Today we’d like to introduce you to Azalea Segura-Mora.
Hi Azalea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! Thanks for having me, it means a lot to share my story with others and reflect on my journey.
I grew up a very shy kid. Shy, but art was my gateway to expressing myself. I loved painting, drawing, and I would sing at home all the time in the shower and in my room when no one was listening. The moment I found Garageband on my dad’s computer I was hooked. Whenever I was home alone, I would secretly create songs on GarageBand, experimenting with MIDI piano, drum machines, and my vocals, completely lost in the digital world of music.
My love for music grew when I was involved in orchestra. My parents pressed me and my brothers to join the music programs within our public schools. Reflecting back, I’m thankful they did because playing music became such a joy for me. I chose to play the cello within my school’s orchestra from 6th grade until high school. I fell in love with the cello and being in an orchestra allowed me to experience the magic of music with a greater appreciation.
As I mentioned, singing had always been a passion of mine and during high school I gained the courage to put myself out there and perform in front of people. I even started my own YouTube singing channel which was a huge leap out of my comfort zone. I created a band, “Corazón de Melón”, with my besties Norma Rodgriguez (cello/singer) and Mars Mourani (Drummer) where Norma and I first paired singing while playing our cellos. We entered our high school’s Battle of the Bands and won for two consecutive years! It felt surreal! To know that people resonated with our art was so inspiring. Entering college I knew I wanted to continue creating music and continue growing as a musician.
Having a passion for digital music, I studied Audio Technology at UC San Diego where I learned recording as well as audio production. Through connections made in UCSD’s Musicians Club, I formed a Latin/Indie/Jazz fusion band, alegrías, with people that eventually became family: Ada Ngozi (bass), Daniel Hernandez (drums), Kendal Gibbs (guitar), and myself (lead singer, lyricist, and cellist). In between the grind of school, alegrías was always a safe haven where we loved creating original songs and building our unique sound. Our band went on to gain recognition from KCRW Young Creator’s Project and the NPR Tiny Desk Contest! These were special experiences that continue to inspire my creative journey to this day.
Currently, I work as a music and arts educator, helping foster creativity within the youth. I also pursue my passions in audio engineering as well as event coordination. I continue to collaborate with alegrías and a range of musicians, under my artist name asália, to create music in which people love and can connect with. I always strive to uplift and support my community through the power of art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to create and express myself through art. It’s important for me to acknowledge that blessing first and foremost. I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the cherished friends I’ve met along my journey.
What has always come naturally to me is being present with music– writing, creating, and experiencing music. I am a music artist, a creator, a storyteller. I express my soul through art – that is how I want to live my days!
Currently, I work as an arts and music teacher while continuing to create music and pursue opportunities in audio and event coordination. My biggest challenge right now is determining how to financially sustain myself with my artwork long-term. My dream is to become a full-time musician and make a living doing so. Learning how to do that has been a journey for me, which is why I am always a student learning from those who have done it around me, as well as seeking mentorship from organizations that guide artists.
Making time for my art is another huge challenge of mine. It’s been hard staying motivated to create sometimes when my work life fills my week and headspace. I come home from work drained, wanting to recharge, and not in the mood to create. It is a goal of mine to prioritize time towards my music and keep my music dream alive – so I must always take steps towards my artist career! And above all, tap into my love for creating!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I aim to represent my voice in the music industry as a queer Mexican-American cellist, singer, and songwriter. I strive to push the boundary of cello beyond its ethnocentric classical origins and show its beauty in a diversity of music. As a child of Mexican immigrants, I’ve found pride in the fusion of my two cultures. I express myself in Spanish and English to best share my feelings within my songwriting.
My music is a mind journal of my emotions and experiences that I try to make sense of. My songs range from expressing the joy one has after meeting someone special for the first time (“Friend Crush”), to writing about discovering oneself, entering new beginnings, and expressing anger towards not listening to the youth regarding politics (“Mariposa(Wavy)”). I wish to unify my community with both euphoric and melancholic vibes, and inspire change when it comes to social issues. I also want to inspire others from all backgrounds to create.
Beyond being a creator, I aim to support other artists as an audio engineer, helping them bring their musical visions to life through my technical skills. I have experience in production engineering in a range of studio and live performance settings. Myself and my team self-recorded alegrías’ album in the studio, and we are currently working on mixing/mastering our tracks!
Lastly, I am a community builder at heart which is why I love event coordination, bringing beautiful moments to people through the power of art. Most recently I was a part of the Talent Booking/Production team for the “More In Music” conference, aimed to educate those pursuing a career in the music industry.
I wanted to say thank you so much Voyage LA for having me, I appreciate the opportunity to share my story. Much love to everyone out there! Keep at it!
Pricing:
- I am available for session singing, session cello, and offer songwriting and audio mixing/editing services. I love collaborating with others! Pricing varies by project – reach out via email or Instagram for more information! [email protected] and @azulishh
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/asaliasm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azulishh
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azaleasm/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3E4f-ScXa9xHE3RMOaKCVg/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-280147934
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xZ3t0XMZQGJt8N7KAZAuN
