SV.  Has it been difficult marketing your music and do you get a chance to tour much? 

SM.  Yes, it has been a bit difficult to market my music because people, again, need to label you. And If they can’t put you in a category then they can’t compartmentalize you in their brain (or CD disc changer:)  Radio is a huge factor in our  business and if people don’t hear it (because they don’t quite know who you are), they can’t buy it.  Internet radio and other internet marketing avenues prove to be valuable.  It may take a little more time and effort but using the web is newest way to go. But honestly, on a another wave of thought,  as I get older in age I realize that music...ART...is about getting to the people that NEED to experience it.  If you can get to as many people as possible and make a good living off of it...GOD BLESS YOU and good for you!  But if you cannot reach the masses, reach with purpose and find other ways to make money.  Everyone cannot be Michael Jackson!

I haven’t had a chance to tour much and I’m hoping that’ll change very soon!  As you know, I LOVE to perform and I’ve exhausted the venues in LA so I’m looking to open up for known artist as well as hit up a couple of festivals throughout the country and abroad.  Something magical happens when we hit the stage and I’m beyond ready to share...YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT CAN HELP A SISTER OUT?!!! :)

SV.  What would you say that you love most about this industry?  What do you love least?

SM. What I love most about the industry right now is that it’s giving young Black adults a chance to set up empires and get in the game with other financial heavyweights.  Regardless of the material they are speaking about (we all have our opinions about the content of some current musical projects),  I’m faithful that the culture shock of sexuality, violence and the illusionary power of money, will soon level out and WE as a race of people will be given better chances at spearheading businesses for future generations.

What I love the least about the industry right now is how they play “The Masses” as ignorant consumers.  I think radio and more independent record labels should take chances on “DIFFERENT” types of artist.  What is being fed are redundant stories, robotic images, and far from intelligent lyrics.  And although this too has a place in society...it’s not all that’s out there.  I say, open up the eyes of many so we can change for the better...not stay the same, as usual.

SV.  What would you say to an aspiring artist trying to get their work heard? 

SM.  ...scream off of every mountain top available!!!  Use whatever tools you have to get yourself heard; the internet, your mothers boyfriend, walking into a record labels office,  playing your songs on Venice Beach...whatever it takes, that would still allow you to keep your dignity.  Never sell yourself short but know this, the creations coming through you are not solely yours so you have a souls responsibility to GIVE.  We are being used as a vessel to heal, excite, and regenerate anyone that will listen.  When we give of our talent with this somewhat detached outlook, we’re not so invested in it personally.  We just keep doing it because we HAVE to.  KEEP DOING IT!!!  And someone will hear it....and maybe shine a public light on it...when’s it’s GOD’s TIME...not yours.

SV.  What can our readers expect from Sonja Marie in the future?

SM.  Musically, I’m almost finished with my 2nd album.  It’s untitled right now and I can’t wait to share it.  I’m working on touring soon and expanding my audience.

You may also hear me on TV commercials as a voiceover artist.  I’ve already booked jobs with Comcast, Sony, Playstation and Toyota.

I’m also very involved with Winifred R. Harris’ between Lines.  An accomplished dance company that I’ve collaborated with over the last year acting, dancing and lending my poetics.  Our last project, “Joy Comes In The Morning” has blown people away in it’s truthful content and colorful images.  We have plans to debut a new show in the summer  of ‘08.

SV.  So if people would like to find out more about Sonja Marie, what do they need to do?

SM.  You can reach me at Myspace.com/sonmarie to remain updated on my artistic evolution OR for business related matters please contact me at Sequoiagroup@mac.com

(For more information on Sonja Marie log on to www.myspace.com/sonmarie)