To begin,

From an early age, I learned song and music were synonymous with living. Back then I fell asleep to bass lines that warmed the walls of my room; now I fall asleep to the rhythm of my partner’s breath. Music runs in the family, and it’s my refuge for understanding emotion. While other girls wore princess costumes, the earliest photos of me performing are in a clown costume with a stuffed-pig sidekick, singing random made-up jingles. That same year was the first time I sang on a stage. 

I’ve been blessed with good people in my life, those in passing and enduring. I’ve sought to contribute whatever skill needed in a day, and I’ve learned so much along the way. I am a wanderer after all.

I ran with my Walkman listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, and Silverstein; now I walk to the song of birds. I rode the bus to school with Envy on the Coast, Avril Lavigne, and Norah Jones; now I drive manual to Melt, Tobias Rahim, and Noah Kahan. The summer of Queen and Journey will not be forgotten, nor will the summer I took less traveled roads. Summers ahead are filled with memories begging to be made while remembering the lessons from summers passed. Favorites like Franz Schubert, Puddle of Mudd, and Gang Starr, mingle with Catfish and the Bottlemen, Led Zepplin, and Phil Collins.

Those that have taught me to open up, live in my strengths, and follow my passions. Those that have built me up, poured into this vessel so that I could see myself clearly in the mirror. That I might know my intent and impact, live aligned with purpose, and seek lessons. Thank you for showing me the cracks so I could fill them with gold.

I look forward to seeing you live in person, and to share my stories with you.

With gratitude,

AINARA

P.S. Falling from the nest, is to the awe that is flying.