Today we’d like to introduce you to Somalia Ramin.
Somalia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and host. Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey but raised in Lithonia, Georgia, I fell in love with the performing arts while participating in my middle school talent show. I’ve always been involved in the arts from doing musical theatre, joining dance teams, and high school choir. I was cast to host a teen talk show called “Fusion Talk Show” at the age of 16 when I was a junior in high school.
My parents have always been supportive of me pursuing a career in the arts. Both of my parents are artists, one visual and the other performing. So I was encouraged to major in an artistic field in college. Upon graduating from Spelman College in May of 2018, I packed out my debut concert at Gallery 992. This was my first huge step towards putting myself out there as an independent artist in the Atlanta music scene.
I’ve noticed that most of my success has come from deciding to invest in myself and not wait for anyone to “put me on.” I was a part of the Atlanta Beltline Art on the Beltline Exhibition this Summer. It was a wonderful opportunity that I would’ve missed out on if I wasn’t proactively looking to new opportunities. Not only have I performed on the frontline but I also have done background for artists like Kathleen Bertrand and B Angie B.
My music is a mix of R&B, Jazz, and hip-hop. My vocal range is at the intersection of Brandy, Tweet, Erykah Badu, and Monica. I released an EP titled “Urban Sassy Soul” in 2015. I recently released another EP titled “Journey” on October 5th.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say it has definitely been difficult because I’m still building my team. It can be very frustrating having to coordinate performances, interviews, press releases, band rehearsals, etc. on my own. Coming straight out of college, I didn’t have a financial backing to put towards my music career. I’m working multiple jobs and gigging whenever I can to support the vision. There are only so many hours in a day, so I have to write out my list of priorities.
If I’m not constantly setting goals for myself, then I’m doing a disservice to my music and my career. I treat my musical career like it’s my day job because I eventually want it to pay my bills. So an obstacle I had to overcome while being an independent artist was finding people who could help take some of the work off my hands. I asked a friend who’s played multiple gigs with me to be my musical director.
This takes some of the stress off of me having to teach other musicians my music for live shows. I now use one person for the majority of my videography needs. That eliminates the struggle of waiting for event photographers to send over footage from live shows. I had to learn how to be a better leader and supervisor for my career.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I think what I am most proud of is that I’ve stayed true to my sound and I’m humble. I don’t get caught up in what’s “in style” or trends. I just write music that makes my soul feel good. If it happens to resonate with someone else, then that means they’re a part of my audience. I don’t focus on the fans that I don’t have. I am just constantly striving to be a better person and artist. I let everything else fall into place by itself.
What sets me apart is that the person you meet in real life and the person you hear in my music is the same person. I don’t change into this totally different person on stage. I’m very energetic, dramatic at times, outspoken yet sensitive. That’s exactly what my music represents. I’m not afraid to use my entire vocal range on one song and then rap on another. Versatility is important to me, and that’s what keeps my music exciting.
What were you like growing up?
I was very bossy as a child. My mother told me that I would constantly tell my brother what to do and he was the oldest. I was very talkative and intuitive. I caught on quick to things other little kids weren’t paying attention to. I was definitely a mommy’s girl. I wanted to do everything my mother did, (hints we both have Locs.) I was a girly girl.
I loved getting my toes painted, wearing lip gloss, and wearing pretty dresses. Even as a little girl, I performed for my family in our living room. I’d make up dance routines and put on plays. I knew that I was going to do something in entertainment. I just wasn’t sure what.
Pricing:
- Journey CD is $15.90 on my website
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesomaliashow.com
- Email: booksomalia@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesomaliashow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesomaliashow/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesomaliashow
Image Credit:
Ashley Dunbar, Mike Lovehall, Ross Gordon
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