Conversations with Aisha Mars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha Mars.

Hi Aisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve actually moved around and lived in many places. I was born in New Mexico but spent my formative years in Tennessee where I connected deeply with music while singing in church. My family moved to northern California where I began playing flute in elementary school; an interesting thing a lot of people don’t know is that I also played oboe during that time in middle school. In high school, I fell in love with competitions and was the drum major of my school’s marching band. I then went to UCLA to become a music teacher and attempted to stretch beyond my classical training. I sang in a gospel choir and also played percussion in a latin jazz group. I also spent time in Barbados playing in my first reggae band. After that experience, I lived in Dallas for many years. There, I became an educator while continuing to collaborate with a variety of artists.

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?
Challenges have always been present, but you learn to focus where you can make change and let go of what you can’t. I’ve learned that some bands don’t stay together and some recordings don’t make the cut. It’s all a part of the process I guess. My biggest regret though is not doubling on saxophone when I was younger. I am asked this question a lot. My creative challenges have also been around having ideas, but not having the means to complete the ideas.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician and flautist. I was classically trained at UCLA, where I graduated with a music degree, specializing in education. Since then, I’ve taught and played the flute in a range of groups and on a range of recordings in Dallas and Los Angeles.

In Dallas, I collaborated with players and groups from jazz fusion to reggae and hiphop. For many years, I played in Melody Memory and with Journeyman Ink’s DaVerse Lounge shows.

I’m grateful to have worked with a range of phenomenal artists over the years. I’m grateful to still be playing and learning something new everyday. I’m most proud of my recent work on a couple of albums: Mndsgn’s, “Rare Pleasure,” album, and SiR’s, “Heavy” album.

I consider myself to be a creative on many levels; as a musician and flautist, and also as an educator and teacher for many years. I’m now expanding my sound further, exploring frequencies, energy and sound healing.

How do you think about luck?
I’ve had neither good or bad luck per say. I believe my opportunities have stemmed from my efforts, which depended on my outlook and mindset, which has waxed and waned overtime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aishamars.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishamars/
• Other: https://aishamars.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Photographer: India Williams