1 – Let’s rewind to the genesis. Was there a specific moment, a song, an artist, or maybe even a feeling that sparked your journey into music?” (This is more evocative and invites a story.)

 

I started in music when I was 5 years old by playing the piano. By the time I hit 5^th grade, I could already play the piano, saxophone, and recorder. I had my first solo in 5^th grade, and audiences paid to see me perform. I had my first role in school play at 6^th grade where I was the main character.

By middle school and high school, I was already playing in the jazz band, marching band and choir. All of these experiences shaped me musically which has led to me becoming a DJ and also an artist.

 

2 – Who are your biggest musical influences?

 

The laundry list is long but here’s a shot…. Amy Grant, Phillip Bailey, Kenny G, Quincy Jones, DC Talk, Jay Z, Nipsey Hussle, Jadakiss, 50 Cent, Outkast, Makaveli, and Nas.

3 – Beyond the usual suspects, who are some of the lesser-known or perhaps unexpected musical figures who have truly shaped your sound and approach?

N.E.R.D., Kurupt, Skyzoo, Young Jeezy, T.I., Twinz, Lady of Rage, MC Breed

4 –  our stage name is [Stage Name] – it’s intriguing! What’s the story behind it? Is there a hidden meaning, a personal connection, or a funny anecdote there?

[Sos Dior]

My artist name originally was “PretiBoi” bc I use to get all the girls and had fly whips going back to high school. I got into an altercation with some local artists and they called me “Shitty Boy” so I wanted a name that couldn’t be made fun of. So I changed my name to “Sosea” (So-Sea) as I’m originally from South Seattle. At the time I was blowing up in Canada, I got kicked out of the country for doing music and walked away from music for about 10 years. When I released a new project in 2023, someone was using my name Sosea and my album released under their profile. So to change my name I struggled because I already had 15 albums out under Sosea, and had multiple recordings referring to myself as Sosea. So to keep my catalog intact, I shortened my name from Sosea to “Sos” but needed a way to identify myself long term without having to reinvent my name multiple times. Since I previously designed fashion, did music, art and more…. I opted to go with the name “Dior” at the end as I’m a true artist in entertainment, fashion and art.

5 – “If you were to paint a sonic picture of your music, what colors, textures, and emotions would be on that canvas? How would you describe your unique musical style in a way that goes beyond genre labels?

My canvas would be filled with bright colors that invoke the beauty of the eye, with different materials such as brick, denim, paper, wood, and other various materials like metal! You would have to look at the canvas in 3D because you wouldn’t be able to see all the detail at first glance. Musically, I come from decades of music history and theory going back to Beethoven. My music encompasses jazz, symphony, hip hop, rap, rnb, country, soul, rock and more. This is why each album is so different. I truly haven’t found a “niche” because I continue to evolve and change and every record.

6 –  Take us into your creative sanctuary. What does your writing and recording process feel like? Is it a solitary journey, a collaborative explosion, or something in between? Walk us through the emotions and energy involved?

My journey has been painful. I’ve always wanted to collaborate with artists that I’ve respected over the years and believe every truly deserves an opportunity. I’ve tried to work with artists such as Kurupt, E-40, Jadakiss and others but financially can’t support those endeavors trying to come up. I’ve also tried working with local artists, but they haven’t had the drive, ambition or willingness to sacrifice to be in my position.

 

So yes, my journey has been mainly solitary but I hope one day that things will change. I’m an old soul, and long to be around others creating and vibing together in real time.

7 –  Music has the power to move and inspire. What conversations do you hope to spark with your music? What core message or feeling do you want listeners to walk away with?

I want people to put Sos Dior in the elite MC category. I’m not a rapper. Put me in the conversation with Eminem, 50 Cent, and others. In my new catalog I’ve recorded 28+ albums and take fans through all types of records…. Drill, Detroit music, club, anthem, East Coast, West Coast, country, EDM, party, and more. I want fans to say I did everything, and did it well! I want fans to see different shows, such as Sos Dior’s rock concert, vs. Sos Dior’s hip hop concert. I want listeners of all music to respect my artistry and say I was one of the best to do it ever!

I also am a survivor. I tried to unalive myself when I was younger because I felt I didn’t fit in. Music gave me the outlet to express myself, my pain, and what I’ve experienced in life trying to be a part of a team that cared about each other and always wanted to see each other win.

8 – Let’s dive into your latest project [Album/Project Name]. What was the driving force behind this creation? What themes did you explore, and what makes this project stand out from your previous work?

