Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Anaya.
Hi Esther, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in a musical family, inspired by my father who has a passion for music and is a wonderful singer & songwriter. At seven years old, I fell in love with the sound of the violin by seeing a movie where a young girl on the street was playing the violin. I remember telling my father that I wanted a violin and for an entire week, I pestered him about it until he finally gave in and bought me one. That was one of the happiest days of my life. I remember him telling me these words, “In our family, nobody quits, so if you choose this instrument, it’s for life”. I obviously took it very seriously, lol. Through my learning, on violin my mother was very structured and disciplinary. She would take me to the musical conservatory every day throughout my childhood. Music was at the core of our family and was so to speak, the glue that kept us together. Throughout my upbringing, we had a family band and would play at church on Sundays. At 11 years old, I became part of the philharmonic of the Atlantic and became the first chair at the age of 13.
Thereafter my family had to rapidly leave our country of Colombia due to political unrest involving my family. We relocated to Los Angeles under political asylum. All That I brought to this country was a violin and one luggage. In Downey, CA I restarted my new life. Without knowing a single word of English, my parents figured out a way to get me involved in an orchestra in Pasadena, CA and helped to continue my violin instruction. By the time I was a senior in high school, I became part of the YMF (Young Music Foundation) which became my first job. This led me into opportunities such as performing with Kanye West and Rihanna at the 2011 All-Star Game at The Staples Center. On this stage is when I realized where I wanted to take this career, all the way to the top.
Soon after, I became part of a DJ duo with whom I traveled around the world performing. I was also part of a girl band which lasted until 2015. By the end of 2018, I had opened the Maluma 21 city European tour and had performed on large stages throughout the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the USA. As of today, I’ve shared the big stage with artists such as Lunay, J.Balvin, DJ Snake, Zedd, Calvin Harris, Cristian Castro, among many others. Currently, I’m a headliner at Las Vegas’s hottest-ranked nightclub, Zouk. I also headline on stages across the nation and produce original music including my recent song with Snoop Dogg, named BAYC.
This journey has been challenging, shelf teaching and most of all has been rewarding. I feel eternally grateful to God for helping me accomplish my dreams and guiding me through my journey. I have so many exciting things coming as I’m currently working on an EP with a 17x grammy award-winning producer… I can’t wait to show you guys what’s in store.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road of an artist is usually never smooth. The ups and downs have taught me to be strong. As a growing artist, we experience our fair of rejection. The doors that have closed on me have led me to become better at my craft and very persistent. For me, rejection has led to other, better opportunities. I think as an artist there’s a lot of disappointment along the way and it’s important to focus on the positive and keep driving forward with the right people around you. I believe that fear is an illusion of your mind and you have the power to obtain what you drive for. Believing in your value will bring you the confidence you need to survive in my industry. Through the sheer drive, hard work and gratitude I’ve been able to achieve what I have at this point.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, DJ, violinist and producer. The combination of all four is my specialty. I’m known for my unique way of interpreting the violin to different genres of music and putting a diverse and electric show, combining all the different talents I possess.
I’m most proud of my persistency, lol. When I go out for something, it doesn’t matter how long it takes me, I will achieve it. I’m not afraid of putting in the work.
I am the first pioneer from Colombia as an EDM DJ incorporating electric violin to electronic music.
I also own and operate a non-profit called ASAF Angels. Through my non-profit, I provide musical instruments and education to children in underprivileged communities. ASAF Angels is currently operating in Colombia, Mexico and the USA, with plans of expanding across numerous other countries in 2023.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Number 1 are definitely my parents. They have helped to inform my journey along the way and my father still makes music with me to this day. They have been a support system and staple of my career. Secondly, I’d like to give credit to God as I believe he has helped to provide the successes bestowed upon me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estheranaya.com
- Instagram: @estheranaya
- Facebook: Esther Anaya
- Twitter: @estheranayanft
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8L8xNLy9zhn-jLpiLIlOg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/estheranaya
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/517LXfGhdG0xgfJiz6h0U5
