Local Artist Spotlight: Magnetize

Image by: Jack McCormick (@bootjackk)

words by Avery Kightlinger

In the male-dominated sea of Isla Vista bands that remain predominantly surf-rock, indie group Magnetize takes a different approach with their music. Highlighting self-power and divinity in their music, they seek to illuminate the importance and vitality of femininity and knowing one’s self-worth to exude that magical magnetic feel as an individual. Composed of Adeline Gouda and Sophia Parker on guitar/vocals, Victoria Larson on bass, and Lucas Herzog on drums, they represent a breath of fresh air and a difference in perspective in comparison to the typical Isla Vista bands; being a majority female collective of musicians. Their music emits powerful messages about emotional, spiritual, and political touchpoints; allowing for listeners to feel seen and relate to their compelling lyrics while enjoying their soft-spoken and melodic instrumentals. I got the opportunity to inquire with the two main vocalists in the band, Sophia Parker and Adeline Gouda and get to know their personal backstories and musical inspirations, powerful perspectives as female artists, and hear what Magnetize has in store going forth in their musical journey and career. 

Both newly UCSB students having transferred from Santa Barbara City College at the beginning of this school year, Sophia and Adeline met with what was described as “fate” and an instantaneous connection upon their moves to Santa Barbara from San Francisco (Sophia) and New Orleans (Adeline). “I am from New Orleans, Louisiana and something within my soul told me I needed to move to California. It felt urgent, like I needed so badly to be here, but wasn’t fully aware of what was waiting for me here. I moved to Santa Barbara in August of 2021 and met Sophia, the other half of Magnetize, on move in day. You could say it was fate, or written in the stars…” said Adeline. This fateful bond and joint love for music and creation brought them together to form Magnetize; taking musical influence from a variety of successful and inspirational artists. Sophia narrates, “A few months into Adeline and I learning to sing together we were playing at a park when this guy comes up to us, listens to a few songs, and then says if we wrote thirteen of our own he’d fund our album. This was, of course, bull**** but we went back to my apartment and immediately started to write some songs. We both didn’t know necessarily “how” to write a song, but that’s the beauty of it – there is no how, there is no guidebook. Not if you want to create something original. So we started from scratch and we started together which I am grateful for. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and the Pretty Reckless were the bands that got me dreaming of making music as a kid. (…) Adeline and I are the same in that writing songs is not a choice. Once I believed that I could be a songwriter it became a part of my life. I don’t feel like myself if I am not writing songs that feel original and true.” Adeline’s father, who is also a musician, is who she attributes her love for music to – while also acknowledging the frustration and determination she felt growing up and trying to learn instruments such as the guitar. “I started playing guitar at age 15 and damn… it’s a hard instrument. It takes about two years or more for your fingers to stop hurting and to feel like what you’re playing actually sounds good. I am grateful for my persistence, as it’s now a massive outlet for me, expression, emotional release, connection with others and just pure enjoyment.” She adds, “Creation is something that I feel like I have to do… like drinking water. I feel depleted and deprived when I am not creating. I am grateful that I have many outlets of creation, whether it’s music, cooking, drawing and painting, dancing, singing and writing. When I am going through things in this life, whether it’s big, like a life change, or small, like a bug falling in my coffee, I feel a pull to create based on or following these experiences. It helps me understand myself and the world around me. It’s like therapy, but really fun and also gives me confidence as I love what I create.”

Image via Magnetize

Having their insider perspective to the ever-expanding Isla Vista music scene, I asked them their thoughts on whether they find IV to be a welcoming, inclusive, and representative community towards the large collective of artists it attracts. Sophia commented, “I toggle between thinking I’m just a hater and feeling valid in my desire to hear more original music…and less “Valerie”. There’s nothing wrong with playing music just to have fun and that’s what I need to remind myself at times, but I can’t deny that I grow tired of covers. In terms of inclusion, there are definitely more men than women in the scene…like a lot more…and beyond gender, the demographic of musicians is also predominantly white. These observations lead me to believe that the scene could be more diverse and inclusive.” In agreement, Adeline added, “I also think it’s pretty odd to start a band, give yourself an original name, yet only play covers. I don’t see them as true bands, and I wish that people didn’t get on their knees for these dudes who are playing “Creep” by Radiohead every weekend. (…) But the music scene in Isla Vista is insanely special. I have never heard of, seen or experienced anything like it… at least ten bands every night of the weekend playing shows. Dancing, appreciation for live music, moshing, headbanging, present moment enjoyment! Y’all better wear some ear protection though, these shows get LOUD.”. “There definitely is a lack of women in the cover band and original music scene. The scene is dominated by men, yes, and I think that can be very intimidating. I remember my first year living in Isla Vista, going to shows, only seeing guys and thinking about how I would NEVER want to get on stage and have that much attention on me. It was a scary thought as I felt and still sometimes feel that there is pressure on women to prove themselves in the music world. I may not be shredding on the electric guitar but I sure am writing powerful songs that stick with people. I want to see more women on stage and I hope that Magnetize can encourage all people to lean into their self power and do the things that scare them, because once you start doing the things that scare you, it all becomes a lot less scary.” 

