July 2024

Ms. Saavi is a songwriter and rapper who recently added “studio owner” to her accomplishments with the opening of Cosa Nostra Studios in Burbank! Whether she’s leading mixers at her recording studio or freestyling over any beat, she works with a crystal clear vision for her goals. I had the opportunity to visit her sleek new studio and learn from her this summer.  

You chased your dreams and succeeded in building your own recording studio from scratch. What actions did you take in the process that contributed to your success? 

When I moved to LA from the Bay Area, I wanted to build my knowledge, make connections, and learn from being in the center of the industry. It was also my dream to own my own studio here, but I never expected it to happen this fast. 

I had to build this whole place out. It was a skeleton - it didn't look anything like this. When working with the contractors, I asked for advice but I also knew what I wanted. I gained respect because I stood by what I believed, so they helped carry out my goals instead of trying to change my mind. They said “This is your vision, and we're going to do exactly that”.  

While creating this studio, I also educated myself so that nobody could come to me and try to finesse anything. I watched videos of how the processes worked, and I read up on my rights. 

A strong community has grown around Cosa Nostra Studio since its opening. Could you describe the importance of community in music, and share a little about your own music community? 

You can definitely accomplish things on your own, but you reach different heights if you have other people. Surround yourself with people who make music - create that environment! Your ideas will flourish when you’re with people who cherish the same things but each bring their own perspective. 

When I built this studio, it was just me and my engineer. My community came together after I stuck to my dreams of opening a studio, worked hard, and made it my reality. When I moved here, I didn’t know where to go to network - bars and clubs don’t really allow for full conversations! So I started hosting mixers at my studio. I wanted to provide the opportunity for creatives to collaborate, to have a night where they could share their passions and connect at a different level. At the last mixer, people were in here playing instruments, and everyone in the room played a part in making a beat. It was incredible to watch. 

I know you’re also a personal trainer and you’re pursuing your paralegal certificate. 

How do these paths intersect with your music journey? 

I’ve had the desire to help people since I was a little kid. 

This is why I’m a personal trainer. I've been working out for 10 years and it does wonders. I’ll go into the gym and come out a whole new person! I want to help others feel the way I feel working out, and becoming a certified personal trainer was one way I thought to do so. 

I’ve now also been able to help others through opening Cosa Nostra Studio. I opened it for artists to have a place where they can feel at home, somewhere where they feel free to connect and create. 

How do the skills built from your music journey translate into your other fields of work? 

Music has given me the discipline to consistently show up for myself. I initially believed that every time I came to the studio, I had to have something to work on, and if I didn’t, why was I even there? That’s not the case. I still need to show up. If I can’t write a whole song, I’ll write 4 bars. If I can’t come up with words, I’ll create a melody. I’ll stay disciplined doing what I can. This skill has played into my entire life. There’s no way around discipline in all of my fields of work. As a paralegal, if I miss a deadline, there’ll be no excuses. Same with my own fitness and helping others achieve their fitness goals. If we don’t show up, we don't get the results we want. Everything I’ve chosen to take on in life keeps me disciplined and keeps me progressing. 

As musicians, we have such a deep love for and connection with our art, one that makes the hours of hard work worth it. However writer’s block during the creative process is not uncommon. How do you navigate it when creating music? 

I used to feel like these obstacles were the worst thing. I would get so frustrated that I would not write music for months. I definitely had to learn to work through these obstacles, and I no longer get as frustrated. 

Here are some ways I navigate writer’s block: 

• Sometimes writer’s block means I just need to step away from the creative process for a little bit. I think: “It’s not working right for me right now. That’s alright, it won’t be forever”, then I go to a movie, work out, or go on vacation. Also, how will you write music that resonates with people if you don’t go out and experience life? 

• I was previously so focused on writing about what was going on at that exact moment. I overcame writer’s block when I realized my whole life was an experience, a story. There’s a whole lot to write about when you think of the past or the future, whether it’s your heartbreak from 5 years ago or your dream life in 5 years. 

• I get inspiration from other artists! My engineer and I will just be in the studio, watching music videos for an hour. It fires me up, like “Man, I want to do that so bad!” Lil Baby music videos in particular really turn me up, and I’m ready to work again after watching them. 

• I also remember that the majority of the people listening to my music don’t make music. They’re not thinking so much about the little technicalities, but rather looking for something that resonates. Music is my form of expression and creativity. So when I stop overthinking it, I write some of my best creations. 

Besides creating music, what brings joy and contentment to your life? 
I love to set new goals and knock them out. As soon as I check something off my list, I’m like “hell yeah!”. I’m probably going to set another big goal soon. I’m also always trying to learn something new.

Working out makes me happy. I dance in the middle of my sets. People may stare, but I’m just like “Man, I’m having a good time”.

I also love spending time with my family. My mom lives in Hawaii, so we’re there a lot. My dog Nala is the love of my life.

Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring female-identifying creatives, or you wish someone had given to you? 

I once asked something from a person, but it seemed to go in one ear and out the other. Then, I had a man ask them the same thing, and they were completely receptive. I didn’t let this discourage me - at the end of the day, they ultimately did what I’d asked. In a male-dominated industry, you may come to situations like this, but don’t let it stop you or discourage you - you won’t grow that way. 

Nothing that is of high value comes easily. And sometimes it’s hard because people don’t see all the hard work you put in - all they see are the results. They don’t see the late nights, the sacrifices, the “oh I wanna give up and do something else” breakdowns - it’s a tough business! However, if you stay focused on your end goal and just keep working, the universe rewards you. 

Surround yourself with people that respect you and your ideas. It’s okay to set boundaries and stand up for yourself. If someone is not contributing to your progression, you don’t have to give them multiple chances. Give the universe the space to fill with something better.