We had the good fortune of connecting with Aida De Moya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aida, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I would say that one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make was moving to the United States about 8 years ago to start my music studies at Berklee College of Music. Leaving your country, family, friends, and a lifetime behind to chase a dream with no guarantees is a gamble, although looking back, I would not change my decision. Taking risks like these and constantly stepping out of my comfort zone has allowed me to grow as a person and as an artist as well as to meet and collaborate with so many talented and hard-working professionals in the music industry.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a Guitarist, Composer and Arranger, originally from the Dominican Republic. Oddly enough, my playlist growing up consisted mostly of Brazilian music and contemporary jazz, so my favorite musicians growing up were Pat Metheny, Tom Jobim, and Milton Nascimento to name a few. At the same time, growing up in the Dominican Republic, I was exposed to Dominican and Afro-Caribbean music all the time. So today, some of my compositions blend elements of Jazz and Brazilian music with folkloric components from my native country. For example, there is a piece I recently wrote for Big Band, which plays with a Brazilian rhythm called ‘Baião’ and a Dominican rhythm called ‘pambiche’ derived from the traditional style of merengue. It was a happy accident! I was dancing on the piano while writing and couldn’t figure out why. Then I realized that I was dancing merengue and the tambora pattern kind of fell into my lap like a perfect match for the Baião. One of the most exciting things about being a composer is that each new piece is like a blank canvas where you can explore rhythms and sounds from all over the world and create a new experience for the listener. Being able to paint a picture with sounds, tell a story with or without words, and above all, allow the listener to create their own story and connect with your music, is a humbling and fulfilling experience.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I wouldn’t call it an easy career, but it is a very exciting journey with lots of ups and downs that has given me the opportunity to continue to learn different skills and connect with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I have had the opportunity to collaborate as an Arranger, Orchestrator and Conductor, with outstanding musicians such as Toninho Horta, Paquito D’Rivera and Berta Rojas -whom I admire for their outstanding musicianship and warmth. I’m also a bandleader, guitarist and composer for my own musical adventures, and recently, I dived into the film world, as a film composer, which has taught me to be more open-minded and versatile. In today’s Music Industry you have to wear many hats and be a problem solver, no matter what task is given to you. To get where I am today-and I must say I am not nearly where I want to be yet- I’ve had to explore many areas of the industry, from working as a light designer, stage crew and sound engineer for live shows, to supporting other artists’ careers by performing live, recording and arranging projects for friends and colleagues.

As an artist, there is nothing like being on stage and presenting music to an audience eager to listen, nothing like the community created in a band where you are constantly learning from and leaning on each other.

I have learned many lessons along the way, which let me be more comfortable setting my own boundaries and priorities. I have learned that every victory, whether big or small, does not come without significant effort, time and sacrifice. Likewise, every failure comes with the opportunity to learn and grow. The key for me has been to be consistent and have people who support me and believe in my craft.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be fair, I only moved to Los Angeles last year, so I still have a lot to learn about the city. That said, I love sports, exploring, going to museums and concerts, and most importantly, I think I’ve found some great places to eat in LA! One of my favorite and most exhausting dates with my partner last year was biking along the Marvin Braude Bike Loop in Santa Monica through Torrance Beach. It was a great experience, a super fun and exciting challenge, so I would definitely do it again!
Another activity I enjoyed very much was going to Pasadena’s Roving Archers class. They have all the equipment you need and really great instructors.
I would recommend checking out Universal Studios, and not to miss the Simpsons ride, it was my favorite and it made me feel like a kid the whole time!
If you are into jazz and live music in general, I would recommend checking out the Baked Potato, Sam First and Catalina Jazz Club. I’ve been to some really cool concerts there. Make sure to check out the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, as well.
If you enjoy going to museums, learning about art and architecture, or you simply want to enjoy a beautiful view, you should visit both the Getty Center and the LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. The Arboretum has over 120 acres, houses outdoor historical landmarks and plant collections from all over the world. Music lovers should not miss the Grammy Museum!!
Now it is time to discuss some places to eat. If you only have a day in LA and can only visit one place, the choice is MINI KABOB in Glendale. This is a small restaurant on Vine St., family owned and only offers take-out, however this is by far the best kabob I’ve ever had. After lunch, go grab coffee and pastries at PROOF BAKERY. They offer fresh-made pastries, sandwiches, cakes & locally roasted coffee and everything tastes amazing.
If you are into pizza, then the best pizza in LA, in my opinion, is Pizzeria Mozza on Highland Ave. Try the “Squash blossom & Burrata” pizza for a unique experience. For sushi, don’t miss the Sugar Fish in Studio City and Sushi Enya in Pasadena.
There are many more places to explore, but these are my favorite spots so far!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the Santo Domingo National Conservatory of Music, Michel Camilo, Berklee College of Music, and the New England Conservatory for creating opportunities for young musicians from around the world to pursue a career in music. To my mentors for challenging me to become a better composer and professional, to all the wonderful human beings I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with, thank you! I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family back in the Dominican Republic, my friends and my partner, who have loved, supported and encouraged me in my best and worst moments. I still have a lot to learn and an exciting career to pursue, but I am sure that with your support I will be able to overcome any challenge that comes my way.

Website: www.aidademoya.com

Instagram: @aidademoya

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidademoya/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aidademoyamusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AidaDeMoya

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4V28TLskPOaBqZLO41vsM1?si=bQ1J5Zl3S–FG2melcoX8A “Basta” Original Composition for Songs for World Peace featuring Esperanza Delgado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or97_IEPSD0

Image Credits
Image Credits 1,2,3,4 by Luis Zavaleta @zavaleta_photography 5 cover art by Cris Prado @cristprado 6,7 by Gaia Wilmer @gaiawilmer 8 by Penelope Santana @pesphoto_ 9 by Alfonsina Martinez @alfonsinayelmarcaribe

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.