Marin Natives Shine as Grammy Nominees for Doechii’s “Anxiety”

Marin County natives Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman have achieved a significant milestone in their burgeoning careers, receiving a nomination for a Grammy Award for their production work on Doechii’s music video “Anxiety.” Released on April 18, 2023, the video has garnered over 58 million views, showcasing the rapper’s exploration of mental health issues through a vibrant visual narrative.

The duo, who produced the music video under their company, More Avenue, faced numerous challenges during production, including building a house set on a sound stage and coordinating a street shutdown for a choreographed dance sequence involving Doechii and 85 dancers. “We had such specific timing; it’s amazing how much each detail needed to flow successfully,” Sabella remarked. “When you watch the video, you might not realize the effort required to ensure everything was perfect.”

The nomination for Best Music Video places “Anxiety” in competition with works by Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, Sade, and OK Go. The announcement left Sabella and Feldman in disbelief. “That day, we got a text from our partners and Doechii’s team at Top Dawg Entertainment, who were amazing partners. They were like, ‘Congrats, Grammy nominees.’ We were like, ‘What do you mean?’” Sabella recalled with laughter.

Growing up during the peak of MTV’s influence, the couple developed a passion for music videos early on. “Sophia and I have always loved music videos since we were kids,” Feldman said. Their enthusiasm for the medium deepened when they collaborated with producer Jolene Mendes on their first feature film, the coming-of-age drama “Edge of Everything,” which premiered to sold-out crowds in their hometown.

The trio’s successful collaboration led to the formation of More Avenue, which focuses on producing feature films, music videos, commercials, and other projects. “For us, the mentality is, ‘Let’s have fun with it, too,’” Feldman explained. “The energy on set with the crew infuses into the work, and that tone enhances the final product.”

The opportunity to produce “Anxiety” arose through Mendes, who has collaborated with major music labels. Feldman noted, “She’d worked with James before, and when he started putting together the music video for ‘Anxiety,’ he reached out to her and brought us all on board.” Director James Mackel, known for his work with artists like A$AP Rocky, played a crucial role in shaping the project.

Both Sabella and Feldman have expressed a deep appreciation for the fast-paced nature of music video production, which aligns with their experiences in indie filmmaking. “Music videos come together really fast, and with our indie filmmaking background, indie films also come together really fast,” Feldman explained. “Once you get the green light, you just have to push and go.”

The couple worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the shoot, with some scenes completed in just one or two takes. “It was so cool to work on something that has really blown up and been so well-received,” said Feldman. The recognition at the Grammy Awards has also provided a platform to highlight the contributions of all those involved in the production process.

Reflecting on their journey, Feldman stated, “We did not expect all of this. As a company, it’s the biggest music video we’ve done, and its success feels really special. To see our names alongside so many incredible nominees was one of the most mind-blowing experiences.”

As the Grammy ceremony approaches, Sabella and Feldman look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact of their work on the music video landscape. Their story exemplifies the power of creativity and collaboration in the entertainment industry, inspiring others to pursue their passions.