Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Berenice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Berenice, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Absolutely, dealing with imposter syndrome has been a constant battle on this journey. It always seemed to lurk around, popping up at the worst possible times—like when I’m feeling particularly vulnerable or right after a small win. Most people in this industry have to deal with it some way or another, and especially now with social media it’s so easy to compare yourself and focus on everything that’s missing. I won’t lie; it’s extremely draining sometimes. I think, for me, this narrative is deeply intertwined with my decision to leave the much more structured world of academia for the music industry’s chaos—a move that was equally scary and exciting. Choosing a path driven more by passion than a detailed plan stirred up a whirlwind of emotions in me. It was my way of pushing back against those creeping doubts that had slowly been eating away at me, the ones that made me question my dream and whether I had a place in a world I had only admired from afar.
Once I landed in London, that’s when the real test began. The city’s music scene is electrifying but can also make you feel pretty small. Here I was, fresh from a completely different field, surrounded by insanely talented artists, each with their own unique voice and path, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I even belonged.
But the game changer for me was getting back to my roots—my music. Every practice, every studio session, and every day I dedicated to my craft reminded me why I was here. It was all about staying true to my authentic self, realizing that my voice, my perspective, was something special and something no one else could offer. That shift in mindset didn’t solve everything overnight, but it gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.
What also made a huge difference was the community I found here. Opening up about my fears and discovering that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way created a bond that’s been crucial to my growth. It’s that sense of belonging, that reassurance from others who’ve been in your shoes, that really helps you see your value.
Tackling imposter syndrome is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. There are still days when those doubts creep in, but now I’ve got a whole bunch of victories, big and small, that remind me I’m exactly where I need to be. It’s about focusing on your work, your contribution. Each song, each performance, each hurdle you get over is just more proof that you’re on the right path.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Introducing Spaghetti Western Pop! My signature sound, and here’s the scoop on it. Songwriting has always been my main gig. It’s the heartbeat of everything I do, from live performances to studio sessions. Honestly, without my passion for crafting songs, I doubt I’d be in this game at all. I’ve been hooked on songwriting since I was just a kid. Picture this: an eight-year-old dreaming of becoming a rockstar, serenaded to sleep by Springsteen’s ‘Tougher Than The Rest,’ thanks to my parents’ love story that started at one of his concerts. My childhood was a mix of creating goofy jingles about pizza and strumming guitar chords from a Taylor Swift songbook. I was obsessed, churning out tunes daily through my teenage years.
When I landed in London with hundreds of stacked-up songs, my mission was clear: perfect my music. To me, songs-crafting is at the centre of everything. Songs can be dressed up with different beats or production styles, but at their core, they’re simple, raw expressions of emotion. I can’t lie, navigating the music scene as a solo artist has been intense. Unlike being in a band where each member’s sound is integral, I have the entire sonic palette at my fingertips, thanks to technology. It’s both liberating and daunting.
And for this, collaborating with like-minded creatives has been key. Finding folks who share your excitement and vision can make all the difference. It’s about sharing the journey and supporting each other along the way. Lately, I’ve been deep in the studio, revisiting those raw acoustic tracks I started with, and exploring where they can go. It’s not about dressing the songs up; it’s about letting them reveal their true colors. This process has been incredibly fulfilling, helping me evolve as a musician and artist.
The result? Spaghetti Western Pop. It’s a fusion of my Italian roots, the cinematic drama of Ennio Morricone and Sergio Leone, and the classic rock vibe of my upbringing, all mixed with a dash of those pop influences that encouraged me to start writing in the first place. It’s a sound for those who love Phoebe Bridgers and Gracie Abrams but crave a bit more edge. Spaghetti Western Pop is what happens when a 20-something Springsteen fan decides to make her own mark on the music world. So, stay tuned and come along for the ride!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Oh, absolutely. Three things jump out: determination, curiosity, and, oddly enough, my knack for academic writing—that discipline and rigidity have been surprisingly valuable. Determination and resilience are like the fuel. You’ve got a vision, a dream of making music, but the path is littered with “no’s,” closed doors, and near misses – the worst in my opinion. That’s where it kicks in. It’s about pushing through, even when everything seems to stack against you. For folks just starting, remember, determination is what keeps you going when the excitement fades. It’s the grit that gets you through. I once heard someone say that it’s not about who has the most talent but it’s about who sticks for the longest. And I stand by it.
Curiosity, now that’s my compass. It’s led me down roads I never thought I’d travel. In music, just like in academics, asking “why” or “what if” opens up a world of possibilities. It’s about exploring sounds, fusing genres, and sometimes, breaking the rules just to see what happens. For anyone diving into this world, let your curiosity run wild. It’s not just about making music; it’s about discovering new territories within yourself and whatever it is you’re creating.
And then there’s the academic discipline. Sounds a bit out of left field, right? But think about it—writing papers, researching, defending your thesis—it all teaches you how to build a solid argument, or in my case, a solid song. It’s about structuring your thoughts, being critical, and paying attention to the details. That discipline has been a cornerstone for me, especially when it comes to songwriting and navigating the business side of music. It’s about being meticulous, whether you’re crafting lyrics or plotting your career trajectory.
So, for those just getting their bearings in the music industry or any creative field, really, embrace the determination that’s gotten you this far, let your curiosity guide you, and never underestimate the power of a good, disciplined approach to your work. Mixing that drive, the willingness to explore, and a bit of scholarly rigor? It’s a recipe for something, for sure.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I often find myself reflecting on John Williams’ “Stoner.” I was just talking about it with my high-school literature professor the other day. This novel, which delves into Stoner’s life and his quiet dedication to literature, mirrors everyone’s little human existence. It’s a fascinating introspective experience. So, when asked about influences on my journey, “Stoner” definitely stands out as a significant one. I can see a reflection of everyone’s challenges and aspirations in Stoner’s unwavering love for his work. Despite facing obscurity and numerous obstacles, he remains committed to his passion. This aspect of Stoner’s character is a powerful reminder of the true essence of success—it’s not about public recognition or accolades. It’s about the integrity and authenticity of the work. Stoner’s story has reinforced my belief in staying true to my artistic vision, pursuing whatever it is I do with dedication, regardless of its reception or popularity at any given moment.
His narrative has instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the nuanced beauty of life—the quiet victories, the personal struggles, and the individual achievements that, though often unnoticed, are incredibly significant. This perspective has taught me to value the creative process itself and to find joy in the act of making music, emphasizing the journey over the destination. Focus on the work, as we were saying earlier.
I guess it reminds me of the courage required to follow one’s passion against the odds, to stay true to one’s convictions, even if not fully understood by others. Put simply, this story is a window on someone else’s ordinary life, an example of its rawness and beauty. It just inspires me to approach my craft with dignity, authenticity, and relentless passion.
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