Meet Jaime “Jimmy” Aranda | Musician & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaime “Jimmy” Aranda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaime “Jimmy”, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a kid, I was always intrigued by letters, and I loved music. I would ask my mom to play the La Bamba movie ALL the time – it was my favorite. I honestly had no clue how I’d tie my admiration for letters and my love for music together in my life and career, but I found a way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Two teachers had a powerful impact on my life. I remember an English teacher in high school would always say to us, “It’s not the smartest who are most successful, but it’s those who are persistent and have the internal fortitude to keep going.” The other was a Math teacher who had been an illustrator for Mad Magazine, an attorney, and a math teacher. Those two elements always stuck with me, someone who could pivot careers successfully while marching to his own beat and the other, sharing some sage advice to live by when times are tough. With that said, getting to where I am has been a roller coaster at times. I want to say I get lucky breaks but am always working to stay prepared for those lucky breaks. Some of the most significant moments in my life were quickly followed up by some of the worst. During tough times, my English teacher’s words always rang in the back of my head. At times, I didn’t know how I would incorporate music and make a living, I didn’t want to be a music teacher – much respect to music teachers who teach the next generations, but it isn’t for me, at least for now. Everyone has always told me how hard it would be, and I need to stick to one thing. As a person with many interests, sticking to one thing has never felt like an option. I’ve worked two jobs to help pay for college while playing music and still graduated with a pretty solid GPA. I started my design company, Positive Design Company, which has now turned into a design and digital marketing agency while working full time and reinventing myself as a music artist. And now I have a music studio to add to the mix. For others like myself with varying interests and who like a full plate, there is room for us and ways to fulfill ourselves artistically and financially.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Pre-COVID, Brunch at the Dallas Farmers Market and eating overall haha Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum before catching some live music or events in Deep Ellum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have helped me along my journey, but someone who helped me combine my passions and learn the ropes of the music biz is Norman Matthew of As Strange As Angels and The Sound Foundation in Deep Ellum. He’s like a big brother to me. He reached out to me after we shared a bill on a show. I remember watching him walking around the stage, and the next day he reached out about recording an EP. He took me under his wing. We’d hang out at our favorite fast food places, and he would give me his advice and lessons in the music business. He helped me get that band in opening slots for larger touring acts, helped me get us booked at the Viper Room in LA, and helped contact publications.

Website: jimmyaranda.com
Instagram: @thejimmyaranda
Linkedin: @thejimmyaranda
Twitter: @thejimmyaranda
Facebook: @thejimmyaranda