Alisa Amador

Alisa Amador, raised in Cambridge, MA, is a musician fluent in jazz, funk, and alternative folk genres. Her early life was immersed in music, touring as a backup singer for her Latin folk musician parents from the age of five. This upbringing instilled a deep connection to her Puerto Rican, Argentinian, and New Mexican heritage, reinforced by her parents’ decision for her and her twin brother to speak only Spanish at home. Amador pursued formal education at Bates College, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her career officially began gaining traction, performing at local venues like Club Passim and festivals such as the Cambridge Arts Council River Festival. By 2019, she was featured in WGBH’s “Bands You Should Know” series, marking her as an emerging artist.

Amador’s dedication to her craft was recognized in 2020 when she received an Iguana Music Fund grant, which supported her in acquiring recording equipment. That same year, she released the tracks “Red Balloon” and “Milonga Accidental,” performing for benefit events like All In For Chelsea. The year 2021 saw the release of her mini-album, _Narratives_, preceded by the single “Timing.” The album was praised for its ability to foster connection across diverse musical styles. Her talent did not go unnoticed by NPR, as her entry for the Tiny Desk Contest in 2021 was selected as one of their favorites.

The turning point in Amador’s career arrived in 2022 when she won the NPR Tiny Desk Contest on her fifth attempt, making “Milonga Accidental” the first Spanish language song to win the competition. This achievement led to her performing the first Tiny Desk concert with an audience in two years, followed by a national tour. Post-win, Amador received nominations for New Artist of the Year and won Folk Artist of the Year at the 2022 Boston Music Awards. She also secured a grant for a forthcoming album from the nonprofit Salt Lick Incubator. In May 2023, she opened the Boston Calling Music Festival, performing bilingual songs, further solidifying her presence in the music scene. Her forthcoming debut album, _Multitudes_, is scheduled for release in June 2024.