Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Espinoza. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Something hot and fresh out of the kitchen, Rafael Espinoza is taking the music world by storm performing original music that is deeply rooted in the Blues. He is making a path for himself with a sound all his own that can’t be pigeon-holed. Graduating with Academic Honors “Magna Cum Laude” at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA in August 2013, Rafael studied with the top professionals in the music industry and performed at some of Boston’s finest venues.
Along with his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music, Rafael’s most recent achievements include participating in the opening performance for Country Music Legend Willie Nelson at Boston University’s Agannis Arena during Berklee’s Commencement Concert.
Rafael Espinoza also recently won The Heart Of Texas Blues Challenge at Antone’s in Austin, TX where he competed against the state’s Top Blues Bands.
Rafael and his band are known as “Rafael Espinoza and The Rockabilly Railroad!” He and his band just finished recording an album at The Legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, TN last year, and the new album is out now on all online music stores!
At Sun Studios the band recorded inside the very same room that Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more recorded all their early hits!
His band has released 3 albums prior to the Sun Project, and you can check them out on Rafael Espinoza’s Official Website at www.RafaelEspinozaMusic.com
Rafael has also recently opened a music school in Mineola, TX entitled “Espinoza Music Academy” where he and his wife Emmylou teach and hold recitals and special concerts for their students and the public.
To learn more about his music school, please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheEspinozaMusicAcademy and www.EspinozaMusicAcademy.com
You can also keep in touch with Rafael’s artist Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RafaelsRockabillyRailroad
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Making a living as a professional musician is tough because of various challenges. You’re self-employed and have to figure out a lot of things on your own. It’s a lot of “who you know” verses “what you know.” And it’s not just one facet of music or a music career. It’s several jobs in one…
Teaching, Performing, Recording, Writing, Building, Repairing Tech Work, Social Media Wiz all inside this musical realm.
It can be very exhausting but is so worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I will say that I think music performance is what I specialize in and sets me apart from others. I created my band name “Rafael Espinoza and The Rockabilly Railroad” to help us stand out from other Blues & Rock & Roll bands and it’s worked. We’ve received more offers to music festivals because people know exactly what we are now.
From a career standpoint, I am most proud at being able to make a living with something I love doing, my passion for music.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Music is ever-evolving. I don’t think I will ever make physical albums again. Everything has become electronic. I will probably invest in more fashion materials for our merch table at shows… more shirts, hats, bracelets & necklaces, etc. more than ever before.
People still want to take a piece of the band home with them even if they don’t have cd players anymore or even though they can stream your music free on Spotify.
Always brainstorming for creative and affordable ways to evolve with the times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RafaelEspinozaMusic.com , www.EspinozaMusicAcademy.com
- Instagram: @rafaelespinozamusic.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RafaelsRockabillyRailroad
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/RafaelDEspinoza
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/rafaelespinozamusic
Image Credits
Linda Lane
