In the midst of all the dreams and ambitions swirling around Los Angeles emerges a multifaceted talent whose journey from the shores of Guam to the dynamic landscape of the mainland is nothing short of inspiring. TonyaJae, born Tonya Jaemarie Terlaje Ascura, is a 28-year-old musician and filmmaker who has carved a niche for herself with her distinctive style.

Growing up surrounded by music, thanks to her father, a CHamoru musician, she was introduced early to the world of melodies and rhythms. 

“My dad has been making music since before I was born. He set the tone for me,” TonyaJae said. 

Her father’s music was often played at family gatherings and local events, giving TonyaJae a firsthand experience of the power of music to bring people together and express shared emotions. 

“Seeing how my dad’s music could move people and create a sense of unity was incredibly inspiring,” TonyaJae said. 

This early exposure laid a strong foundation, influencing her musical journey. TonyaJae was immersed in the island’s cultural practices, festivals and communal gatherings, all of which celebrated CHamoru heritage. This cultural immersion not only influenced her musical style but also instilled in her a deep sense of pride in her roots. 

“The culture in Guam is so rich and vibrant. It’s something that I carry with me wherever I go,” TonyaJae said.

Despite the small size of Guam’s music scene, the island’s artists are known for their creativity and resilience. TonyaJae’s upbringing in this environment taught her the importance of perseverance and innovation. 

“Being from a small island, you learn to make the most of what you have and to be resourceful,” she said.

This resourcefulness has been a hallmark of her career, driving her to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of her artistry.

TonyaJae’s move to the mainland United States was a significant transition, marked by both excitement and challenges. The decision to leave Guam was not taken lightly, as it meant leaving behind the close-knit community and familial support that had been her foundation. However, the move was necessary for her growth as an artist. 

“I love Guam, but to pursue my dreams, I needed to seek opportunities that weren’t available on the island,” TonyaJae said.

In California, TonyaJae found a broader platform to share her music, but she never lost touch with her roots. Her cultural heritage continues to inform her music, providing a unique blend of island rhythms and contemporary styles that set her apart in the industry. 

“My heritage is a big part of who I am, and it’s reflected in my music,” TonyaJae said. 

This blend of traditional and modern elements has become a signature aspect of her work, resonating with audiences both in Guam and around the world.

By incorporating elements of CHamoru music into her compositions, TonyaJae not only honors her heritage but also introduces it to new audiences. Her songs often feature traditional instruments and motifs, seamlessly woven into modern pop and electronic beats. This fusion creates a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural tradition.

The Move to LA

A year ago, TonyaJae made the pivotal move from San Diego to Los Angeles, a decision driven by the pursuit of broader opportunities. 

“I do like San Diego more because of family and cleaner air, but LA has provided different opportunities. We’re just continuing to build,” TonyaJae said. 

Despite her love for San Diego, the shift to LA has been instrumental in her career, offering a larger stage for her talents.

The transition was not without its challenges. Los Angeles, known for its bustling traffic, crowded streets and competitive industry, presented a stark contrast to the serene and familiar environment of San Diego. 

“LA is definitely a busier, more intense place. The traffic alone can be overwhelming,” TonyaJae said. 

However, the city’s vibrant creative scene and its plethora of opportunities outweighed these difficulties, making the move a necessary step for her career growth.

In LA, TonyaJae found herself surrounded by a diverse and dynamic community of artists, musicians and filmmakers. The city’s vibrant arts scene offered her numerous opportunities to collaborate, network and showcase her talents on a larger stage. 

“Being in LA has opened doors I never imagined. There are so many creative minds here, and the energy is incredible,” she said.

One of the immediate benefits of the move was the access to state-of-the-art recording studios and professional production facilities. This allowed TonyaJae to elevate her music production quality, experiment with new sounds and collaborate with top-tier professionals in the industry. 

Her recent project, “Under the Sun,” is a reflection of this enhanced production capability and collaborative spirit. Working closely with producer Carlo V. and artist Tatiana Manaois, she was able to create a piece that resonated deeply with her artistic vision.

Despite the initial adjustment period, TonyaJae has embraced the LA lifestyle, finding inspiration in the city’s eclectic mix of cultures and its relentless pursuit of innovation. 

“LA has a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone and making you strive for more. It’s a challenging environment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” TonyaJae said.

TonyaJae’s move to LA has not only expanded her professional horizons but also allowed her to grow personally. The experience of navigating a new city, building new relationships and facing the challenges of a competitive industry has made her more resilient and adaptable. 

“Every challenge I’ve faced here has taught me something valuable. It’s all part of the journey,” she said.

