Meet Jesus Pedraza | Jesus Pedraza AKA SunHands

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

Hi Jesus, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have loved making music since the time my mom gave me my first guitar for my 12th birthday. From that moment, I played every day and cherished every aspect of it. Music quickly became an integral part of who I am, and I dreamed of creating music that would move and connect with people. I was fascinated by how music could seamlessly blend into everyone’s lives, speaking to them in their moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. It has the power to heal, to motivate, and to inspire greatness.

I wanted to use my voice to express myself in ways that others could connect with and relate to, letting them know that it’s okay to go through tough times and that we can all make it through. The ability to connect with others on such a profound level is incredibly powerful to me.

I’ve always been motivated and driven in everything I do. No matter how long it takes, I know I can achieve my goals if I keep going, stay authentic, and don’t let external pressures or setbacks slow me down. I love making music my way, believing firmly in the importance of being true to oneself.

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.
I create music under the name SunHands, infusing alternative and indie sounds that are entirely my own. In 2016, I unveiled my self-produced album “Awakening.” This project was a significant milestone for me, as it allowed me to communicate a message of hope to those who needed it. The process of creating the album was a profound learning experience. I immersed myself in every aspect and had the privilege of working with incredible musicians, from writing and recording to engineering and production. While many artists spend vast amounts of money on production, I focused on doing it my way, ensuring it sounded exactly how I wanted it to be heard. With musicians earning less from their music with streaming services, I aimed to cut costs significantly and support my art with the revenue gained. Armed with just a few tools and a vision, I felt proud to create something special and share it with the world.
Playing live and meeting people who loved and supported my music further fueled my purpose. However, I had to pause my music career to pursue another passion: law. Law school demanded immense effort and time, making it impossible for me to write or create music. This period was challenging and frustrating, as I felt time slipping away from my musical pursuits. Once I finished school, I had a wealth of experiences to draw from, and I poured them into my latest releases.
“Design of the Passing” explores the emotional complexities of perseverance and the strength required to hold onto dreams amidst uncertainty. “E.T.M.” highlights the profound impact of having someone who truly understands and supports you, making the world’s chaos and anxiety more bearable. These songs showcase my evolved sound and personal growth.
Currently, I’m excited about my upcoming single, “Catch a Feeling,” a collaboration with Ari Rose, which promises to be fresh and engaging. Through SunHands, I aim to offer music that resonates deeply with listeners. I want the world to know that SunHands is here to provide the music they’ve been wanting to hear.

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.
We are lucky that South Florida is a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and mostly beautiful weather, offering countless new things to do. For my best friend’s visit, I’d create a spontaneous and memorable hangout experience. Without a set plan, I’d check out what’s happening each day or night and wing it because the best experiences are often unplanned. We’d explore different types of food based on their preferences, finding spots with great views and locations. Over drinks at or near these venues, we’d have the best conversations about their life and future. In the following days, we’d simply enjoy each other’s company and go wherever our adventures take us.

In my view, some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting places to check out are those with a great vibe, where you can find great music and fun-loving people who are there to have a memorable night. Exploring new places that resonate with positive energy and offer lively atmospheres is always a highlight for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve found that my circle of people has become smaller but much more meaningful. It’s essential to have the right circle of people around you—those who hold you accountable, want the best for you, are great listeners, provide valuable advice, love you for who you are, and exude great energy. These are people who want a lot from life and simply enjoy being around you.

I am incredibly fortunate to have such people in my life, and I want to dedicate this shoutout to them.
These family members and friends are incredibly important to me. They are my life and my support, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: https://sunhandsmusic.com

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

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCeS6inGeHeeo85_Ue2Foe8w?si=X4mBlKx8Xs4lTinn

Image Credits
Photos by: Patricia Florentino-Pedraza