hats, can you briefly tell us what all you do?
Whatever needs to be done. (smile) I’m primarily a recording artist, writer, executive producer and entrepreneur. Really though, I like to stay flexible enough to be whoever I need to be to bring the vision to life.
How would you describe your musical style?
Spaceship Soul. I’m heavily influenced by jazz, r&b soul and hip hop so that’s reflected in my sound. I’m attracted to atmosphere however & ambient sounds & frequencies…I want the listener to travel to another dimension while listening to my sound & vibe with me.
How did you come up with the name Phoenix Sohl and what does it symbolize to you?
By nature, I’m a Phoenix continuously creating and re-creating myself. Soul to soul is how I seek to connect with people and listeners. That’s how Phoenix Sohl came about.
I changed the spelling of soul to symbolize the silent “h” which represents the breath or air in Egyptian culture. So with that spelling I represent the fire bird of Sun & Air.
What made you eventually decide to get into the media personality side of the biz to go along with your music?
I’ve always been in front of the camera. I like authenticity, spontaneity and good convo. It just made sense & was effortlessly magic.
How do you manage your time to do some many different things?
I would say just remaining focused on each individual task in the moment while being aware of the big picture. I’m really skilled at organization and execution and I also love being a creative. So it’s just about maintaining that balance of completing the mission and having fun while doing it. I try not to overthink it.
You grew up in a military family so you were able to travel and live abroad growing up can you talk about how that has influenced your artistry?
Being a military child and traveling the world influenced who I am as a person. I’m open-minded as a result. I’m enjoy different cultural experiences, people and things. I enjoy adventure & color in all aspects of my life and like experimenting and trying new things.
This influences my art because I want to color outside of the lines with this music. I don’t want to get locked into anything because that stifles me. I just like to be free and open to whatever wants to express itself through me.
Can you describe a little bit of your creative process/how you make your music?
I like to meditate and be in a vibe then allow the music to flow through me. I just want to be a channel and allow my mind to get out of the way. When I’m having fun and in the moment…it’s magic.
What are your thoughts on how women are treated in the music industry today? What has been your experience? Do you feel like things are improving?
I like to focus on the positives and I believe change is here. Women in every industry have experienced mistreatment and inequality. The music industry is a boys club too. However women are rising in equal power. Our voices are being heard & our actions/accomplishments are being seen. When we rally together to push this change…there is strength in numbers.
What are your top 3 albums of all-time?
Outkast- Aquemini
Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Jay Z- American Gangster Acappella
What would you say has been the key to building your brand?
Knowing myself and being true to the message & image that is true to me has been the biggest element. I feel that’s the key aspect to creating the brand. Consistency is key too. I’m working on that consistency piece.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to aspiring artists?
Don’t give up. Network and maintain relationships & good business. Pray for guidance and protection. Listen to your inner guidance (even as fear arises) and just execute. Repeat.
What’s the next step in the evolution of the Phoenix Sohl brand/platform and what are your ultimate goals?
Creating on a higher level is the next step. I see myself working with different artists/creators globally and making magical experimental music. I see major motion picture visuals that tell stories and I really desire to impact social change through music & my voice. I’ve been watching a lot of documentaries of prolific leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr, Bob Marley, Quincy Jones, Bobby Kennedy etc. I’m going to use this music and my voice/vision to create social & spiritual evolution across the globe. This time change will sweep the world by the hands of the divine feminine.
And finally, what does the term “The Culture” mean to you?
It’s overused and misappropriated in my perspective. Culture derives from the root word “cult” which equates to a group of people with similar ideals & ideology. I don’t really feel that many celebrities redefining that word know just how powerful it is or understand the impact of their personal power in creating a world of disillusioned lost souls.
Drops the mic & exits stage left. Love.
Check out her debut single Charmer out now and follow her on Instagram @PhoenixSohl
And also check out some of our other interviews for The Culture:
- Hip-Hop Weekly Editor-in-Chief Kim SoMajor
- Comic Book Writer Bryan Edward Hill
- Journalist/YouTuber Chauncey K Robinson
Interviewed by @TalentedMrFord