February 18, 2021 - Music Observer

Nicky Scorpio of The Sophisticated Psychos Uses the Creative Realm to Serve as a Voice for the Voiceless

Music Observer Staff on February 18, 2021

After growing up in a tough neighborhood in the Bay Area, overcoming poverty, being raised in an LGBTQ+ home, and losing a parent to AIDS, Nicky Scorpio can safely say that he has endured his fair share of seemingly insurmountable life challenges. While the experiences may have been tough, overcoming abandonment, poverty, and deep insecurities has undeniably brought him a broader perspective of life that allows him to see the good in every person.

Moreover, his journey has led him to become a compelling storyteller, promoting healing for the ones struggling internally and giving voice to the voiceless.

Nicky Scorpio is a rising singer, songwriter, producer and popular podcaster who is part of the creative duo, The Sophisticated Psychos. His artistic realm is focused on speaking out for the voiceless, while incorporating mental health, healing abandonment, and addressing vulnerability in popular culture. Essentially, Nicky’s mission in music and art is to remove titles that divide people.

As an artist, Nicky Scorpio creates content that promotes positive values, morals, ethics, and love for everyone. In line with this, Nicky Scorpio has recently released a EP playlist titled “Wavey” on Soundcloud with modern trap and electronic beats that have been tuned to certain sound frequencies so that people can dance, meditate, and heal from stress, anxiety, and overwhelm as well as bring healing to the world. Nicky Scorpio also launched a podcast titled Scorpio Rising, which is focused on discussing mental health primarily for artists, entertainers, thought leaders, and human beings who are looking to transform their life holistically and to celebrate themselves. Scorpio Rising recently hit the top 100 podcasts for mental health and is only growing.

Nicky Scorpio makes up half of the collective The Sophisticated Psychos, alongside his partner and multi-talented artist KYRIAKI aka Katie Chonacas, who founded the web series Couples Therapy which can be found on their Youtube channel, The Sophisticated Psychos. Ultimately, the iconic duo uses their platform to promote the power of love to their audience. Through their web series, Nicky and Katie reveal an honest perspective of being in a relationship while giving the audience laughter and inspirational insights.

Unlike mainstream influencers and artists who are caught up in Hollywood gossip, conflicts, chaos, and promote division, Nicky Scorpio strives to focus on the ways he can make a difference and build a positive community of influence. The talented artist is committed to bringing awareness about social, economic, and political issues that need to be addressed.

Today, Nicky Scorpio hopes to ignite a change among those who are struggling with their self image and those marginalized within society. In essence, he intends to use the power of art and music to further inspire those with positive goals and aspirations in life. Nicky says, “What I want for the person who was told they are wrong for how they love, how they look, or how unique they may be to say, ‘Wow, thank goodness I know how great I am.’ For the person in poverty, I want them to get excited about education,themselves to others, to change the focus of the hashtags and accounts they’re looking at and what brands and ideas they’re supporting. I want to leave people feeling happy with who they are, the unedited version of themselves.”

To learn more about Nicky Scorpio, please visit his official website and Instagram.

Lucas Muñoz: The Music Sensation from Central Florida Making Waves

Music Observer Staff on February 18, 2021

Lucas Muñoz is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Central Florida. He began playing the guitar at four, learning from his father, a professional jazz guitarist. Lucas started his music passion by playing at church early with his father and singing in his choir throughout middle and high school. Originally a native of New Jersey, Muñoz identifies guitarists such as Slash, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, and Eric Johnson as some of his musical influences. Still, the biggest of them all is his father, with whom he started playing a combination of Latin Blues, Jazz, and Fusion in the local scene in Central Florida.

In 2010, Muñoz moved to Florida. He was only aged 14, and he started to invest more in his music career. He proceeded to Warner University for his undergraduate degree at 18, where he became heavily involved with performing arts. At one point, Lucas played guitar for the University’s chapel band and jazz ensemble. It was while playing at the University that he had his first tour experience.

In 2018, Muñoz began to take an actual interest in studying the jazz genre, particularly in South Florida. He also strives to hone his skills in singing, songwriting, and playing guitar. That year, Muñoz started to play different styles across all genres of music. He graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018 and his Master of Business Administration in 2020 from Warner University.

In 2020, Muñoz released his debut EP titled “Mutasis.” The EP, a combination of genres such as dark pop, hip-hop, blues, rock, and alternative, represents all of Muñoz’s musical influences. Lucas admits that getting out of his comfort zone as a musician separates him from his competition, particularly the older generation. He expressed that remaining confined to a particular genre is one of the pitfalls for older musicians. But as young blood, he believes his ability to alternate between genres and styles keeps him ahead in his game.

As a Gen Z, Lucas hopes to reach people of his generation and background. He continues to strive to have his music resonate within his generation. His music also addresses topics previously taboo in preceding generations, such as mental health.

As a performer, Muñoz wants to make sure that everyone in the audience feels accepted for who they are and feel free to express themselves however they want. In his words, “I dedicate my work as a musician to channel my life experiences and translate them to the song. I want to make sure that whoever is listening to my song can fully relate to the message or draw their interpretations, especially my instrumental songs. I like the people who listen to my music to use the songs as a means of healing, solace, escape, and enjoyment.”

In five years, Lucas sees himself doing what he loves most: performing in front of people, writing, and recording music. “I want to make an impact on as many people’s lives as I can. I want to give happiness to people that are struggling every day through music. I want to work with like-minded people within the industry to make music that speaks for my generation,” he explained. “I see myself being able to make a career in the music industry. I see myself being a role model for younger people and relating to them through my music.” With the rate he’s going now, he’s not far off from that goal.

Learn more about Lucas Muñoz and details of how you can stream his music here.