Daily Inspiration: Meet Ramon Espinoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Espinoza.

Hi Ramon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Ramon Espinoza (artist name Granola). My family (with roots in New Mexico) has a long history of playing folk and mariachi music. In high school, I studied audio production with Warren Tech’s trade program. 2017-2021 I attended University of Colorado Denver and earned a recording arts degree. As I studied sound techniques, I practiced making hip hop beats and recording my own raps. I am making my own music videos and performing small concerts regularly. I also sell beats online. I am looking to keep building with local artists and growing with Denver’s vibrant hip hop scene.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a musician isn’t an easy path. Most times it comes back to money. Streaming services don’t pay out well. Music equipment is expensive. Small venues often have artists out promoting and selling their own tickets. Independent artists like myself come out of pocket for studio time, music videos, and features. There is no middle class of musicians. Artists have to pay rent. That’s why I’m working as a sound guy while working on my dream.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am particularly proud of the facts I make my own beats, write my raps, record, and mix my own songs. I do appreciate the independent DIY approach hip hop is rooted in. I also take pride in being my authentic self in my songs. I take inspiration from artists like Tyler, the Creator and Mac Miller, but I don’t want to be anybody else. The reason I love artists like them is that they don’t fake their image. Too many new artists in hip hop are just cosplaying as their favorite rapper.

What matters most to you? Why?
Spreading love and respect for one another. I think, in life, we as people can use a reminder to be nice to others. I see the way groups of people are dehumanized in our rhetoric, and I think music is a strong way of combatting our underlying prejudices. Music unifies people. You can put people in a good mood, make people dance, or address pressing issues all while making people feel connected.

Contact Info:

• Website: Linktr.ee/granola1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lil_lemon_zester
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Granolito
• Twitter: https://x.com/granolito
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@granolamusic

Image Credits
Keshia Murdoch Ryan Lanzi Alex Leal Gomez