Sophia Marsh, FADER Label
💭 Thoughts on running your first half marathon, André 3000, and making the perfect risotto.
Thought Enthusiast is an AdHoc Project where we chat with fascinating thought leaders across various facets of music, tech, and culture whose work we admire, simply asking “what’s on your mind?” and “why do you care?” 💭
Sophia Marsh is a music marketer with eight years of experience working with a wide range of independent artists such as Slayyyter, Popcaan, and Dean Blunt. At the FADER Label, she’s responsible for working closely with artists and their managers to develop rollouts that are impactful, creative, and most importantly true to the artist’s vision. In an era where chasing virality has a chokehold on the industry, she focuses her efforts on helping artists build sustainable careers. If the music thing doesn’t work out, her dream is to start a small alpaca farm somewhere in upstate NY.
🏃🏻♀️ Running up that hill
After watching the New York City Marathon this past November something about seeing those runners journey into an abyss of endless pain and suffering made me think “hey, I want to do that too”. In an industry where drinking is so normalized and work obligations extend to late night shows, I’ve hit a point where in order for this to be sustainable for me I need to start putting my health first. I guess for me what that looks like is running 4 days a week and signing up for my first half marathon! In addition to runners high being real (and feels good) it's a great way to explore the city.
There is this older Congolese guy on TikTok (@raoulokoko) who has the most incredible archival designer collection of Balmain, Valentino, D&G, Raf Simons, LV, just to name a few. I’m by no means a fashion expert but his fits are undeniable. So hard that there’s no words to do it justice, you just have to check him out. There’s something so cool about people who are serious collectors, no matter what it is. Clothes, uranium glassware, miniatures, rocks, etc. - as long as you’re passionate about it, I probably want to watch your TikTok channel about it.
There’s been so much discourse around this new André 3000 album that nothing I say about it will be original. However, in addition to it being ethereal and a true delight to listen to while having my morning coffee, it serves an important reminder that you don't owe anything to anyone except yourself.
👩🏻🍳 How to make the perfect risotto
My coworkers and I are having a risotto making competition in the next couple of weeks and I’ve become completely consumed by my need to win. I’ve recently fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole researching the best tip and tricks. Carnaroli vs Vialone Nano Rice? What age should the Parmesan be? How do you make the perfect stock? The hilarious part of it all is that I’ll probably lose because I’m certainly overthinking it.
Amidst Nicki Minaj’s album rollout for Pink Friday 2, she just launched an aptly named press on nail line called “Pink Friday Nails”. In a similar manner to the 'drop' model in the fashion industry, the product will only be available for a limited time and in limited quantity. What’s unique about this particular campaign is that she’s charging fans to buy a “pass” which will allow them to shop the drop with guaranteed worry free access with the cost of the pass going toward the product. I don’t think I’ve seen this yet with fans having to pay in advance just to access artist merchandise - I’d be very curious to see if this becomes the norm.
🌶️ Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp Sauce
It is the OG of Chili Crips (Translation: Old Grandmother) and is the ultimate crunchy, spicy, umami flavor bomb. I put this on everything - eggs, toast, protein, veg, EVERYTHING. If the flavor doesn’t fully hook you, look up the story of the creator and face of the brand Tao Huabi. Truly the definition of girl boss.
💪 Dedicating yourself to support the careers of developing artists
Someone in my industry that I look up to would have to be Aj Finizio AKA Mr. seed Worldwide. Aj is the founder of a digital distribution company called seed and he’s had a hand in working with hundreds of groundbreaking artists in the nearly two decades he’s been in business. Though I’m biased since he’s one of my mentors and gave me my start, I can say with confidence he is the hardest working guy I know in the industry and has dedicated himself to supporting the careers of developing artists. An absolute legend in the NYC indie scene!