LOL you got me with this one! All of my projects are the latest. I just released 5 out of 27 albums already recorded this year. The driving force is I have too much on mind to say in 1 album, or 60 minutes. I’ve lived in Seattle, Buffalo, NY, Vancouver, British Columbia and my life was very different in each culture. If I had to break down my albums his is what I would say…..

 

BUILT DIFFERENT – Inspired by my life in NY, symbolizes the East Coast boom bap sound. Produced by Ready Ron Beats from Brooklyn, NY. This album caters to my east coast lyrical abilities.

 

PERSONA – This album!…. Also Grammy nominated this year…. Was a collection of versatility. This album shows the full spectrum from east coast, to west coast, from story telling to reggae creations… this album encompasses it all.

 

Expectations – This album was “expected” to come out. Unlike the other projects, this album dives deeper into the mind of Sos Dior. How I think, what I believe, and what I feel. This album talks about my world views and how I’ve drastically changed over such a short time span in my life.

 

FOREVER – This album shows the maturity in my evolution. With songs like “FREEDOM” also nominated for a Grammy this year…. I’m not looking to make the next drill record. I’m looking to create iconic songs that change the musical landscape such as “8 Mile” or “1999.”

 

I could go on forever about every project but I think you get the drift….

9 – The creative journey isn’t always smooth. What’s the biggest hurdle you face when bringing your musical visions to life, and how do you navigate those challenges?

My biggest hurdle is funding. The visions I have in my head for creating musical masterpieces is limited to the funds I have in order to create them. Outside of funding, it’s weeding through the snakes in the industry. Not everyone wants to make music. Many just want money….. and it’s hard to navigate this process.

10 –  Criticism is part of the game. How do you personally process feedback, both positive and negative? Is it fuel, a filter, or something you try to tune out entirely?

Everything is fuel! I have artists that hate on me, fans that criticize my work for no reason…. And those that simply just troll. I listen to all feedback but at the end of the day… none of it matters. All I can do is continue to create, create, and create some more. If people like it, then LIKE IT! If people love it, then LOVE IT! I can’t change, all I can do is continue to grow.

11 – Every artist faces roadblocks on their path. Can you share a pivotal moment where you faced a significant obstacle in your musical journey, and what did you learn from overcoming it?

My biggest challenge was being at the top of my game and getting kicked out of Canada. As a result… I walked away from music for 10 years. So I have a lot of work to do to catch up. I will say this….. if I was at top of the game before, and I had to compare it to myself now. Then I would say this….. GOD collapsed my previous career so I could continue to grow into who he needed me to be musically now. I’m 100 times stronger, lyrically, musically and emotionally now and ready to face the bigger hurdles coming my way.

12 – Let’s dream big for a moment. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would be at the top of your list and why? What kind of magic do you think you could create together?

I would collaborate with Michael Jackson, N.E.R.D., Prince, Quincey Jones, Nipsey Hussle, Nas, Jadakiss, and 50 Cent. They all have influenced how I think about creating music and it would only be right to collab with them to see what kinds of masterpieces we could create together.

13 – Creative blocks are a universal struggle. Can you recall a time when you hit a wall creatively, and what unconventional or surprising methods did you use to break through and reignite your inspiration?

My creative blocks typically last about 15-30 minutes. When you see the world creatively you understand different concepts about the world that must don’t see. I have been blessed to have my eyes opened and use this to fuel my creativity. 

14 – Looking back on your journey so far, what moment or achievement makes you feel the most proud and fulfilled as a musician? What resonated deeply with you?

When I look at my previous competition such as Drake…. I collectively have more albums then him. The difference was I lost my previous leverage but I plan to regain it. In the past 2 years I’ve recorded 27 albums! When I tell people that…. They think I’m playin until they start listening to the projects. None of them are coerced or “ran threw.” They were all methodically planned out, prepped for and awaiting to be heard by a new fan base.

15 – Every place has its own rhythm. How has your hometown and community shaped your sound, your stories, and your perspective as an artist? Are there specific sounds or experiences that are woven into your music?

My hometown of Seattle hasn’t shaped my sound but rather brought about bitterness, anger and hatred to me musically. I’ve tried to work with greats such as Sir Mix a Lot, Black Stax, and others. They either turned their backs on me, or didn’t give me the time of day. Others, were after greed and charged me to work with them that ultimately ended up in failure…. didn’t finish the collaboration. Had to request money back,…… it’s been extremely brutal being in Seattle. So at the end of the day…. My ambition is to surpass anything they did so when they think of who killed the game. They will remember one name only. Sos Dior.

