An Inspired Chat with Emile Martinez of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emile Martinez. Check out our conversation below.

Emile, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been finding so much joy in simply being with my family. My kids are three and five months, and watching them grow has become the center of my world. Being present with them and with all my loved ones, like my godmother, cousins, and the people who’ve been part of my life since day one gives me a kind of peace nothing else can. Having that circle around me reminds me that music and career are important, but family is the reason I chase any of it. They ground me, inspire me, and keep my heart full.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Emile Martinez, and I’m a trumpeter, composer, producer, educator, and bandleader from Los Angeles. I work across jazz, soul, hip-hop, and experimental music, and my focus is always on creating sound that feels honest, vulnerable, and connected to the communities that shaped me. I recently released my debut album Lamad, which came out on December 5th. It’s the first chapter of my story as a bandleader and features some of my favorite musicians and mentors from across LA.

Beyond performing and recording, I’m building a nonprofit organization focused on music education. It is a platform designed to support educators with tools that help students grow creatively and emotionally through music. The foundation is already in place, and I’m wrapping up the last formalities before we roll it out. Education has always been central to my purpose, so this work means a great deal to me.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was the one I had with Oscar Brashear. He was one of my first trumpet mentors, and he stayed a guiding presence in my life all the way up until he passed in 2023. Oscar wasn’t just a teacher, he was someone who saw potential in me long before I fully understood it myself. He created a space where I could grow musically, but also personally.

What made him so impactful was how he carried himself. Oscar represented excellence, but he also represented humanity. He showed me that being a great musician means nothing if you’re not also a great person. He opened his home to me, welcomed me into his world, and treated me like family. From him, I learned that music isn’t just about technique or performance; it’s about intention, discipline, compassion, and the responsibility of passing on what you’ve learned.

Because of Oscar, I don’t just see myself as a trumpeter or a composer. I see myself as part of a lineage, part of a tradition that stretches far beyond my own career. He helped me understand that my role is to honor those who came before me and to pour back into the next generation with the same generosity and belief he showed me. That perspective is at the core of everything I do as an artist, an educator, and a human being.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, the fear that held me back was the fear of letting people down. I come from a community where so many people such as mentors, teachers, and family poured into me. That kind of love is powerful, but it also comes with a sense of responsibility. There were moments when I hesitated to step into the spotlight because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone or fall short of the vision they had for me. Over time, I realized that the real way to honor them is by moving forward, even when I’m scared, and trusting that the work I’m doing is enough.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that people communicate honestly and take accountability. In reality, a lot of folks avoid tough conversations, hide their intentions, or say one thing and move another way. I’ve seen people use words like “brother” or “family,” but not stand on that when it matters.

What hurts artists the most isn’t competition, it’s the lack of transparency, integrity, and follow-through. If we were more honest with each other, clearer in our communication, and willing to take responsibility for our actions, we’d be able to show up for each other in ways that truly matter.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I’m gone, people remember me as someone who poured what he had into others; not just in music, but in life and mentorship. I want to be remembered for impacting at least one person’s life, whether a student who believed in themselves because of me, or a listener who found healing, courage or comfort through a trumpet note or a melody I shared. Most of all, I hope people say I lived with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and that I used my gifts to uplift others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilemartinez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilemartinez_trumpet/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/73938VbcdjR7NdnlP4NoBb?si=1_XuFoJPQzqgWuKRe2wU_g

Image Credits
Camille Stemmons
Cory Crook (photo with red backdrop)