‘A1A’ by Sophia Gonzon

For many, music can inspire healing. For others, it can even be a form of therapy. Sophia Gonzon, a 22-year-old singer and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida, falls into that second category.

Sophia’s music career began in November 2018 during what was initially meant to be a music therapy session, intended to bring her relief after years of bullying that spanned from elementary school through her freshman year of high school. With PTSD exasperating a variety of health issues, she began to record a song called ‘Daddy Issues’, which would resonate with listeners once it was released and launch her music career.

‘Daddy Issues’ and Further Success

Within the first two months of its release, ‘Daddy Issues’ gained over 100,000 streams on Spotify. With a passionate sound that blends the lines of R&B and pop, the song tackles the themes of bullying and intimidation by promoting self-love, growth, and the perspective that time outside of trauma can bring. ‘Daddy Issues’ has since surpassed over 3 million streams on Spotify.

Shortly after the release of her first single, Sophia went on to release a follow-up single called ‘Out My Way’ in April 2019. The song was meant to inspire women and girls dealing with conditions like PTSD, chronic migraines, and depression to stay strong and persevere.

Sophia has also collaborated with vocal coach and producer Anita Faye Wilson, who has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston and Gloria Estefan, as well as the group PLYBCK. During this time, she released a song called ‘XYZ’—a fun, mid-to-upbeat pop/R&B song about realising your worth and knowing that it is okay to end toxic relationships, both romantic and otherwise.

In 2022, Sophia Gonzon was nominated for 13 awards at the Indie Music Cafe in Hollywood, California. She took home Best Alternative Video for ‘Enough’, Best Pop Song for ‘No Game’, Best Pop Video for ‘Daddy Issues’, and was crowned Best Female Pop Artist as well as Best New Female Artist of the Year.

Persevering Through Health Issues

Sophia doesn’t shy away from the fact that the severe bullying she endured as a teenager brought out a slew of health problems, including chronic migraines, anxiety, depression, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. However, despite these difficulties, she continues to make music with the intent of helping others overcome their own challenges in life.

Music, Sophia says, is where she has found her sense of purpose, and through it, she uses her painful experiences to let others know that they are not alone. She says that the hardships she’s been given have enabled her to understand what others might be going through, and this allows her to offer them hope through her music. “My biggest challenge was learning to trust myself,” she says.

When asked what she envisions herself doing in the next few years, she says she sees herself on tour performing and helping others overcome their challenges in the process.

Those interested in learning more about Sophia and listening to her music can find her on Spotify.