16 – If you could go back and whisper some words of wisdom to your younger, aspiring artist self, what would you say? What’s the most crucial piece of advice you’d offer to those just starting out?

Never give up on your vision, stay consistent even when people aren’t watching. I should have never walked away…..

17 – When you step away from the studio and the stage, what recharges your creative batteries? What passions or hobbies do you indulge in to find balance and inspiration outside of music?

Lol listening to new producers, interacting with people, enjoying art.

18 – The music industry is a complex landscape. What aspects of it do you truly appreciate and find rewarding, and conversely, what are some of the frustrations or challenges you’ve encountered?

I’m at a lost with this question…. Creating music is fun for me and challenging myself on every record. But I’m truly frustrated finding those who inspire to be like me. It’s not about the money for me… it’s about creating an experience and sparking an emotion with people that I love.

19 – Your fans are the heartbeat of your musical journey. How do you cultivate that connection and create a community around your music? What does that relationship mean to you?

It brings tears to my eyes honestly…. I know I’ve touched people previously. I see how it changed their lives. I’ve watched people close to me die who were music creators that never had their voice heard. I won’t forget them, I can’t forget them. I’m their voice now.

20 – Your musical journey is a constant education. What’s been the most profound lesson you’ve learned so far, something that has truly shaped your approach as an artist and as a person?

 

You have to unlearn the world to truly learn the world.

21 – Take us back to a performance that’s etched in your memory. What made it so unforgettable? Was it the energy of the crowd, a personal breakthrough, or something unexpected that happened on stage?

Every performance is unforgettable because I control the narrative of each performance. But the most funniest memory was being a DJ…… once and only once have I ever had a full can of Pepsi thrown at my face!

22 –  Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for you? What are your aspirations, your dreams, and what exciting projects can fans anticipate in the near future?

My EDM album SAPPHIRE, my country line dance “Heavy Weight” with my song Black Out! I’ve always got something new releasing or on the horizons!

23 –  Stepping onto the stage is a unique experience. What’s the biggest challenge you navigate as a performer, and how do you overcome it to deliver a powerful show?

Remember all my words to every song….. I’ve recorded over 42 albums to date. Lol you just can’t remember every word, from every song. I don’t forget my words to songs because I’m drunk or high…. But I DO forget my words because some songs are more about the cadence and delivery of the words, so I remember the cadence or delivery of the words vs. the words themselves.

24 – Life throws curveballs. Can you share a time when you faced significant adversity, either personally or professionally, and how you channeled that experience into your music or your artistic growth?

Artists are starting to get mad because I call them out in songs…. But the reality is this. If they didn’t do me dirty over money, egos or whatever else and were accountable for being authentic. We would have never crossed paths… I’m not going to dumb down my story to cover your feelings when you tried to get over on me. I speak the truth, and will air it out if I feel it’s worth me stating who I am, where I’m going, and what I need to accomplish.

25 –  In your opinion, what’s the most indispensable quality for an artist striving for success in today’s music world? Is it resilience, creativity, authenticity, or something else entirely?

Authenticity. Stop trying to do or be like everyone else…. Find your own lane and stick with it!

26 – The music industry can be demanding. What keeps your fire burning? How do you stay motivated and laser-focused on your goals, especially when faced with challenges?

At the end of the day, I’m just being me. I let GOD handle the rest.

27 – Do you have a particular song or project in your discography that feels especially close to your heart? What’s the story behind it, and why does it resonate so deeply with you?

Every song resonates differently depending on what specific question you ask me. BUT if I had to pick one, and only one…… I would say Black Virus. If people knew how deep the message was in the song…… it would start a revolution.

28 – Artists often reflect and shape society. What do you believe is the role of an artist in the world today? Do you see yourself as a storyteller, a commentator, a healer, or something else entirely?

In my opinion, everyone is chasing the bag or the fad so I can’t answer this question. Artists are used as pawns to paint a bigger narrative and I think that says a lot about their character. I don’t have to deal with their daily struggles so I can’t speak on their daily struggles. Maybe if they would have had an intervention as I did….. they may have walked through different doors that would have led them in a different direction.

29 –  Touring is a whirlwind experience. What are the highs and lows of life on the road for you? What do you love most about touring, and what aspects do you find the most challenging?

I’m not currently touring until I rebuild my fan base to respect my music.

30 – For fans who want to stay connected and follow your journey, where can they find you online and keep up with your latest news and music? 

www.SosDior.com