Today we’d like to introduce you to Kobie Dozier.
Hi Kobie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in LA, I enjoyed music from all over the city as I developed as a young saxophone player. Throughout my development I played often with musicians from the Leimert Park community. There, I received private lessons from Ricky Washington and had the honor of knowing legends like Reggie Andrews, who were responsible for shaping popular jazz artists like Kamasi Washington and Terrace Martin.
I enrolled in the Southeast Symphony Conservatory, attended Hamilton High School, and played with the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center in Leimert Park as well. There were many opportunities that I found myself in by just being connected to the community that has given me so much, such as playing impromptu with the likes of Jason Moran at the Underground Museum, and in the John Coltrane, Gardena and Panama Jazz Festivals.
In the spring of 2021, I decided to forgo my acceptance to USC’s pre law program to pursue my love for music at The New School in New York City. My time in New York City brought me closer to my goal of creating a project centered in genre bending music themes of purpose and self-discovery.
As a bandleader and composer, I have recently released my debut EP, For The People and performed at the venue Public Records back in February of this year. Following my graduation from The New School I began my first tour titled the “For The People” tour in both of my homes of NYC and Los Angeles.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While the road hasn’t been completely smooth it’s be sailing better than I could’ve imagined. I want to preface by saying that I would’ve never gotten to where I am now without my community. I have friends who’ve supported me in times of high stress and doubt, family who’ve guided and helped me find opportunities, and people who believe deeply in what I have to share with the world.
Some of the initial struggles I faced was consistency. Finding time throughout my schedule during undergrad to organize rehearsals, compose, and market myself was difficult. I constantly spent hours compiling lists of venues, magazines, threads, and other pages to promote myself. There was many times where I felt that it was pointless due to the lack of responses from many but I continued to do so.
I’ve also experienced first hand how difficult it can be to be an independent musician especially during the beginning stages of your career. Negotiating your deals, band splits, marketing, and other factors were all lessons I had to learn through experience and by asking for help. The work is hard; but it is rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an LA/NYC based saxophonist, composer, and producer. I’m primarily known for my jazz performances in both of these cities. The project I’m most proud of right now is my debut EP “For The People”. This was a project that I’ve spent months working on as I wanted to make my first steps towards professional musicianship by releasing my own music. What I believe sets me apart from others is my work ethic.
I truly believe that as long as I put my mind towards a goal the universe will put me in the direction towards accomplishing it. While belief is power it is nothing without action. My primary goal always is to make sure I am putting my best foot forward with every creative endeavor I pursue which means doing everything with intention.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice for networking is through self promotion, supporting others, and developing your community through mutuals. Social media is one of the most powerful tools the modern artist can use to market themselves to the world. By self promotion I encourage everyone to make posts about any project they’re proud of in-order to get eyes on you. I’ve found some of my greatest collaborators and supporters by self promoting. This can also fall under street promotion as well(handing out flyers, busking, etc.)
Supporting other is very important for networking as well. If your friends are having shows make sure to go out and support them if you can. You can meet people of similar interests by attending these events and connecting with people here as well. You will often find other musicians/artists in the same spaces as you by doing this.
Maintaining mutuals is one of the last things I’d recommend for anyone. I found that when you’re followed/supported by those who’re mutual friends with others you know it’s often because you both share similarities. I managed to meet make many friends who I’ve never met in-person due to my friends reposting my work and gaining support from their friends which in turn expanded my network even further.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kobiedozier.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobiedozier/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kobiedozier
Image Credits
Maseo Fuerzo
Carolina Fernandez Noriega
Tiffany Johnson
Alicia Zhu