Creating Music with a Personal Touch

TonyaJae’s track “Under the Sun,” exemplifies her artistic philosophy. The song started as a commissioned piece but soon became too personal to part with.

“It’s a funny story because Carlo and I were hired to create this song. But after we finished, we listened to it and realized it was too personal to give away. It felt like it belonged to us,” TonyaJae said. 

This realization led them to keep the song, which later saw the addition of artist Tatiana Manaois, whose involvement brought new dimensions to the piece.

The process of creating “Under the Sun” was deeply collaborative, yet personal. Carlo V.’s music production, combined with TonyaJae’s lyrical and melodic compositions, resulted in a song that is both sonically pleasing and emotionally rich. 

“When we create in the studio, there’s a special feeling that’s hard to put into words. It’s like the music is made just for us,” TonyaJae said.

TonyaJae’s personal connection to her music extends to her performance style and the way she engages with her instruments. Drawing inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift, she developed a unique guitar-playing style that incorporates elements she admired in her idols. 

“I grew up emulating Taylor Swift’s guitar style. I played until my fingers bled, just like she did. It’s a part of me now,” TonyaJae said. 

This dedication to her craft ensures that every note she plays and every lyric she sings is infused with her own personality and experiences.

The authenticity in TonyaJae’s music also comes from her willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her life. Her earlier works, while sometimes exaggerated for theatrical effect, are rooted in real experiences and emotions. 

For instance, her first song, “Leave the House,” though inspired by a simple night-in with friends, captures the essence of youthful indecision and the comfort of familiar company. 

“I didn’t have a love interest at the time I wrote it, so I took inspiration from a night when my friends and I decided to stay home instead of going out. It’s all about real moments,” TonyaJae said.

She believes that music should be a genuine expression of the artist’s inner world, a philosophy that guides her creative process. Whether she’s writing about personal relationships, her cultural heritage or her experiences as an artist, she strives to keep her music true to her own voice. 

“I try to be as authentic as possible because music is a way for me to get my feelings out. It’s like therapy,” she said.

Her commitment to creating music with a personal touch has not only defined her artistic identity but also garnered her a loyal fanbase. Listeners connect with the sincerity in her songs, finding solace and understanding in her lyrics. This connection is what drives TonyaJae to continue exploring new themes and pushing the boundaries of her creativity.

Embracing and Innovating Island Music

Island music, with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, offers a rich tapestry for artists like TonyaJae to explore. 

“The culture in Guam is so rich and vibrant. It’s something that I carry with me wherever I go,” TonyaJae said, emphasizing the importance of her heritage in her creative process. 

Her upcoming projects are set to showcase this blend, with a particular focus on island pop—a genre that seamlessly integrates traditional island sounds with contemporary pop music.

TonyaJae’s journey into island pop has been significantly influenced by her friend and fellow artist, Chad Rivera. Rivera, who resides in Los Angeles, has successfully incorporated CHamoru elements into his music, singing in the CHamoru language and blending traditional sounds with modern beats. 

“Chad’s music incorporates a lot of CHamoru words and elements in a modern sense. He’s a big reason why I wanted to get back into making island music,” TonyaJae said. 

This inspiration has reignited her passion for island music and motivated her to explore this genre more deeply.

Her upcoming island pop projects aim to capture the essence of Guam’s cultural heritage while making it accessible and appealing to a global audience. 

“I’m working on more island music coming out this year. It’s about creating something that resonates with people from Guam and beyond,” she said. 

By blending traditional instruments and rhythms with contemporary production techniques, TonyaJae is creating a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative.

One of the key aspects of her music is the use of traditional instruments and rhythms that reflect the island’s cultural heritage. Instruments like the belembaotuyan (a string instrument), the nose flute and various percussion instruments are subtly woven into her tracks, adding an authentic island flavor. These traditional sounds are complemented by modern production techniques, creating a unique sonic landscape that honors the past while embracing the future.

TonyaJae’s lyrical content also reflects her cultural background. Many of her songs draw inspiration from CHamoru folklore, island life and the natural beauty of Guam. This thematic focus not only preserves her heritage but also introduces it to listeners unfamiliar with CHamoru culture. 

“My music is a way to share my heritage with the world. It’s important to keep these stories and traditions alive,” TonyaJae said.

In addition to her musical endeavors, TonyaJae is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting CHamoru culture and supporting the local music scene in Guam. She collaborates with other island artists, participates in cultural festivals and uses her platform to advocate for greater recognition of CHamoru music. Her efforts extend beyond her personal career, contributing to the broader goal of preserving and promoting CHamoru culture.

“It’s about respecting the past and embracing the present. My goal is to create music that honors where I come from and speaks to where we’re going,” TonyaJae said.

