Music has always been in ArtistMap member Trovarsi‘s life. Before diving into the world of electronic music, jazz and blues along with classical instruments were present in her life. As “adulting” became a thing, music took a backseat, but she shows why it’s never too late to start something and the importance of creating your own opportunity.
How did you get your start with wanting to produce electronic music and DJ’ing?
I used to sing jazz and blues. I sang for other people and in bands. I wanted to start producing my own music.
It’s never too late to start something, right? It seems like artists are starting younger these days. You’ve accomplished quite a bit in a “short” amount of time. Can you share more about what prompted your decision to shift gears into the electronic space? Was this a complete 180 from your previous life?
I started playing the violin in elementary school and switched to the piano when I got a little older. Then I sang live jazz and blues. As I got older my professional career took precedence over my music, and I ended up taking a break. Eventually, I realized my true passion was always music and I started focusing on producing instead of singing for other people. The goal was to play electronic music live. I just needed to figure out how. That was always my focus.
Now there are DJ sets and then live acts. Were you always keen on the latter and what is it about them that draws you?
I’ve always been a musician first. I like to have control over my music and the ability to change it and change the flow of it at that moment.
We created SoCal Society because there wasn’t anything like it around offering what we needed, so we created it. We wanted a space where we could learn how to build synthesizers, ask people questions about them, and feel comfortable doing it. It started out with just three people meeting up and eventually, it just grew into this huge group.
Create your own opportunity
What do you think has attributed to your growth and some of your key milestones? And can you tell us about them?
Dedication, passion and hard work. I focus on what I need to do to be a better musician and artist. I try not to focus on what other people are doing. I have my road to travel. I think people get tripped up on what other people are creating and it can be discouraging. I try not to let my mind get stuck on that stuff. I focus on what I can accomplish for myself to make myself happy.
Why did you decide to create the SoCal Synth Society and how do you manage those responsibilities along with your artist journey?
We created SoCal Synth Society because there wasn’t anything like it around offering what we needed, so we created it. We wanted a space where we could learn how to build synthesizers, ask people questions about them, and feel comfortable doing it. It started out with just three people meeting up and eventually, it just grew into this huge group. There is a core group of SoCal members behind the scene. It’s in line with my journey as an artist because that’s how I approach making music. I’m not a person to sit around and wait for something to come to me. If I need to learn how to do something I reach out to other artists and try to learn as much as I can.
I also like helping and teaching other artists. I feel that as much as I can teach someone something, I can learn something from them as well. I firmly believe that the more you take time to share knowledge with someone you will also gain knowledge and personal growth.
Does it get to be too much?
Yes, hahaha, but I do it anyway. I feel like I have to. If I didn’t do it, I would be cheating myself out of my journey.
Goals, everyone has them. How are you defining them in your artist journey?
I stick to things that are true to me. I release my music. I like working with people, so we started the SoCal Synth Society. I like giving other artists a platform, so I host shows on YouTube to help promote them. I like working with modules and other tactile synths which, in turn, eventually lead me to work at Noise Engineering.
What’s been one of the most challenging aspects in your artist path?
Time is one of the most challenging aspects of my path. I want to do so many things and learn so many things. If I had to say something other than time. I think everyone struggles in time. lol. It’s being a woman of color.
When times get tough or you’re feeling discouraged, are there any words or reminders you tell yourself?
I just keep moving. I stay in action and stay focused on the music.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have a dog named Moby. He’s my special little dude that loves to stay with me all day in the studio.
Trovarsi is an LA-based music producer and live performance artist who brings a unique sound to the world of electronic music. With a hybrid blend of analog synths, modular, drum machines, and Ableton, she builds a pulsing atmosphere to any set she plays. She is also a co-founder of SoCal Synth Society.