Named a 2025 Tiny Desk Top Shelf artist, singer-songwriter Taisha Estrada has been making waves in DC’s music scene since her arrival. Estrada engages audiences with a vibrant stage presence and is known for her powerful, genre-fluid voice and vulnerable, bilingual lyricism.

 

Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the rhythms of bomba y plena were an integral part of Taisha’s upbringing. Her debut record “Nostalgia Ajena” (released in April 2023), pays homage to these roots. Since then, Estrada has made a conscious effort to expand her artistry beyond Latin music. Her latest release, a single entitled “El Abstracto,” earned Estrada the Tiny Desk recognition, revealing a more assured composer.

 

In addition to the single, a body of unreleased music is on the horizon. Created with longtime friends and collaborators Marty Risemberg (drums), Connor Holdridge (guitar) and Danny Schultheis (bass), the music is characterized by deep groove, ethereal harmony and improvisation. Though alluding to their common love for jazz, classic rock and neo soul, the project defies categorization and is best experienced live.

 

Outside of her musical pursuits, Estrada is passionate about service and advocacy for her community. In 2024, she began a free guitar program, lovingly called "Flores Rockeras," for teen girls and non-binary teens in Arlington, Virginia. She also fundraises and advocates in support of DC Abortion Fund and The Kwek Society, raising awareness for underprivileged women and girls, period poverty and access to health care.  

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