Meet Crystal “the Indigo” Torres: Artist, Musical Creator, Wellness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal “the Indigo” Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal “the Indigo”, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk taking as the optimist’s super power & a lifelong companion to every successful dreamer known to humankind. The highlights of my career have all been born from moments when I had the audacity to risk rejection & go for what was calling out to me. (ie. packing up my car and moving across country to Los Angeles, reaching out to an artist or musical director to explore the possibility of a tour or musical collaboration). Most of those time’s I’ll ponder two perspectives:

1) “What’s the worst possible outcome & is that scenario worse than if I were to do nothing?”

2) “What if this were to work out beyond my WILDEST dreams? What might that look, smell, sound, FEEL like?

Then I prepare as best as possible, release any attachments to the outcome and trust the universe to provide whatever serves my highest good.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is frequency. Essentially, I’m a singer-songwriter, trumpeter & music producer who gets to travel the world, exchanging moments of inspiration on stages and in studios. I’m also what you may call an empath or light worker. Melody and motivation are my mediums of choice. Whether it’s via original music or something performed with a collaborator, I come alive when I see a melody, song or even a guided meditation open someone up and bring them to a place of healing, empowerment or personal peace. That is my calling and it truly is a gift to experience.

While some creatives may dream of big stages, fame or playing stadiums, none of that was in my head growing up. I simply wanted to see the world while helping others to heal and live in their purpose. Intuition has always led me. Often I’ll ask the universe to close every door not meant for me and make the right choice undeniably clear. This sort of spiritual way of living has required lots of trust and being VERY open to the unexpected.

For instance, I was fully prepared to go into the medical field to “help & heal”. Once it became apparent that music was calling (with several scholarships and important mentors), I simply asked to be of service to others through the music. That eventually unfolded into a career of touring arenas and stadiums with the likes of pop icons Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, & latin singer-songwriter, Alejandro Sanz.

After my first world tour, 30 original songs began pouring out in 30 days. I had never written original music before this moment, but the more world cultures and sounds I experienced on tour, the more my catalog of demos and ideas began to grow. Each experience was a bridge to the next. When I wasn’t on tour, I would often find myself working in studios, collaborating and recording on projects with artists that include Stalley, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Beyonce, Logic & Jhene Aiko.

As beautiful as this life has been, it did not come without its own unique set of challenges: grueling travel schedules, late night sessions, exhaustion, little control of your personal time or space on tourbuses or in dressing rooms, sometimes having to deal with tough personalities who may not know or care to understand you, severe jetlag & insomnia, being underestimated or having to prove one’s self in an often unreasonably demanding and male dominated industry… Not to mention the many challenges that spur from being away from your family members and romantic partner for six to nine months out of the year. Another personal and lifelong challenge that I had to overcome early on was extreme shyness and stage fright. There are few words to describe the fear and excitement that accompany performing with 60-80,000 sets of eyes on you.

It was here, during my encounters with many world cultures on the road that I learned first hand about yoga, reiki, the healing arts, massage therapy, herbal nutrition, meditation and many other forms of holistic wellness. This allowed me to navigate all of these challenges with my peace and my sanity in tact. This past year I’ve leaned on these practices even more so. I found myself making guided meditations for friends when life felt too heavy to make music.

Wellness & Creativity have become a way of life & if I could inject the entire world with the feeling of peace they both bring, I would. For these reasons lately, I’m most excited about the catalog of original, “Crystal the Indigo” songs and meditations I’m building. My artistry came late but right on time. Many of these songs arrived unannounced, in hotels rooms, in sound checks, waiting in line at customs, in transit, on planes and buses throughout the world, in tiny pieces, over the course of several years. They were like faint whispers from hundreds of little creative babies demanding to be born & NOW is my time to officially meet and nurture them. The fact that they’ve come slowly & naturally has allowed me to learn so much about production, and be incredibly intentional with exactly who “Crystal the Indigo” is & why.

Life’s greatest lesson right now is to “always be of service”. As I prepare to set my creations free into the world, I hope that they build community & serve others in the same way that they pulled me and some of my dearest friends through challenging times.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the city, I’d take her to all of my favorite spots. We would have to enjoy a picnic at El Matador State Beach, hike the trails at Griffith Park & watch the sunset over the city. Maybe afterwards we could grab a meal and drinks at Sage Vegan Bistro in Silver Lake. We would definitely have to catch my guys from the Katalyst band host a show somewhere in Leimert Park and enjoy a solo set by Amber Navran and friends at the Blue Whale. The next morning we’d head downtown to enjoy the Flower Market, devour all the lunch food at the Grand Central Market and spend the evening hours pining through every nerd’s dream: the Last Book Store. At some point during the week, we might take a lesson at the Santa Monica Surf School, and ride bikes down to Venice Beach for people watching at the shops & skate park. Another essential would be grabbing a bowl of mango or avocado curry at Araya’s Place (anything on the menu really) and no Sunday would be complete without thrifting in the sunshine at the Melrose trading post on Fairfax. Last but not least, smores over a bonfire dance party or an acoustic jam session with friends at Dockweiler beach would be ideal. If we still had time, we might catch a Lakers or Dodgers game, a concert at the Hollywood bowl or even drive up the PCH just to enjoy the views and maybe catch site of a baby seal or dolphin swimming off the coast if we’re lucky.

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?

The efforts & support of my entire Philadelphia family (from my grandparents, my parents, siblings, aunts & uncles, all the way down to my baby cousins) is what set the stage for my life & work ethic. I come from four generations of Puerto Rican women (men only by marriage). Their strength and support carry me wherever I go. They also taught me how to work hard and be unafraid to use my voice.

The experience & musical expertise passed down from my generous mentors & main musical collaborators such as: Clark Terry, Dr Billy Taylor, Roy Hargrove, Beyonce, Lupe Fiasco, Soundtrakk & Alejandro Sanz are what push me towards my dreams of seeing the world & living in service to the music. While family and mentors are the seeds and the blueprint to my success, the one person who deserves major recognition would have to be my best friend of two decades and counting: Michael Law Thomas.

Michael is my secret weapon. He’s my high school sweetheart and have been happily married to each other since 8-8-8. He’s been my biggest supporter since day zero, my confidant, collaborator, at times, my free therapist & in recent years, my grammy award winning audio engineer! Shout out to Michael!!

Website: www.CrystaltheIndigo.com

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

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

Other: By the end of the summer, I’ll be releasing new songs & launching a creativity & wellness lifestyle podcast called “The Indigo Hour”. The objective is to foster a space where creatives, music, art & wellness enthusiasts can share their experiences, ideas and inspiration.  It will all begin virtually, via my website (www.CrystaltheIndigo.com) but I envision “The Indigo Hour” growing into a community that regularly hosts live events to heal and connect via music, art & wellness.

Image Credits
All images shot by Michael Law Thomas