Image by Jack McCormick (@bootjackk)

On top of our discussion on how it is operating as artists in the Isla Vista scene, I asked Magnetize what it’s like operating as female musicians in a modern society that is seemingly becoming more regressive towards women due to our current governmental administration. “I would like to start by saying that our current administration is fascist and coming for everyone. If you think you are safe you are wrong – this is a class war and unless you are unethically wealthy they are coming for you too. As a woman, it is clear that this administration does not care about our health, our happiness, or our rights. So as a person who holds a microphone, as a musician, as a woman, as an American, I think there is a new level of responsibility to be direct and loud.” said Sophia. “I am so disgusted. I am so fueled with rage. It can be debilitating. But my good friend told me upon expressing anger “may this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair”. I find that in this present moment, under this current governmental administration, this is my purpose. To use music as a tool for activism. Now more than ever do I see the value in music. Everyone connects to music in some way or another, and peoples attention is one of the most valuable things, socially, economically (the advertising industry is worth $1.16 trillion dollars), spiritually and more. If I can do my part to capture people’s attention through my music and address serious issues to make people FEEL something, to pay attention to something bigger than themselves, then I feel like I am doing my part.” said Adeleine. 

On the topic of femininity and the importance of female representation in music, I asked how their femininity and experiences as women influenced their musical focuses and what they decided to write about, as well as why they think female representation is so vital within the music world and domain. Sophia began, “Obstacles make you more aware, more sensing. Being a woman makes me more sensitive to the world – not because women are intrinsically more feeling or sensing, but because womanhood comes with hardship and hardship enriches who you are as a person. You can empathize with someone when you know what it’s like to be in their shoes…I think womanhood allows me to understand certain challenging emotions and experiences that people who have experienced struggle can relate to. I don’t find myself writing explicitly feminine lyrics, or words that relate specifically to what it is like to be a woman, but I write about pain, grief, anger, sadness, frustration, my relationship to myself, self image…topics that are influenced by my experience as a woman.” Adeline added, “Women have a unique and powerful perspective that deserves the spotlight. Too often in history have women been silenced; especially women of color have been silenced. It is time to end this pattern of patriarchy, domination and control over women. It is serving no one… (men are struggling under patriarchy too). I think that pursuing music and writing music that is filled with the authentic emotions of the human experience, regardless of gender, I hope can encourage others to lean into their experiences with those emotions. When we lean into, take time to understand and process our emotions, we can become better people, and contribute to a better world. I think listeners can uplift artists like us by just being authentic to themselves, if you like us then come along for the journey. We want to bring our community up with us! You can also support by purchasing our sustainably made, handmade merch, sharing our music and message with the world on social media, and just listening to our music!”

Image via Magnetize

Going forth with their musical careers, Magnetize hopes to continue evolving, taking space, and having the ability to create and reach listeners. “Our messages will continue to evolve, expand and grow, as we evolve, expand and grow… but at the root of it all, we will keep self power as a tool for magnetism at the front of our message. We want everyone to love themselves and believe in themselves so that they are able to then pour that love and power back into their communities to help make a better world.” said Adeline. On the topic of self-power and divinity they dive into with their music, I inquired why these specific components were important to their band and the music they output. “When Sophia and I were deciding on a band name, we knew that it was a really important decision. As we were thinking about our dynamic, as individuals and together, we continued to feel like Sophia was the moon and I was the sun. On the surface level, she’s brunette with brown eyes and beautiful pale skin, I am a blonde with green eyes and tan skin. On a deeper level, Sophia is deep, emotionally intelligent and a bit more in her own world; I am more of a social butterfly, always cracking jokes and less emotionally intune. That’s not to say that we both don’t embody the others qualities, but some are more prevalent in the other. Musically, Sophia sang the harmonies and I did the main melody (at least we used to…. I have learned so much from Sophia about harmonizing and now we switch off those roles). This led us to think about magnetism, and how you need each other, you need the balance, when you have both sides of a magnet, something incredible happens! Then, one day I was reading my favorite book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra and I stumbled upon this quote … “Self power MAGNETIZES people, situations, and circumstances to support your desires. This is called the support of divinity”. When we read that, we felt solidified in the fact that Magnetize would be our band name. Not only is it dope, but it is a manifestation in itself. If we believe in ourselves and our music, if we are in touch with our self power, there is no way we won’t succeed.” Adeline beamed. Magnetize plans on releasing their Debut EP entitled “Omens” within the summer of this year, explaining that they are extremely excited and prideful about this body of work, describing it as “vulnerable, honest, and stripped back in production”. They hope to create a project that could stand forever and be clear in its humility from the get go. Their next performance will take place May 17th in support of the Surfrider Foundation, whose mission supports the protection and preservation of the world’s oceans via plastic reduction, water quality, and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems. They plan to play their shows with great intention, and with meaningful organizations to push for positive change.

Keep updated with Magnetize’s music through their Spotify or Instagram at @magnetize_theband!