By: Laura Moreno
AZUL is a queer singer who mixes Latin music with electronic beats, creating a fresh, bold sound. With argentine roots and eclectic tastes, she is carving out a growing presence in the indie scene in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Born Azul Zapata in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she moved to the United States at just three years old. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household that revered music, AZUL was surrounded by a blend of Argentine rock, pop, and folk. Music was more than just a pastime in AZUL’s household.
Her mother’s expansive taste in music introduced her to global sensations like Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, and Lauryn Hill. But it was the unforgettable voice of Whitney Houston that has always been her greatest inspiration. That combined with joining the church choir and taking voice lessons as a child helped her to hone her talents as a singer.
No less important, her father’s guitar playing sparked an early love for making music, leading her to pick up the trumpet in middle school. AZUL’s trumpet playing is now a signature element in her live shows, where she channels influences like Duke Ellington. She also sometimes plays the piano, as on her 2023 single “Stay the Heart.”
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Global Studies and minors in Journalism and Hindi, AZUL worked a more conventional 9-to-5 job. Yet, her heart was always drawn back to music. In 2020, she made the pivotal decision to dedicate herself full-time to her artistic craft. During this time, she continued to balance various jobs while developing her vocal skills, driven by a commitment to her path as an artist.
Her younger brother, a professional musician as well, acted as both rival and collaborator, fueling her growth.
“Music was always a part of my life. But it didn’t become a part of me until I started to connect to it via singing,” AZUL writes on her official website.
Her artistic process has been shaped by her own experiences of identity and belonging. AZUL weaves themes of empowerment, resilience, and marginalization into her work. She views music as a form of self-expression and community-building, a powerful tool for elevating voices often pushed to the margins. This sense of purpose helps her connect with audiences on a personal level, particularly within queer and Latina communities where her music speaks to both struggle and celebration.
Recordings
In 2021, AZUL introduced her debut EP, The View From Here, which blends English-language tracks with the Spanish-language song “Brujas.” The EP is a testament to her ability to navigate multiple musical worlds, fusing jazz, Latin folk, soul, R&B, and pop in a way that defies easy categorization. It is a reflection of her own cultural identity and American upbringing.
The 2023 single, “Stay the Heart,” marks a new direction for AZUL, showcasing her ability to merge upbeat dance rhythms with deeply introspective lyrics. The track sets the stage for her second EP, Death, Love & Disco, released in late 2025. The lead track, “Disco Never Died,” serves as a tribute to the lasting influence of disco music, marking AZUL’s own musical evolution.
One of AZUL’s biggest milestones came in 2025 when she released her first vinyl record, an achievement that symbolizes her commitment to her craft. She released another EP that year, “AZUL Live at the Flat Iron,” which includes both new studio tracks and a live performance.
With powerful vocals, R&B-infused trumpet, and infectious energy, she has been praised for her enormous talent and stage presence in live performances, in addition to her commitment to elevating queer, femme, BIPOC voices, and music that resonates deeply in queer and Latina spaces. Indie production keeps things raw, real and intimate, which adds charm for niche audiences.
Past shows include Wilmington spots like Live at Ted’s and the Alt-Zalea Festival, Raleigh venues such as The Pour House Music Hall, and events like Durham’s tree lighting, and Raleigh’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration.
As she builds momentum, AZUL’s music bridges worlds. To be sure, her unique sound is a celebration of persistence, love, and the danceable joy of survival. In a region rich with talent, AZUL stands out for her refusal to fit neatly into any box.
Official artist’s website: https://www.azulzapata.com/.
Bandcamp page: azulmz.bandcamp.com