UPDATE: Marin natives Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman have just been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award for their work on Doechii’s groundbreaking music video for “Anxiety.” This nomination comes as the video has skyrocketed to 58 million views since its release on April 18, 2023, showcasing a powerful exploration of mental health.
The duo, who produced the video under their newly formed production company More Avenue, received the exciting news from Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment just last month. “We were like, ‘What do you mean?’” laughed Sabella, recalling their initial disbelief upon receiving the nomination. The Grammy Awards ceremony is set for February 1, 2024, where “Anxiety” will compete against notable contenders including Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Clipse’s “So Be It.”
The complex and visually stunning project required the pair to navigate a myriad of challenges, from constructing a house on a sound stage to orchestrating a choreographed dance sequence featuring a staggering 85 dancers. “We had such specific timing; it’s amazing how much each detail needed to flow successfully,” Sabella shared. The video encapsulates a whirlwind of creativity, and the result has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Feldman expressed his admiration for Doechii’s performance, stating, “When we saw the video, we were just like, ‘This is one of the most amazing music videos we’ve ever seen.’” Their dedication and passion for storytelling through music videos are deeply rooted in their childhood experiences during the heyday of MTV.
The couple, who grew up in Mill Valley and attended Tamalpais High School, have always been drawn to the art of music video production. Their collaboration with producer Jolene Mendes on the coming-of-age drama “Edge of Everything” marked the beginning of their professional journey together. “We had such a good experience with her that we kept working together on various projects,” Sabella explained, leading them to establish More Avenue.
The opportunity to produce “Anxiety” arose through Mendes, who has a wealth of experience producing music videos for major labels. Feldman noted, “He’s an amazingly talented director that we’ve all wanted to work with for a while,” referring to director James Mackel, who has previously collaborated with big names like A$AP Rocky.
As they approached the production of “Anxiety,” Sabella and Feldman drew on their indie filmmaking background, allowing them to thrive in the fast-paced environment of music video production. “You get to create some pretty amazing magic,” Sabella said, emphasizing their passion for the genre.
The couple dedicated two intense weeks of preparation before the shoot, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned. “We’re going to push as hard as we can so that it’s easy for [the director],” Feldman stated, highlighting their commitment to supporting creative visions.
Receiving a Grammy nomination is a monumental achievement for Sabella and Feldman, who acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved in “Anxiety.” “To see all of our names up there was one of the most mind-blowing, amazing experiences,” Feldman reflected. Their success stands as a testament to the impact of collaboration and creativity in the music industry.
As the Grammy ceremony approaches, excitement continues to build for both the nominees and fans alike. The recognition of their work not only highlights their talent but also shines a light on the importance of mental health discussions in today’s society. Stay tuned for more updates as the Grammy Awards draw near!