Music as Social Commentary

For TonyaJae, music is a powerful platform for social commentary and change. Her songs often delve into personal and cultural themes, but they also tackle broader social issues, reflecting her belief in the role of artists as societal commentators. 

“Music is a gateway. It’s a way for me to get my feelings out and address things that matter to me and to the world,” TonyaJae said.

TonyaJae’s commitment to using her music for social commentary is rooted in her own experiences and observations. Growing up on Guam, she witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of her community. These experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective and, consequently, her music.

“I’ve seen how music can bring people together and start important conversations,” TonyaJae said.

Beyond cultural themes, TonyaJae’s music addresses various social issues, from mental health to gender equality. She believes that music can be a vehicle for raising awareness and promoting change. 

“I try to be as authentic as possible because music is a way for me to cope and also to connect with others who might be going through similar struggles,” TonyaJae said. 

By sharing her own experiences with mental health and other personal challenges, she hopes to destigmatize these issues and encourage open conversations.

TonyaJae is also vocal about gender equality, particularly in the music industry. As a female artist navigating a predominantly male industry, she has faced her share of challenges. Her music often reflects these experiences, advocating for greater representation and equality. 

“There’s still a long way to go in terms of gender equality in the industry. I hope my music can inspire other women to pursue their dreams and make their voices heard,” she said. “Music has the power to change hearts and minds. It’s a way to reach people and inspire them to think differently.”

Navigating the Music Industry as an Independent Artist

Navigating the music industry as an independent artist is both a challenging and rewarding journey, one that TonyaJae has embraced with determination and resilience. While the industry is notoriously competitive, her decision to remain independent has allowed her to maintain creative control and authenticity in her work.

“Being independent means I get to control my own masters, decide what I put out and when I put it out,” TonyaJae said. 

TonyaJae is signed under AWAL (Artists Without A Label), Sony’s independent label that supports artists in maintaining their independence while providing them with the resources typically associated with major labels. 

“This setup allows me to keep the lion’s share of my earnings while still benefiting from professional support,” TonyaJae said. 

This hybrid model offers the best of both worlds, providing TonyaJae with the freedom to stay true to her vision while accessing the tools needed to succeed in the industry.

One of the significant benefits of being an independent artist is the ability to own her music rights fully. This ownership is crucial not only for financial reasons but also for maintaining the integrity of her work. 

“Owning my masters means I have control over my music’s use and distribution. It’s about ensuring that my art remains mine,” TonyaJae said. 

This level of control is often sacrificed in traditional record deals, making independence a valuable path for artists who prioritize creative freedom.

However, the path of an independent artist is not without its challenges. Unlike major label artists who have teams dedicated to various aspects of their careers, independent artists often have to wear multiple hats. From marketing and promotion to booking performances and managing finances, the responsibilities are extensive. 

“It’s a lot of work. You have to be your own manager, marketer and sometimes even your own producer. But it’s worth it for the creative control,” TonyaJae said.

Technology has played a pivotal role in leveling the playing field for independent artists. Digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and social media have made it easier for artists to reach global audiences without the backing of a major label. 

“Technology has made it possible to connect with fans directly and share my music with people all over the world. It’s empowering,” TonyaJae said. 

These platforms also provide valuable data and insights, allowing artists to understand their audience better and tailor their strategies accordingly.

New Projects and Performances

As TonyaJae looks to the future, her calendar is packed with exciting new projects and performances that promise to further cement her status as a dynamic and innovative artist. 

One of the most anticipated projects on her horizon is the release of new island pop music. Drawing from her CHamoru heritage and blending it with modern pop elements, TonyaJae aims to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. 

“I’m working on more island music coming out this year. It’s about creating something that resonates with people from Guam and beyond,” TonyaJae said. 

This project is not just about music but about cultural representation and preservation, bringing the rich traditions of Guam to a global audience.

The end of summer is slated to be a particularly busy time for TonyaJae. With her distributor requiring a six-week advance notice, the tentative release of her new music is set for late July. This gives her and her team ample time to ensure that everything is perfectly crafted and ready for her fans. 

“I want to make sure that every aspect of the release is handled with care and precision. It’s important that my music reaches people in the best possible way,” TonyaJae said.

She is also set to perform at the first Marianas Festival in Oregon on August 24th. This event marks the inaugural celebration of CHamoru culture in the region and provides a significant platform for her to showcase her music. 

“It’s the first annual Marianas Festival, and I’m so excited to be a part of it. It’s a chance to share our culture and music with a wider audience,” she said. 

The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration, filled with the sounds, flavors and traditions of the Marianas Islands, and TonyaJae’s performance will undoubtedly be a highlight.