Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey “estr” Beard
Hi Aubrey “ESTR”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up as the daughter of a famous actor, and so I’ve always been, in some way, surrounded by the entertainment industry. Most of my life, I wanted to be an actor like my father. I did a lot of theater, but specifically musicals because I loved to sing and dance as well. When time came for me to go to college, I decided to study film with a specialization in directing. It was in college that I decided I want to both act in and direct films, however, things changed a little when 2020 came. During the pandemic, a lot of pivotal things happened in my life both amazing, like getting married, and not so amazing. It was during the hard times that I realized I truly had a stronger passion for music than I knew about. I found myself singing and songwriting a lot. I was very inspired by the KPOP industry in particular at this time; and, after a very detailed dream I had about starting a girl group, I realized that I wanted to pursue a singing career. Since then, the journey has been easier yet also more challenging than I imagined. I started a girl group with my sister and our friends. Over the years, members came, went and some even came back after leaving; our group name changed twice; demos were made but songs weren’t completed; and we would go back and forth on whether or not now was the right time to start a group. During everything with the girl group, I decided to continue growing individually. I joined two worship teams and became the worship leader for one, became a trainee and KPOP Center, competed and received 5th place of 15 contestants in a statewide singing competition at the 626 Night Market, performed multiple times in venues all over Los Angeles area, co-starred in a music video with Landon Boyce (one of my favorite singers), started a women’s ministry called S.A.L.T (Songs Are Lyrical Testimonies) for singer/songwriters, and released my first single “PRETTY” this summer. My journey, although it seems long, has only begun and I’m extremely excited for everything the future holds.
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?
The road has and has not been smooth. I say that because, although there were challenges with the girl group, growing my social media platforms, not passing some auditions I had with labels in Korea, even with releasing my first single after deciding to change the spelling of my name; I can still say that I’ve been able to grow very quickly as a new artist as well. I’ve made so many new connections, have performed in multiple shows, worked in the studio sessions with Grammy Award winners and nominees, and have gained a fan based outside of the friends and family I know.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hi! I’m Aubrey Beard also known as ESTR (my artist name). I am a singer/songwriter, filmmaker and director. I write songs in a variety of genres. I never wanted to be put my craft in a box artistically. As a musician, and I always wanted create music people wouldn’t necessarily expect from me. Currently, I’m in a pop rock phase. I enjoy seeing artists like Willow Smith, for example, who defy the norms of what an artist stereotypically sounds like based on their appearance or background. I’m very proud of my first release “PRETTY”. Despite of what many people warned me of regarding first singles, it’s has exceeded their and even my own expectations in the amount of streams, support, and traction it is receiving around the world. I am very thankful to God for everything concerning “PRETTY” and its success so far. As a filmmaker and director, I am very proud of a music video my husband and I, with the support of our talented team, created. It was our first music video project as a media company, and I was not only able to edit and help direct the music video, but also co-star in it with a musician I love listening to. There are many other things that I am proud of such as being a finalist in the 626 Icon competition and becoming a collaborative partner with a new major Korean beauty brand Hapa Kristin; however, these are the most recent things. Ultimately, with all of these beginning accomplishments, what truly sets me apart is the light that I carry within me that is only God-given and the diverse catalog of art and cultural experiences I’m inspired by.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to remember why I am doing all that I am in the first place. Whenever I do, I aways come back to God. I’m here to fulfill the purpose He has given me and to expand His kingdom here on Earth. It is when I remember this that I remember to seek for His guidance, instruction and to trust whatever process He takes me through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther.aubreybeard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstherAubreyBeard
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/estrmeansstar
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esther.aubreybeard ; Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qZhveccwlriS49NIb7kYS
Image Credits
Chandler Beard
Jeremy Patsy
