Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dérly Barajas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Dérly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
How did I learn to do what I do?
I learned my skills through a lot of trial and error, hands-on practice, and self-study. For music and production, I experimented with software, instruments, and studied other artist. I found online tutorials and engaged with other musicians to gain insights. Shoutout to YouTube University. Similarly, for filmmaking, I practiced with cameras, and learned editing through online resources. Graphic design was also self-taught through tutorials and software practice.
Knowing what I know now, what could I have done to speed up my learning process?
Looking back, I realize that structured learning could have saved me time. Taking courses or workshops specific to each skill would have provided a clearer path and expert guidance. Networking and finding mentors or experienced individuals in my fields of interest could have accelerated my growth. Specializing in one skill at a time, instead of trying to learn everything at once, might have led to quicker mastery. Consistency in practice and experimentation were also key factors.
What skills do I think were most essential?
The essential skills for me as a multi-hyphenate artist are creativity, technical proficiency, communication, and business/marketing skills. Being able to think creatively, master the tools and equipment related to my craft, effectively convey my message to the audience, and navigate the business side of the industry are all crucial for my career.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
There were several obstacles in my journey as a self-taught artist. Time was a challenge, as I had to balance multiple skills and responsibilities. Limited resources, including access to equipment, software, and courses, sometimes slowed me down. Getting constructive feedback was difficult without mentors or a supportive community. Its a lonely game at the beginning. We have to keep pushing and never give up. Dealing with burnout from the pressure to excel in multiple areas was also a hurdle, and self-doubt occasionally crept in. Surrounding myself with a supportive network has been crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Myself: I’m a multi-talented artist who specializes in creating Spanglish music, a distinctive fusion of Spanish and English. My journey into the music industry began with a deep passion for language and cultural exploration. This led me to experiment with various musical styles and languages, ultimately giving birth to my unique Spanglish musical style.
My Craft:
In my creative works, I seamlessly blend Spanish and English, incorporating both rap and singing to create a vibrant and multicultural musical experience. I’m known for my ability to craft songs that bridge linguistic and cultural divides, offering a fresh and exciting perspective in today’s diverse music landscape.
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my commitment to breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers through music. My Spanglish music isn’t just a fusion of languages; it’s a celebration of the multicultural world we live in. I provide a unique listening experience that resonates with a wide audience, from bilingual individuals to those eager to explore new sounds and perspectives. Ill admit that my Spanish isn’t the best, but this gives me another outlet to learn and embrace my culture.
Proud Achievements:
One of my proudest achievements is the recognition and partnership with the renowned Jarritos brand, a testament to the uniqueness of my Spanglish music and its resonance with diverse audiences. Additionally, I’m humbled to share that one of my songs achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching over 100,000 streams on Spotify. These accomplishments reflect not only the growing appreciation for my music but also its ability to connect with a wide and enthusiastic fanbase. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, further amplifying the global appeal of my work.
What I Want You to Know:
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is all about embracing diversity, unity, and the power of music to connect us all. Whether you’re a music enthusiast looking for something fresh and exciting or someone who appreciates the beauty of language, my Spanglish music offers a unique and inclusive experience. I invite you to join me on this musical journey, where we break down barriers and celebrate the richness of our multicultural world together.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey has a clear goal and mission. I’m passionate about using my unique Spanglish music to bring people together, regardless of language or background. But my ambition goes even further. I want to be the best at what I do and make a name for myself as the top Spanglish artist from South Central Los Angeles. This goal is driven by my love for music and my belief in its power to connect and inspire. I hope that my journey can motivate others to pursue their passions and break down barriers. Through my music and dedication, I aim to leave a lasting mark that represents my city and resonates with people worldwide.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During the early stages of my musical career, I faced a significant setback. I had invested a lot of time and effort into creating what I believed was my breakthrough Spanglish track. I poured my heart and soul into it, and I was convinced it would be a hit. However, when I released it, it received minimal attention and struggled to gain traction. This could have been a demoralizing moment that made me doubt my abilities and my path as a Spanglish artist. But instead of giving in to discouragement, I decided to use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I sought feedback from listeners and fellow musicians, and I analyzed what went wrong.
I realized that the music industry is a highly competitive space, and success often requires perseverance and adaptability. So, I went back to the drawing board, honed my skills even further, and continued creating music. I took risks, experimented with different styles, and collaborated with other artists to broaden my horizons. Over time, my resilience paid off. I began to see my music gaining recognition, and slowly but surely, my audience started to grow. I learned that setbacks and failures are not the end of the road; they are valuable stepping stones on the journey to success. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the belief that with dedication and continuous improvement, I can overcome any obstacle in my creative journey.

Contact Info:
- Website: www.dérly.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/derlyave
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@derlymusic
- Other: www.solo.to/derly
Image Credits
Uli Barajas

