From Curiosity to Creation: Jeremy Ayala’s Journey in Shaping Emotions through Music Production
Every great artist’s journey begins with a spark of curiosity, and for Jeremy Ayala, it was no different. What started as an intrigued fascination with the intricate sounds of “Salgo Pa La Calle” gradually evolved into a serious pursuit of musical craftsmanship. From humble beginnings experimenting in a studio in Puerto Rico to collaborating with artists like Bad Gyal, Myke Towers, and J Balvin, his path is defined by a passion for feeling and a relentless drive to innovate. In this interview, Jeremy shares insights into his creative philosophy, the power of collaboration, and what drives him to push musical boundaries—revealing the heart and mind behind the sounds shaping today’s music landscape.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Can you walk us through the moment you decided to pursue music production? Was there a single catalyst, or a gradual pulling of threads that led you to where you are today?
There was definitely a gradual pulling of threads. I’ve always been around music but the first time that I had a big curiosity of how music was made was when I first heard the instrumental of “Salgo Pa La Calle”. Hearing those arps made me very intrigued of how music producers were able to make those types of sounds.
After that when I was 15-16 I started producing but as a hobby nothing serious, until I flew out to Puerto Rico, went to a studio and made a beat just having fun and thinking nothing of it until I heard that a big artist had liked the beat. That’s when I decided to take music seriously.
How do you define your production philosophy? Are there core principles you return to when shaping a track.
I don’t think it is a philosophy but I mainly approach music by how it makes me feel. If something I’m doing makes me feel good in my core about how the song is being produced then that’s it. Sometimes it’ll be a more simplistic production yet I feel good at my heart of how the song was finished, other times I have to make add more things to get that feeling.
You have created music with everyone from Bad Gyal to Myke Towers Jbalvin and more is there anyone you really want to collaborate with in the future? And what type of sound would define it?
There’s a couple of people that I would like to sit down and collaborate; for example, Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Eladio Carrión, and many others. I always like to challenge artist to try different things within their taste and visions
Many producers thrive under constraint. Can you share a time when a limitation unexpectedly sparked a breakthrough in a track?
I think that a producer’s best friend will be failure. I remember once I was working with Mora and he is very demanding and very selective with his music and I couldn’t quite understand what was his vision for a song that we were making until after many tries I finally understood how he wanted to shape the song in terms of sound and production.
Collaboration can redefine a project. What do you look for in collaborators, and can you share a productive collaboration story where someone pushed your work in a surprising direction?
I’ve always had a way of thinking when I produce and that’s always been that there is never a bad idea in the studio to not try it. I’m always receptive to other producers, songwriters or artists ideas or suggestions because any of those ideas could be the defining idea or suggestion that makes the song special and unique.
What has been your biggest inspiration this year and how has that translated into your music?
My biggest inspiration is that everyday I progress, I evolve and I learn. In that mindset I always feel motivated to search for a new way of approaching music, or the way that I do something. Music itself motivates me.
Are there particular synths, plugins, or hardware pieces that you consider essential or transformative? How do you decide when to rely on analog warmth versus digital precision?
I believe that Serum for me is essential, Pro Q3 and Saturn 2 are my go to plugins always.
What’s a project you’re most proud of and why?
I’m proud of all of them! But the one that I had the most fun working on was My Lova with Bad Gyal and Myke Towers.
What new genres, technologies, or collaboration models are you excited to explore next?
I really like the fact that new upcoming artist are daring to try different things in collaboration! Creating new sounds and unexpected features.
What are your thoughts on AI in music at the moment?
While some people see it as a tool, I feel like it would be taking the human aspect of the art.
While AI could create a cool song, you can tell when there is human emotion behind a song and taking that out of music or normalizing it would be crazy.
What would you tell your earlier self about producing and breaking into the industry?
Patience is always the key and failure will be your fuel, don’t be afraid to try, dare and ask! The worst thing that can happen is a no and music is subjective to the listener! Don’t take it personal.
What is next for you on this next chapter of world domination as one of the hottest producers?
Releasing music myself and bringing a new sound. Making sure that my music makes people feel something and that it has an impact on them.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: PHRAA (@phraa)
Wardrobe Styling: Ailin Tropea (@ailintropea)
