Meet Jimena Arroyo | Singer-Songwriter & Author

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

Hi Jimena, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Thanks for having me! It’s indeed an honor!
To answer your question, I don’t really think I chose music and my artistic career. Rather, I believe it chose me. I feel this is what happens to most artists. From the outset, we know we’re not going to get rich and famous through art. Instead, we are going to become more fulfilled, complete human beings. Art is an expression of our souls, of our essence and one definitely can’t choose that. It just happens.
Making original songs allows me to express myself better and it’s become a lifestyle: an addictive one.
From a young age, I knew deep down that I wanted to create music that was uniquely my own. While I didn’t come from a particularly musical family, my mom always sang nursery rhymes to me, but I didn’t want to sing those songs: I wanted to craft my own. I remember how, whenever my mom returned from the greengrocer’s with a bag bursting with fruits and vegetables, I would spontaneously compose little tunes like “the celery danced with the pumpkin and the carrots have gone away.” That was creative me, from a very young age. At the age of 8, I wrote my first song in English, my second language, and from that moment on, melodies never stopped flowing.

I’ve always been an introvert, a trait that traces back to my childhood experiences. I endured bullying in school for being labeled a “nerd,” which made me retreat into my own world. In that inner sanctuary, I found solace in writing diaries, stories, and songs. At 15, I embarked on my musical journey, joining a rock band, and by 19, I was performing in a popular cover band. We toured extensively, performing in bars, restaurants, clubs, and even seaside resorts. It was surreal to realize that I was making a living doing what I loved most —singing, all that while I pursued a degree in Literature and Translation at university.

Ten years later, the arrival of motherhood marked a shift in my priorities, making me step back from touring and spend more time with my children. However, my passion for music remained unwavering. Therefore, in recent years, I switched to studio recording sessions and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with immensely talented musicians and producers from all over the world, which allowed me to continue creating music while fulfilling my parental duties.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe that 10-year-old me would be proud of the woman I’ve become and what we’ve achieved so far: I was lucky to be nominated for and win several international independent music awards and to be currently releasing songs on music platforms. I even won a car on a TV show in a singing competition and radio stations worldwide are spinning my singles. Later this year I’ll be releasing my new album. It’s a dream come true.

But it hasn’t been easy at all. I’ve learned that the path of a musician and author is often paved with rejection and setbacks. Facing those obstacles requires resilience and determination. I’ve learned not to take rejection personally, rather we’ve got to keep knocking on doors until the right ones open for us. We’ve got to keep pushing forward despite the disappointments, and continually strive for improvement. And, above everything, enjoy the ride. Life’s too short to questions or give up on our passions and callings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d just love to hang out at the beach. Nothing beats watching sunsets with your favorite drink and listening to music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my wonderful supportive family, who see me work relentlessly to pursue my passion and sometimes get less time from me than they deserve. I would also like to thank the amazing producers who have believed in my songs and have mentored me and encouraged me to grow and become more proficient in my craft.

I am thankful to Jonnie Cook (with whom I wrote so many beautiful songs as Excorde), Mike Gabriel, Phil Trickey and Torbjorn Vagle for making incredible songs with me.

But I would like to dedicate a special shout-out to my producer CJ Teffner, with whom I’ve written hundreds of songs over the past years, both for my artist project as well as for sync licensing. Without his guidance, generosity and mentorship, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I also think that the International Singer-Songwriters Association from Atlanta, founded by the talented Tamanie Dove, has helped me a lot in my music career, too.

Last but not least, the company Duendes del Sur, through which I could publish seven books for children. I feel blessed to have come across so many wonderful people in my path.

Website: https://www.jimenaarroyo.com.ar

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimenaarroyo/?locale=en_US

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamjimenaarroyo

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimenaArroyo

Image Credits
Eugenia Talice