Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Esther Anaya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Esther, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I took was when I decided to leave my stable modeling career at the age of 22. I decided to give music my undivided attention, and to pursue music professionally. I invested the money I had at that time into my music career which included production classes and equipment acquisition. I left a career that was paying my bills to follow my passion into a profession that was not yet paying, but instead costing. That was an enormous risk to take on without any substantial financial support.

Some of the story behind this started from just after high school when I got my feet into the modeling industry. I enjoyed modeling but it wasn’t fulfilling me. I recall conversations with my modeling friends where I would dream of a future career as a major DJ and artist, traveling around the world and creating music for my fans. I used modeling as a way to train myself to get better at networking and build confidence. I knew that making this dream a reality was going to come with enormous risk and sacrifice. It was a very difficult decision to step out of my comfort zone, but I felt the opportunity outweighed the risk because I knew I was going to be doing something that I love and have incredible pashion for. I knew since I was very young that I was going to be a musician. The question was not if I would follow this dream, but when I would.

Many years of non-stop hard work have gone into my growth as an artist, and I still put in the same work ethic for my musical passion to this day. Over the last couple of years the risk has begun paying off but this would not have been the case if I didn’t put everything I have into it, even to this day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am from Monteria, Colombia. Born into a musical family. I fell in love with music at a very young age and started playing the violin at the age of 7. I went to a conservatory growing up where I learned how to play violin, piano and sing. At the early age of 12 I was already part of first chair at the orchestra in my hometown of Barranquilla, and soon after I migrated to the US with my two brothers, mom and dad. I began performing professionally at the age of 17, as part of the YMF and AYS. I’ve shared stages with Rihanna, Kanye West, Maluma throughout Europe, Calvin Harris, Zedd, DJ Snake and many others. I’m currently the official DJ of the Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium and currently featured as a representative of Cadillac. My brand feel and music as an artist is about energy. I have a highly dynamic and unique show where I incorporate my DJ skills alongside violin and live vocals. As a music producer I enjoy making music that people relate to. I love to make music that people will remember.

Have you ever had to pivot?

It was 2019, when I made the decision to pivot with my career and become a solo artist. I passed on a large record deal that I felt would limit me as an artist and creative. I was part of a DJ duo and at the the time of renewal which concluded 2019 is when I made the decision to branch out on my own. It was a scary decision at the onset but ended up being the best decision I have made with my career. It made me work harder to stand out and elevate my craft. Deep down I always knew I would be a solo artist, so this was the time to take action. My advice would be to never second guess yourself, and understand that life has stages and you should embrace the change and move on. Thinking back I would not change this decision for anything.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing your growth and the appreciation of the fans. Moments that have made me feel my best is looking at my past and my career and comparing what I was to what I am. It has been so worth it to sacrifice and never lose hope. I feel so grateful when fans come up to me and tell me about the experiences they’ve had during my shows and while listening to my music, thankfully all positive lol. I’m excited to continues growing and give the best version of myself to my fans, and always provide them with a unique and memorable experience when they come to my shows.    

Contact Info:

• Website: estheranaya.com
• Instagram: @estheranaya
• Facebook: Esther Anaya
• Youtube: @estheranaya