Colombian born, electrical violinist Esther Anaya is the innovative, modern face of a new fusion of music, based on classical violin with a truly creative twist. @estheranaya
Q: How do you describe your love and passion for the violin? “My love for music was inspired by my father. Growing up listening to him sing and compose beautiful songs to my mother sparked an interest in music at an early age that later evolved into a deep part of who I am. As a kid, I would sing along with my dad but wasn’t sure what instrument to pick. At the age of 6, I watched a movie that showcased a violin and fell absolutely in love with the sound of the instrument. I knew at that moment that the violin was going to be my second voice and way to express my passion for music.”
Q: What has your journey been like in the light of being a musician? “It hasn’t been easy at all. I have cried, laughed, lost friends, made new friends and faced tough rejections. I have felt like giving up many times but that’s where my faith in God gave me the strength to persevere and patiently strive toward my dreams. My family and friends have also been crucial in providing support and encouragement when I most needed it. I was 6-years-old when I first held a violin. I also picked up percussion and piano but I was always tied to the violin. Years later, I still feel it is just the beginning. I am a strong believer in the fact that the more you grow the bigger our dreams get, and everything is possible with God.”
Q: How has your style evolved? “My style has evolved a lot through the years. I was first trained in classical music, at 7-years-old. Once my family migrated to the U.S., I started to explore other genres of music. Latin culture has been very prominent in my life. I was born and raised in Colombia. It has inspired me to give my style a touch of my Latin side. Gradually I started to incorporate the violin into modern music and experimenting my sound with hip-hop, house music, techno and Latin. After being part of the Filarmónica del Caribe at the age of 9, Pasadena Young Musician Orchestra at 15-years-old and the Youth Musician Foundation at UCLA at 17-years-old, I felt the need to innovate and do something different with the talents that God has given me. It was then when I decided to perform along aside DJs and alternative bands. I realized how versatile I could be by giving people a journey through different genres and styles of music. I started to see the way my violin had its own voice and it was then when I decided to take it to the next level. Singing is my second passion. I write and compose music with my father. In the middle of August, I will be releasing my first single “Maracambe” where I will be singing and playing the violin simultaneously.”
Q: Do you ever get told that you are breaking the mold, as in your own ethnic background and as well as a woman? What is that like? “I do. It has always been my goal to break the mold and do things that other people are not doing. There is always room for innovation and creativity and that is where I have the most fun. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is a very challenging task. However, it has given me the strength to prove people wrong. Those who never thought that I was capable enough are now seeing what a strong woman can do when she believes in herself and accepts no limitations. I strongly believe there is room for everyone in the industry, women and men, and there should be no gender restrictions. I want to inspire other women like me to believe that no matter how big or small your dreams are, you can do it if you put your fear aside. There is only one life and we have to create the most and best memories out of it because those are the only ones we will take with us the day we die.”
Q: What do you want audiences to know about you that they may not know? “I want my audience to know that there is a lot of surprises coming in the next couple of years. I have been preparing to give my audience the best version of myself reflected through my music; DJing, singing, composing, writing and playing the violin – all in one persona. I still dream of winning Grammys and performing all over the world sharing my musical journey with the public and making them smile with my talent. Something you guys might not know is that my journey has been filled with many challenges. Coming from Colombia as a politically assailed family and pursuing a dream inspired by my father’s passion has had its ups and downs. I was once part of a DJ Duo, and a girl band called NVIDA. Those projects failed. However, I used those failures as learning experiences and I continually make sure I don’t make the same mistakes.
