Viva LA Creatives: Meet Szabo

SZABO’s story is one that resonates with dreamers everywhere. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he grew up exploring sports and instruments before discovering his true passion—his voice.  With his voice, ambition and grit as his only luggage, SZABO left Hungary with his sights on Los Angeles, a city where he knew creativity thrives and dreams have room to grow.

“The world know that LA is the place for artists,” SZABO says. “This city challenges me every day—lifting me up, pushing me to question myself, and reminding me who I can become.” Like so many who come here, SZABO embraced the hard work and perseverance it takes to transform ambition into reality.

His music, shaped by his experience of uprooting his life and planting roots in LA, is driven by themes of belonging and connection.  His experience of not knowing where or how he fits in is deeply personal ... yet universally relatable.   His latest single, Only You,  created with Joe Maffia,  has touched lives around the world, reminding us all that chasing a dream and learning how to love isn’t just about where you came from or where you’re going, but about how the journey transforms you.  

For SZABO, LA represents the resilience of those who dare to follow their passions, and the inspiration found in a community as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Whether writing songs, creating music videos, or finding solace in nature, SZABO’s journey is proof that the American Dream is still alive and within reach for those willing to work for it.

No matter where you come from, SZABO’s story reminds us that LA is a city of opportunity—for those bold enough to dream and relentless enough to make it happen.    Creativity is Free.   Don’t Waste it.    Viva LA!

Insta:  OfficialSzabo

#VivaLA #HolidayCreatives #DreamBig

Select Szabo Tracks

SZABO

I'm SZABO, a Hungarian born singer/songwriter and actor. I garnered acclaim for my work in film and on stage, toured in more than 40 countries, released two gold records with my former band and became the second best male voice of my season on the X factor. I moved to LA seven years ago chasing the American Dream. I'm currently writing songs and making music videos about self-validation, creative thinking, openness and acceptance, all the themes that emerged for me growing up in Hungary.

Where were you born, and when did you first realize that creativity was in your DNA? What sparked that realization?

I grew up in Budapest, Hungary and I've tried myself in different sports and learned how to play various of instruments at an early age. I was about 9 or 10 when I realized my sport is dancing and the instrument I'm looking for is actually my voice.

Why and when did you move to LA?   And why do you stay?

If you're an artist, LA is your city because the opportunities here are endless. Around the age of 30, I realized that I reached a certain limit in my career and it's time to move on. I was hungry for newness so I moved here to shape my voice and to learn more. I believe that curiosity and an open mindset is crucial in understanding what drives us as human beings. Thanks to the diversity within Los Angeles, I have the chance to encounter people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and genders with the opportunity to learn something new every day.

Where is your "happy place" where you go to unwind and why?

Being in Nature is my happy place and California has so much to offer. Having a beach day at Point Dume in Malibu or go camping at the Channel Island National Park helps a lot to restore my soul and to recharge my mind.

What inspires you to create?  What's your favorite subject matter?

Being an immigrant opens up a lot of subject for me about belonging and connecting. Especially for these days. Living far from my family and from my long time friends made my self-belief and self-esteem system stronger than ever, which also helps me elevate and inspire others.

What's your latest achievement and how did it come to be?

My latest single "Only You" which I released with my co-writer/producer Joe Maffia. Although the release took place in early summer I still get lots of messages daily from people all around the world (Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil - just to mention a few). They are thanking me and sharing their own stories about how my song helped them to overcome challenges in their life.

And lastly - why do you love LA???

I can talk for hours about food, places, the community, the weather or nature but let me say something personal. LA challenges me every day. It has it's own ability to lift me up and to make me question myself at the same time. I see it as motivation and a reminder of who I was, who I became and who I can be.

What's next for you?

In 2025 I will dive deeper into my creativity. I start the new year by joining a reunion tour in Europe with the musical "Altar Boyz".

In the same time I will release my next single "On My Own" which is probably THE most personal song I've ever written. 

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!   Viva LA!

Insta:  OfficialSzabo