Meet Amanda Ayala | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Ayala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursue an artistic and creative career because music is where I feel the most at home—it’s my safe space, my truest form of self-expression. Songwriting isn’t just something I do; it’s how I make sense of the world around me. It allows me to be completely honest about my experiences, my emotions, and the highs and lows of life in a way that nothing else does. It’s my outlet, my therapy, my release.

But what truly makes this path so fulfilling isn’t just how music helps me—it’s the way it connects me to others. There’s something so powerful about putting a song out into the world and hearing that it made someone feel understood, that it helped them through a tough time, or even just brightened their day. That kind of impact is indescribable, and it’s exactly why I keep going. Music has the ability to bring people together, to heal, to inspire—and knowing that I get to be a small part of that is what makes this journey so special.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been in this industry for over a decade now, which is absolutely surreal to think about. Looking back on those years, I see not just the milestones, but the struggles, the lessons, and the moments that tested me. This career path is anything but easy—it wasn’t then, and it still isn’t now. Every day brings new challenges, new hurdles to jump over, and new reasons to keep pushing forward. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience is everything. You have to be able to take criticism, hear a million “no’s,” and still keep going until that one “yes” changes everything.

Through it all, I’ve learned patience—not just with the industry, but with myself, my abilities, and my creative process. I’ve learned that perfection is overrated and that real growth comes from the mistakes, the failures, and the moments where things don’t go as planned. Those experiences shape you, they teach you, and ultimately, they make the journey worth it.

At the heart of it all, I’m still the same 11-year-old girl who sang in her bedroom, dreaming of being a musician. The only difference now is that I’ve taken that dream beyond those four walls, into studios, onto stages, and into the hearts of people who connect with my music. And while the dream has evolved, I’m still chasing it with everything I’ve got—because music isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So, confession time—I may live in New York, but when I’m not working or performing, I’m kind of a homebody. My best friend might start questioning their life choices after realizing I’d rather be in pajamas than running through Times Square. BUT, if I had to put my hospitality hat on, I’d make sure they got the full NYC experience.

First stop: Del Frisco’s Steak House—because if we’re going out, we’re doing it right. Nothing like a perfectly cooked steak to set the mood for an epic night. From there, we’re keeping the energy high at **Dueling Pianos**, where we can belt out songs (badly or beautifully—no judgment) and soak in the lively chaos.

The best thing about the city is you don’t even need a strict itinerary. Walk outside, turn a corner, and you’re in the middle of some kind of adventure. Whether it’s a spontaneous street performance, an underground jazz club we “accidentally” stumble into, or a 2 AM dollar slice run, every moment writes itself.

That being said, if they’re really pushing for a full week’s worth of plans, I’d throw in some classics:
Central Park** for a walk, rowboat ride, or an impromptu picnic.
The Met or MoMA for an “I’m cultured” moment.
Brooklyn’s Dumbo & Time Out Market for the best skyline views and food coma-worthy bites.
Rollerblading at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park

And let’s be real—somewhere in there, we’d end up on the subway having a deep conversation with a random stranger who’s either a life coach, an aspiring rapper, or both. That’s the magic of NYC.

Would my best friend be exhausted by the end of the week? Absolutely. Would they secretly love every second of it? 1000%.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When people see a post about a new song, a show, a photoshoot—although it’s labeled as “Amanda Ayala,” there’s an entire team of incredible people behind the scenes who make it all possible. My journey has never been a solo one, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, dedication, and hard work of so many.

First and foremost, I have to give credit to my family—my mom and my brother—who aren’t just my biggest supporters but the backbone of everything I do. They’ve believed in me through every high and low, and their guidance has been invaluable. I also want to shout out my good friend Mark Matter, who has been a huge part of my music journey, engineering and producing so many of my releases.

Of course, I couldn’t do this without my incredible bandmates, my friends, my loved ones, and my fans. It takes a village to build a career in music, and I’m beyond grateful for the one I have. So here’s to all of them—this journey wouldn’t be the same without you!

Website: https://www.amandaayala.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaayalamusic/

Twitter: https://x.com/amandaxayala?mx=2

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/amandaayalamusic

Image Credits
Ronny Ayala all 5