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

Hi Israel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I actually was going to be a translator for either the courts or the medical field, I just started to get better at my music skills and I figured out how to make money on my own, it all just came pretty organic I wasn’t doing it for the money at first it just happened.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up Playing Classical Guitar, In high School i was in the drum line, When i went to SDSU i got into Brazilian Music, what sets me apart from others is that i can work solo, sing in 3 languages (Spanish Portuguese and English) . DJ’ing is another passion because i can entertain all different genres.

I’m excited about future songwriting.

I got to this point by handing out cards and doing a professional job at every event i perform at, took many years !

I’ve learned that you have to be customer friendly and share work/gigs with others.

That i love what i do and that i want to pass the knowledge it down to the next generations.

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 would take them to Normal Heights or North Park, Balboa Park, Sunset cliffs, Padres Game maybe go golfing somewhere ! Foodwise Waffle Spot for breakfast, the green Vine for Lunch and Old Town to walk around and eat

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person I can think of is the guy that influenced me into learning Brazilian music his name is Josias Dos Santos, also my teacher from San Diego State Mark Lamson was very influential. I learned how to work as a solo artist from David the Alba and Oscar Aragon, so I would like to give a shout out to them.

Website: israelmaldonado.com

Instagram: @izzyguitar

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/israel-maldonado-music-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHN5YU6xanWD_wwaTmmUCQ

Image Credits
Elfego Becerra Photography Stormie Captures

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