Sophia McCarthy, a 20-year-old from Lafayette, moved to Nashville to fulfill her dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter. McCarthy attends Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where she is working toward a degree in recording industry management.
“I started singing in middle school. I was playing shows and working hard at it,” McCarthy said. “I met a directing agent at an expo. He brought me to Nashville and led me to apply to MTSU.”
McCarthy was appointed chapter head of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) at MTSU. NSAI is a nonprofit trade organization for those devoted to songwriting. The organization works to provide information and guidance on the songwriting process while providing opportunities for aspiring songwriters to learn from music industry professionals.
Also, McCarthy currently serves as head of campus for Grammy U, an organization for students pursuing a career in the recording industry. Grammy U holds events that give students the opportunity to gain one-on-one, behind-the-scenes experience in the music industry.
While going to school and fulfilling her leadership positions, McCarthy started interning at 14-Inch Fringe, a company devoted to artist management and creative services. After her internship, McCarthy landed a permanent position with the company.
In addition, she was recently offered a paid internship with Curb Entertainment on Music Row in Nashville. She will be working in their country music publishing division and running one of their social media platforms.
McCarthy said in between her responsibilities, she tries to keep practicing her craft as much as she can. “I try to stay busy,” McCarthy said. “Working, booking shows and playing as much as possible.”
Moving to Nashville has really inspired her. McCarthy said that being able to work on her own music has allowed her to use her creativity.
“I’m hoping to release new music soon,” McCarthy said. “I’ve recently been in and out of the studio, and it’s so nice to be at a point in my life where I can really focus on making music.”
McCarthy posts videos on her various social media platforms to a growing audience. She loves to share her music, life updates and accomplishments with her friends and family via Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under the username SophiaMcCarthyMusic.