Meet Lupita Huizar | Píta Canta- Vocalist, Voice Coach, Vocal Arranger

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

Hi Lupita, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I love to live a very disciplined and consistent lifestyle. Many of those daily habits are written down on a daily list of a sort. I learned very early on that a dream isn’t a goal until it’s written down. So I pretty much write everything down. It helps me to want to accomplish things that need to be done, long term and short term. I always feel a sense of serotonin whenever I see a list of tasks all checked off. From something as simple as taking out the trash and walking the dog, to as complex as buying a house. The tasks day by day get written down, a little bit gets done, as the days go by a lot eventually gets done. When looking back, you won’t realize how far forward you’ve come.

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.
They say if you do what you love for a living, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m fortunate to say that my entire life and career currently revolve around music and the music industry. I am currently a private voice, piano, and guitar teacher. This is one of my greatest passions. I find that the longer I teach, the more it encourages and teaches me as a performer. I am also a freelance vocalist for hire; specializing in Pop/Top 40, Jazz, R&B, Latin Pop, Cúmbia, Mariachí, live and studio performance. I’ve toured throughout Southern California, as well as select states within the U.S. performing with multiple cover bands and new emerging artists throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Right now, I’m currently leading vocals for a Selena tribute band named ‘Selenamos’ playing alongside Gabriel Villa of Chicano Batman. Other performing credits include Nightowl Productions, The Band Smooth Touch, Son Deux, Like Vinyl, Cal Poly Pomona’s Jazz Band, Shaman Cult, and more. Some past performances include 4th of July for LA Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, background vocals on a song for Stevie Wonder and Martha Reeves from Martha and the Vandellas, Beverly Hills BH Rodeo Drive 100th anniversary, Skirball Cultural Center, Newport Yacht Club, Sheraton Waikiki, Doubletree Hilton, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, multiple city held street fairs, private parties, weddings, public performances  and so much more. Aside from teaching and live performance, I have future plans to broaden my horizons even further. I am currently a full time student at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in the Music Industries Studies program in lieu of a career in management, A&R, publishing/copyright, whatever I can inch my way into. I currently feel like I’m the best all around musician I’ve ever been up to this point in my life. I surprise myself with the knowledge that spews out of my mouth sometimes. From knowledge of theory, copyright, licensing, live sound, recording, vocal pedagogy, being the front women of a band, and so much more. I’m so excited for this next chapter of life. I’ve worked so incredibly hard to live the life I’ve always wanted. All I hope is to inspire just one person to not give up, no matter the circumstances or opinions thrown your way, keep working hard! Consistency is key! Just keep going! You create the life you want for yourself!

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.
I was born and raised in Azusa, CA. It’s known as ‘The Canyon City’. So first things first, I’m taking them on a beautiful sight filled hike. Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, I take pride of the views of our beautiful Los Angeles mountains. After a morning hike, I’m sure food would be the next thing on their minds. I know a ton of great and iconic food spots that are a MUST when coming down and visiting. Bacon breakfast burritos from Lucky Boy in Pasadena is a must! Also, Grand Central Market is an LA landmark so definitely going there as well. The Torta Cubana from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas is an absolute life changer. Down the street from Grand Central Market, we’ll take a walk down Olvera Street to soak up some culture and check out Murrillo’s leather shop. We’d also check out the Flower District in LA, one of my fav ways to spend a Saturday morning/afternoon surrounded by beautiful exotic plants. Lastly, I’m the type of person who loves to hangout and have a great conversation while sipping a cold IPA. Definitely taking them to Stone in Pasadena, their IPA’s are my absolute fave and best tasting in my opinion. Some other amazing brew spots I’d also consider showing them are Kings Brewing Company in Rancho, Arrow Lodge in Covina, Golden Road in LA, and Mt.Lowe in Arcadia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is a hard one, because there are so many who have contributed to my story throughout the years. First off, I’m so thankful and blessed to be apart of such an amazing network of kind and hardworking musicians, to anyone I’ve ever had the pleasure of gigging with, thank you so much for your time, talent, and friendship(s). Thank you to my homies in Selenamos, grateful to be playing with you all. Shaman Cult, thank you for your many years of friendship and for influencing me to be a better musician and performer every time I watch y’all do your thang! My amazing support system of best friends and family, you know I love you and thank you for always pushing me and believing in me, no matter how crazy my ideas may seem. I also would like to mention the many mentors I’ve had throughout my journey. To the educators who’ve believed in me, looked passed my grades and saw my potential, I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you all. Every scholarship, every piece of life advise and lecture, every moment of your time spent with me in order to show you cared about your students never went unnoticed. Very, very, grateful for the impact you’ve made on my life. To my parents, thank you for blessing me with this beautiful life, te amo mas que al mundo entero. Lastly, this shoutout is dedicated to my best friend in the world, my husband Luis. Thank you for your constant support and love. I dedicate this shout out to all of you. It truly takes a village.

Website: pitacanta.squarespace.com

Instagram: @Pita_Canta

Twitter: @Pita_Canta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNnRkI9HeAZvxQGg_G36Ngw

Other: linker.ee/pita_canta

Image Credits
Eric Mendoza, @yurnttt