We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Azul Zapata. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Azul below.

Azul, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

By far, one of the biggest artistic risks I’ve taken was truly embracing my authentic presence as a queer, immigrant singer-songwriter in the music industry. As an Argentinian in North Carolina, I made the intentional choice to interweave my identity throughout the music I make. There’s really not a whole lot of “separate the artist from the art” when it comes to my music; my experiences, my beliefs, and my history are all there. This wasn’t just about the songs – it’s about fostering an equitable platform for change. I’ve made it my mission to actively create performance opportunities for femme, queer, and POC individuals both in my band and on stage.

My style itself is fully representative of my willingness to embrace creative risks; instead of sticking to one boxed genre that might have been ‘safer’ or more marketable, I chose to embrace a fusion of everything that makes me who I am, from Latin jazz to disco to gospel and beyond. Even my latest single, ‘Disco Never Died,’ isn’t purely a disco song — it’s a celebration!

This risk has turned into one of my greatest rewards, and it’s allowed me to create music that truly represents who I am while still building a platform that uplifts other marginalized communities. The response has shown me that when you’re genuine and brave enough to be yourself, you naturally create spaces for others to do the same.

Azul, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up in an Argentinian home with a family who bonded over a shared love of music, songs weren’t just something I listened to – music was a language that spoke directly to my soul. My journey to becoming a musician is really rooted in the musical relationship I formed as a child and still share with my little brother; his taste in music has informed so much of what I listen to today, and has helped me flourish in my own sound as a musician and songwriter.

The vocal lessons I attended throughout my childhood and teenage years were also pivotal in sharpening my technical ability as an artist, but performing in that more classical setting really magnified my discomfort with being confined to just one genre. Today, my music stands as an amalgamation of all the artists I love; Florence & The Machine, Adele, Maná, and Soda Stereo, to name a few. Some have said that I have somewhat of a “Latin Carole King” sound, but my true joy is in blending the storytelling traditions I grew up with and the diverse musical influences I’ve embraced along the way.

What brings me the most joy is seeing how music can bridge cultural gaps and create connections. When I’m performing, whether I’m playing the trumpet, singing, or moving around on stage, I’m sharing stories that resonate across languages and backgrounds. My Live EP, which comes out in February, especially captures this spirit of intimacy and connection, and showcases the beauty of different musical traditions coming together to create something entirely new and meaningful.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like many artists, my journey hasn’t been a straight path. For almost a year and a half, I attempted to maintain both a draining corporate career and my burgeoning music career, thinking I could simultaneously balance both worlds. However, this juggling act became increasingly unsustainable, taking such a toll that it nearly broke me. By the end of 2022, I reached a turning point and made the difficult but necessary decision to permanently leave my corporate life behind me.

This pivot turned out to be transformative in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Since the beginning of 2023, I’ve been able to pour myself fully into my music – writing new songs, performing across the United States with my best friends, and connecting with growing audiences. This transition has also given me the space to focus on personal growth through therapy, allowing me to process my experiences and channel them into my art in meaningful ways. Looking back, what seemed like a leap of faith has become one of the most authentic decisions I’ve made for both my career and well-being. Turning away from the stability of a reliable paycheck and betting on my own talent, success, and work ethic was a risk that has been paid back in dividends. I knew that my passion for the music and investment in myself would eventually carry me farther than any corporate ladder ever could.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was equating my worth with constant productivity. Coming from an immigrant background, it became clear to me that only my very best would be perceived as acceptable in my new home, and that really took a toll on my ability to breathe and enjoy the process, rather than focusing on the ultimate result. Whether it was my years at UNC, my corporate experience, or even the start of my musical journey, I seriously battled with the concept that I had to be nothing less than exceptional in order to be viewed as a “success.” I felt like I had something to prove, like endless practice and constant striving would be the key to winning over people’s hearts.

However, throughout my journey as an artist and advocate, I’ve discovered that my impact isn’t measured by how many songs I write or shows I perform in a given year – it’s in the authenticity I bring to each moment. When I stopped trying to fit into predetermined boxes and meet others’ expectations, I found the freedom to create music that is truly reflective of my spirit. This shift has allowed me to not just make music, but to create meaningful connections and spaces where others can feel empowered to be themselves too. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up as we are, fully and unapologetically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azulzapata.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azulmzapata/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZULMZ
• Twitter: https://x.com/blueznewz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h9Ze6SK-2oAuA8qUT1khw
• Other: My latest single, streaming on all platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/azul5/disco-never-died

Image Credits

Aaron J. Oates, Anna Rose