Great voice, talented, disciplined, old school, and fashion-forward. These are all things that can be attributed to El Paso's own: Elia Esparza. Not only is she a talented young singer, but she hosts the Restless Podcast, vlogs, and teaches some vocal lessons. It's a new year and what better way than to start with someone who enjoys her craft and proudly represents la frontera one way or another. She is a great example of someone who gives it her all and never gives up, which is a great thing to keep in mind this new year and new decade!
I recently reached out to Elia and below are a few questions I got to ask this past week. Enjoy. Heading into a new year and a new decade, do you have any music-related goals? Of course! I feel very refreshed and motivated to create more than ever, especially consistently writing new material and really diving into the craft of writing, even it's not for myself. I’m also working on a 5 song EP to hopefully release later this year, but I’m not in a rush like I used to be. I really want to take my time crafting these songs in order to truly represent who I am as an artist. Along with the songs, I want the visuals to match the level of detail that have a deeper meaning. I’m also constantly working on my vocals and presentation, so I definitely want to take some risks and up my game in 2020. What does being an artist from the frontera mean to you? Do you think that being from the border has greatly influenced how you approach your music? It means a lot. I’ve also lived in San Diego and New York City so having the collective perspective and influences have really showed me how my roots shine through. Although I don’t often write in Spanish, there’s still a flavor sprinkled into my music. What has been the biggest rewards and challenges from pursuing your passion? I know that when I wake up each day, I’m not doing something I hate. I’ve worked hard to create a life where I get to fill my day with different creative pursuits and it all ties together. I’d rather struggle doing what I love than be using my energy for something I don’t. It’s a lot of rejection, a lot of not knowing what the next thing is going to be, and a lot of trial and error. All I know is that moving forward is the only way to find out. I don’t ever want to be in the position of "what if’". Your last single was "With You", what is the meaning behind it? ‘With You’ is a song I wrote in 2019 about past relationships I’ve been in, not necessarily just one person. I wanted to express the feeling of yearning for someone who wasn’t good for me and not even knowing why I wanted them when it was clearly a trainwreck. I went through a pattern of drowning in the thought of someone when in reality it wasn’t what it was. So the song reflects that cycle of losing clarity because I was so consumed in the thought of someone. This year you released "Karma", "Are You Coming. Back" and "With You". Do these singles connect in some way? I do write from experience and although they were written at different times, I wanted them to represent the timeline of going through a break up. ‘Karma’ is very aggressive, in your face attitude, not needing them anymore, leading into AYCB, which is when the initial confidence wears down and is almost begging for them to come back. Finally with ‘With You’, it shows the denial phase of it really being over and now I’m all left with are the memories. Biggest musical influences at the moment? I’m old school. I love listening to older albums I grew up with and then throwing in new music. Right now, I’m really into Dua Lipa, John Mayer and H.E.R. Lastly, anything you would like to add for the readers? A huge thank you to anyone who has supported me through the years and to stay tuned for a lot to come in 2020, I have a feeling this year will be life changing.
1 Comment
Karla
1/10/2020 07:16:40 pm
While I fully support independent or indie artists, I do not support karaoke singers who claim to be artists. There is so much talent on the borderland to waste this precious space on a self-righteous wanna-be singer. Call me pragmatic. The borderland hosts incredibly talented musicians (that hold degrees in music) and are doing amazing things on the borderland. Focus on that.
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