We recently connected with Ricardo Tostado and have shared our conversation below.

Ricardo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my latest album, “Don’t Be Afraid, I Loved You.” When I first decided on releasing my own music four years ago, I knew I had the intention of releasing something that represented my in full vulnerability and transparency. I admired artists who were able to display their stories through sound and lyrics, even if they were not explicitly stating what happened to them. Through tears and lessons learned, I spent the past year writing this album, which shows me at my most vulnerable moments. The album is a story of growth, heartbreak, growing older, and acceptance. I was fearful of even taking on this project and choosing to tell this story, but I knew this is exactly what I had been longing to do – to display my story and my headspace in a way which people can sit down, listen, and reflect. It’s by far the most intimate project I’ve worked on, and it holds such a special place in my heart.

Ricardo, 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?

My name is “Juni” and I’m an indie-pop/alternative music artist from Imperial Valley, California. I grew up playing music and different instruments my entire life. By the time I reached high school I began writing my own songs and recording them on my iPhone. It wasn’t until 2019, after attending the Camp Flog Gnaw festival in LA, that I was immediately inspired to take the leap in releasing my music.

One EP, several singles, and several shows later, I am most proud of my first full-length album released this year, along with the listening party that was held for it. The turnout was amazing, and I was beyond grateful for all of supporters in my hometown who attended. What I would want my supporters to know about my work is that it goes beyond simply releasing music for me. Every lyric, every sound, is written with a purpose, and my hope is that someone may find some sort of connection or relation to it that they can take with them. Connection is everything for me. I’ve met so many new faces and interacted with so many people through the creation of my music. It has brought me closer to many, and I have been fortunate enough to see it bring new faces together as well.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to feel that you have fully expressed an emotion or story, and to be willing to share it for all ears to hear. To know how much work was put into a track, whether it is lyrically or through overall production and recording, pouring your heart out into this art form has to be one of the best feelings in the world. There comes a point in the process when you can say, “Okay, it’s time. It’s time for this story to breathe on it own and live with someone else now.” That is the feeling that is most rewarding for me, because it is no longer mine to carry anymore. It is for everyone.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Funny enough, building my small social media presence has been extremely old-fashioned and organic for me. I began by printing out posters and creating my own merchandise for my first EP. I would make posts on social media about me giving everything out for free for anyone who wanted something. The responses and support were more than I had anticipated, and I really didn’t care for any money that was put into it. I just wanted something that people could physically hold on to that would remind them of the music and the emotions behind it. I drove to every single person’s door that reached out in my hometown and I mailed merchandise to those who moved away for college. As I started collaborating with other creatives – musicians, videographers, etc., my network began to grow steadily. I think creating those genuine connections just helped with the overall mission in all of this – to connect and grow together. If wasn’t until recently that I actually took the leap in investing in boosting my Reels and using social media platform advertising. This has garnered more supporters through strategy, but nothing beats making genuine connections with people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://streamlink.to/juni
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juni.music_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@junimusic_

Image Credits
Mauricio Ortiz Alejandra Moreno