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

Alright Imer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Although I began playing trumpet in the 5th grade, it wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school that I realized that I wanted to pursue music as a career path for the rest of my life. I really enjoyed playing and singing in a variety of styles and languages, gained a stronger self-esteem through the successes I had musically, and loved encouraging/inspiring others with music. For example, I played in the high school marching, concert, and jazz bands, but also sang and played in my local church congregation and a local Christian Rock Band. I typically sang in both English and Spanish regularly. Through music, I developed deeper friendships and meaningful experiences that I still cherish today!

Imer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a musician, composer, educator, and speaker who is passionate about sharing culture and cultural awareness through music and the arts. I began playing at the age of 10 in elementary school, then continued to develop my craft in high school, college, and graduate school. After completing my college studies and began teaching music in public schools, I realized that I was a sort of “cultural bridge”, someone who was multicultural in background and had a wide array of musical and life experiences that could benefit my students, businesses, churches, and organizations seeking to broaden their perspective on culture, as well as celebrate the spectrum of cultures in their sphere/s of influence.

I offer a variety of services, including: live and studio performances (solo through large ensemble), seminars/webinars on musical and cultural topics, cross-cultural songs for use at events, and even consulting to help churches, businesses, and organizations develop a plan that will guide them as they take the next steps to developing their cultural awareness through music and the arts. This is important to serve our diverse populations authentically and with honor/respect.

One of the things that sets me apart from others is that I am highly relational, speak/read/write four languages (English, Spanish, Language, & Portuguese) and always seek a “win-win” solution for all. When my clients experience the way I work and the resources/network I possess, they usually recommend me to others and seek to work with me again. I am grateful for this and do not take it lightly! I am proud of having clients/followers/fans from a broad variety of languages and cultures around the globe. I learn much from them and appreciate the relationships which have been formed and are ongoing!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, I had to pivot from working at a church who had decided to move me from full-time employment to part-time. Though I enjoyed working at the church, I had to ensure I could take care of my family and myself. This, coupled with the loss of live performance/speaking opportunities, brought me to a very challenging artistic and financial crossroads, as it happened to many worldwide.

I was fortunately able to begin recording and performing from my basic home studio and partner with artists and creatives (from around the United States and beyond) in order to generate income streams that helped sustain my family and I until I was hired to teach at a local middle school. To this day, I continue to derive a portion of my income and artistry from online/remote work.

It’s highly important to view challenging moments as opportunities to grow by finding creative solutions that meet our needs, but also demonstrate our courage and resolve in the midst of difficulty.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is knowing that no one else (past, present, or future) can view the world 100% through my eyes. My story is filtered through my unique blend of personal experiences (language, education, musical styles, travel, ethic/cultural background, etc.), so though I have influences and individuals who have inspired me, I can write music, play, sing, and speak with confidence that I don’t have to imitate anyone else. I am enough!

We are all enough and more!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imersantiago.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imersantiago/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImerSantiagoMusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/imersantiago?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqsu8ohUBuo0_zbBePbElg
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/20bfh2i1aNrE4dJQI2KYeS?si=fE6-JIciQYmAwGrzfwosKw&nd=1

Image Credits
Nicole Bolado, Omar Vazquez, Imer Santiago, Ivan Santiago