Rising Stars: Meet Joseph Espinoza of Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Espinoza.

Hi Joseph, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure—my story isn’t exactly a straight line, but it’s definitely shaped who I am as an artist. I started playing classical piano when I was nine, and by twelve I picked up the guitar, which pretty much changed everything for me. Music became more than just a hobby—it was how I coped, how I processed what I was going through.

I didn’t have the easiest childhood. I went through foster care, dealt with abuse, and carried a lot of weight at a young age. But music was the one thing that made me feel heard, even when I couldn’t find the words. Eventually, I started diving deeper into different genres—technical metal became a main focus, but I also studied jazz in college to round myself out and push my musical language further.

Over time, I started teaching, performing, and working with signed artists, like Wane Smith (Bigmanbeats). I’ve studied under some amazing musicians—people like Jason Richardson and Josh Meader—who’ve really helped me elevate my playing and mindset. These days, I’m in a place where I’m focused on growth, collaboration, and leaving a mark—not just in terms of skill, but by creating something real that others can connect to.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I think the struggle is what shaped my voice as an artist. Growing up, I experienced a lot of instability. I was placed in foster care at a young age after my father was arrested, and during that time, I dealt with abuse, neglect, and constantly moving from place to place. I was eventually reunited with my mom, but by then, I already felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. That feeling stuck with me for a long time.

In school, even though I tested as gifted, I struggled to stay engaged. It wasn’t until I found music that I really found purpose. But even then, it wasn’t easy. I’ve had to fight against a lot of self-doubt, isolation, and financial pressure. On top of that, I have ADHD, which makes it hard to slow down or feel like I’m ever doing enough. I often felt like I couldn’t relate to people my age because I was so focused on surviving and building a career.

But all of that pushed me to work harder, study under the best musicians I could find, and surround myself with people who challenge me. Every challenge has added depth to my sound and my story—and now, I’m using everything I’ve been through to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or silenced

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a composer and guitarist who’s constantly experimenting with harmony, rhythm, and emotional contrast. I specialize in technical metal and jazz-influenced music, but my writing pulls from a wide range of genres—classical, ambient, even film scoring. I’m especially drawn to tension: dissonance, odd time signatures, layered textures, and chord progressions that refuse to resolve in predictable ways. I love using unique chords in a single progression, just to push the boundaries of color and movement.

What I’m most proud of is that my music feels like a true reflection of who I am. It’s raw, emotional, and unfiltered—sometimes aggressive, sometimes delicate, but always honest. I don’t write for the algorithm or chase trends. I write to say something real, even if it only resonates with a few people. That’s always been my mindset.

My personal mantra is: “Do it for the art.” That simple phrase keeps me grounded. It reminds me that music isn’t about numbers, fame, or fitting in—it’s about creating something meaningful, something that reflects the depth of human experience.

What sets me apart is that I treat composition like storytelling. Every piece I write is built on emotional contrast—a constant push and pull between chaos and clarity. I lean into discomfort, I embrace the unexpected, and I let the music speak in ways words can’t. I think that honesty and intentionality is what resonates most with people, even if they don’t fully understand the theory behind it

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely different from the kids around me. I was quiet, observant, and always deep in my own head. I didn’t really fit in—I wasn’t into video games or typical social stuff. A lot of that was because of what I was going through behind the scenes. I spent part of my childhood in foster care, dealing with instability and trauma, and even after being reunited with my mom, I carried a lot of emotional weight. I learned early on how to survive, how to stay alert, and how to keep to myself.

But at the same time, I was always curious. I was that kid who asked a lot of questions, who picked up patterns quickly, and who could get hyper-focused on something for hours if it interested me. That ended up being both a strength and a struggle—I was labeled as gifted in school, but I wasn’t engaged until music came into my life.

Once I discovered music, everything shifted. It gave me an outlet, a purpose. I became obsessed with getting better—first on piano, then on guitar, and eventually with composing. Music wasn’t just something I liked—it was something I needed.

Personality-wise, I’ve always been intense. Passionate, driven, hyper-focused, and honestly, a little isolated because of it. But that intensity has fueled everything I’ve built so far—and now, I’m learning how to use it in a way that connects me to others instead of keeping me separate.

Pricing:

• Private Lessons (Guitar, Piano, Bass, Ukulele) • $40 for 30 minutes • $70 for 1 hour • Available in-person (Inglewood, CA area) or online via Zoom
• Custom Composition / Arrangement • Starting at $150 per minute of finished music • Rates vary depending on complexity, instrumentation, and deadline
• Session Work / Recording • Starting at $100 per track (guitar or piano) • Includes one round of revisions and stems upon delivery
• Live Performances / Gigs • Pricing depends on travel, set length, and preparation • Open to collaboration with artists, venues, and event coordinators
• Discounts are available for recurring students or larger projects.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lucivras?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009601192324&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lucivras?si=Jf3FvnF8SGG8CrCA
• Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Vy6RLwJoVeSIM8Yy2rZsk?si=pixtO9G3QH-f2jToZ3tYKA
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lucivras?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f70a490f-4fee-46a2-81db-ab414b7d940c

Image Credits
Diego Leon Martinez
Jordan Peral