Meet Sohil | Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer

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

Hi Sohil, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think balance is mega important for people who get obsessed with their craft. However, I think it all comes down to how well you know yourself. If you’re the type of person that loves working on music 8 hours straight, into the night, and sleep at 4am…then more power to you. I am not one of those people. One thing I do to push myself is to make sure I do something music-related every day, but I don’t beat myself up if I am not constantly making crazy progress constantly. Progress is progress and sometimes life makes it difficult to go 100% and not burn out. Especially in the age of immediate ROI and metrics, I believe it’s important to disconnect yourself from that. It’s massively important for artists to understand themselves and what will keeps the fire alive. For me, I love making small steps towards my musical goals every day but if I have an idea/spark that ignites that fire in me, I use that as a sign to go harder and put more time into it. I just know myself well enough to know what works and what doesn’t. The worst thing to do is to compare your process to someone else and feel bad if you are not working the same as them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been connected to art. It started with drawing and then very quickly to music. Starting around 10-years-old, I knew I wanted to be a musician. I started playing guitar and writing songs as a hobby that speedily turned into an obsession. I would sometimes leave class in middle-school to “go to the bathroom” and spend 15 minutes walking around the halls working on the new lyrics I made that morning.

Fast-forward to now….not a whole lot has changed. I still write songs, play guitar, and obsess over my new creations! However, the sound of what I make has for sure shifted. My music incorporates singer-songwriter lyrics, soulful guitar, dreamy synths, and hip hop drums. Think of it as a weird blend of John Mayer, Jon Bellion, The 1975, Frank Ocean, and Bruno Mars (not comparing myself to these greats for the record). My songs all give off a feeling of longing and hopefulness. I love lyrics that tell a story and paint a picture for the listener so they feel like they are sitting next to me on my couch while I tell them about a moment in my life.

I made it a point when the pandemic hit to release more music and not hold back on my passion. Since then, I’ve released an instrumental album. 12 singles, an acoustic EP, 5 music videos, and COUNTLESS TikToks. I have a bunch of releases on the horizon too that I feel are some of my best stuff. Next year, I’ll hopefully feel the same. I want to keep maximizing my potential and getting better at my craft. I’m very proud of my dedication to this and my ability to consistently improve.

Regarding the challenges I’ve faced….I think that’s all how you look at it. I enjoyed every step of the way so the hard moments really weren’t that hard. I was okay when I first started and my fingers hurt playing guitar because I just enjoyed the process of learning songs. When I performed live for people and I forgot the lyrics, it hurt, but I was fine because it made me better. When I release social media content that doesn’t perform as well as I’d like, I’m okay with that because it will either help me pivot my strategy or it will help me think more creative with my posts. Essentially, if I love the process, the rest will come 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from the DC/Nova area! This is a great place to be. Great restaurants, culture, companies and….wineries. If my friend is visiting the area, I would take them to Tiki Thai in Reston for amazing Thai Food, or Anju in DC for fantastic Korean Food. After that, I’d hit a rooftop bar in Dupont Circle or U Street. Then (if we aren’t too dead), I’d take them for a nighttime walk along the reflecting pool and past the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monuments. By this point, we’re going to want some rest….

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my family and friends. I have such a strong support system that encourages my musical endeavors, it’s nuts. Whenever I release new music, my friends and family are always on it and make sure to show me love. I also wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for them, so naturally they shape the music I make. If you personality is dictated by your upbringing and social circle…and your music is a facet of your personality….my circle is 100% to thank for anything I create!

Instagram: @songsbysohil

TikTok: @songsbysohil

Twitter: @songsbysohil

Facebook: @songsbysohil

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3B2IvgucgQ_AX-p-Md05w

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/50aaIzhg9OBnvIsuuvuCnR?si=D7pAqH-bSPqCYeVqkaby2w
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sohil/931805043

Image Credits
Photos taken by Sam Darko, Vinny Tinto, and Anirudh Changkakoti