Adora Aiza is a soulful singer and songwriter known for her electrifying
blend of dance rhythms with rock, blues, and pop influences. Growing up
between Orange, New Jersey, and New York City, she began her musical
journey singing in a gospel choir, which deeply rooted her passion for
music that speaks of freedom, fulfillment, and desire.
Influenced by legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Sia, Chaka Khan,
Shirley Bassey, Coldplay, Celia Cruz, and Lauryn Hill, Adora’s voice
resonates with depth and joy, captivating audiences worldwide. Her
original songs, including the heartfelt single “Forgive You,” showcase
her vocal versatility and soulful improvisations with DJs and live
bands. Adora has graced stages at notable events such as Burning Man
with the Official Playa Choir, the Rutgers Official Kobe Bryant Tribute
Game, the Step Into Greatness Festival by Mindvalley, and the Calabria
Music Festival, leaving a lasting impression with her unforgettable
performances.
Adora took time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions for
our readers…
Q: Your music blends dance rhythms with rock, blues, and pop influences.
How did you
develop such a diverse sound, and what led you to explore these
different genres?
A: Music is my way of expressing all the different parts of who I am.
Growing up, I was surrounded
by so many styles—R&B riffs, gospel choirs, rock’s raw energy, and the
uplifting beats of dance
music. I never wanted to limit myself to just one genre because each
speaks to a different aspect
of my soul. Rock empowers me, gospel feeds my spirit, and dance music
fills me with joy. When
I create, I let all these influences blend naturally. It’s like mixing
your favorite ingredients to cook
up something delicious and new. I don’t overthink it; I just let the
music flow and see where it
takes me.
Q: Growing up between Orange, New Jersey, and New York City, you started
your musical
journey singing in a gospel choir. How did those early experiences, and
your family
influences, shape your approach to music and performance?
A: Singing in the gospel choir was where I truly found my voice. It
taught me the power of music to
move people and bring them together. My mom has an incredible voice, and
we’d sing together
in the car, harmonizing to whatever was on the radio. Those moments with
her showed me how
music can connect people on a deep level. My grandmother and I used to
walk around Jamaica,
Queens, singing gospel songs early in the morning. Some folks weren’t
too happy about the early
wake-up call, but over time, they started listening and even
complimenting us. It taught me that
music can break down barriers. My dad was a natural performer—he could
captivate any room.
From him, I learned how to engage with an audience and be genuine on
stage. All these
experiences shaped not just my music but how I connect with people
through it.
Q: You draw inspiration from a wide range of artists, from Jimi Hendrix
to Celia Cruz. Can
you share how these influences have impacted your songwriting and vocal
style?
A:Each of these artists resonates with me in a unique way. Jimi Hendrix
showed me how to push
boundaries and be fearless in my artistry. Celia Cruz’s vibrant energy
is something I strive to
bring into my performances. Lauryn Hill’s honest and heartfelt
storytelling inspires me to be
genuine in my lyrics. When I write songs, I don’t try to fit into a
specific genre. I let my feelings
guide me, and I draw from all these influences naturally. It keeps my
music authentic and allows
me to connect with a diverse audience.
Q: Your song “Forgive You” has a lot of emotional depth. What was the
inspiration behind
the track, and how did you approach the process of writing and recording
it?
A: “Forgive You” came from a very personal place. Initially, I was
holding onto hurt and thought
that forgiveness was about letting someone else off the hook. But as I
delved deeper, I realized
that forgiveness is really about freeing yourself from the weight of
resentment. Writing the song
was like therapy—I went through a range of emotions. I wanted the song
to help others let go of
what’s holding them back. When recording it, I aimed to keep that raw
emotion but also make it
something you could move to, so it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s been amazing
to hear how the song
has helped others on their own healing journeys.
Q: You’ve performed at some incredible events, like Burning Man and the
Rutgers Official
Kobe Bryant Tribute Game. Is there a particular performance that stands
out as a turning
point or a special moment in your career?
A: One unforgettable moment was at Burning Man. I was biking around and
got invited to sing
backup during a live band karaoke on this huge art car. I started
singing from behind, and people
began wondering who was on the mic. When I stepped up, they didn’t know
me, but they
connected with my voice. We ended up having this spontaneous concert as
the sun was setting—
it was pure magic.
Another deeply personal moment was sitting with my dad a few months
before he passed away.
My mom was on a video call with us. I told them I wanted to pursue music
professionally, which
was a big shift from my background in engineering. My dad decided to
test my vocal ability right
then and there. He challenged me with some difficult notes and riffs.
Having both of them there
—my dad in person and my mom on the screen—was incredibly special. When
my dad smiled
and said, “She got it,” it was the ultimate approval. That moment gave
me the confidence to fully
embrace my passion for music.
Q: Your music often speaks to themes of freedom, fulfillment, and
desire. What draws you to
these themes, and how do you express them through your lyrics and sound?
A: These themes are really close to my heart because they’re part of my
own journey. I’m all about
living life fully and embracing what truly makes us happy. When I write,
I try to tap into
universal feelings that we all experience but sometimes find hard to
express. I want my songs to
be anthems for people stepping into their own power and seeking joy.
Whether the music is
upbeat or more reflective, the message is always about embracing your
true self and pursuing
what you desire.
Q: You’ve collaborated with both DJs and live bands. How do these
different performance
settings influence the way you connect with the audience and deliver
your music?
A: Each setting brings out a different side of me. Performing with DJs
is all about energy and
getting people to move. It’s a shared experience where the beat connects
everyone in the room.
With live bands, there’s a deeper emotional connection. The live
instruments and vocals create an
intimate atmosphere where I can really engage with the audience on a
personal level. I love both
settings, and sometimes blending the two creates something truly unique.
It keeps my
performances dynamic and allows me to express myself fully.
Q: Tell us about your goals and dreams for the next five years. What can
fans expect?
A: I’m really excited about what’s ahead. I’m working on new music that
blends EDM, house, and
Amapiano—genres that are inspiring me right now. I’m also exploring ways
to incorporate
healing frequencies into my songs, so the music not only entertains but
also uplifts and heals. My
goal is to create experiences that empower people and help them connect
with themselves and
others. Fans can expect more collaborations, more live shows, and a
deeper dive into who I am
as an artist. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with everyone.
Stay Connected with Adora Aiza:
• Official Website: www.adoraaiza.com
• Instagram: @adoraaiza
• Facebook: facebook.com/theadoraaiza
• YouTube: youtube.com/adoraaiza
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1GTziaCQ61Ov7v2KtaKlkY
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/adora-aiza/1582588941