We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Cuevas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents and grandmother had a huge impact on my life and musical career. My grandmother started one of the first all-female mariachi bands in the country. When I was 11 years old, my parents decided I would perform in her Mariachi Band. They also decided the instrument I would play – the vihuela – which is a traditional mariachi instrument, much like the guitar. When people ask me how I got started in music, I always tell them, “well…I didn’t really have a choice.” Looking back I’m so grateful that my parents and grandmother made that decision for me. My grandmother played a huge influence and role in my upbringing. She showed me what confidence, strength, and passion looks like. She, and my father especially, taught me to be proud of my cultural heritage and always encouraged all of my own musical endeavors.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I began playing music in my grandmother’s mariachi band – Mariachi Estrella – at the age of 11. My grandmother, Maria Teresa Alonzo Cuevas, was a pioneer in the Mariachi genre who in the 1970s founded one of the first all-female Mariachi bands in the US. The band eventually performed for more than 30 years, but tragedy struck in 1981 when four band members were killed in the Hyatt Skywalk collapse in Kansas City. Following the accident and her recovery, my grandmother began teaching her grandchildren traditional mariachi music and instrumentation. I performed with Mariachi Estrella for 10 years, along with my sister and several cousins.

Today I am the lead vocalist and guitarist playing acoustic, electric and traditional Mexican stringed instruments for Maria The Mexican – a Mexicana/Americana/indie blues rock/funk/soul fusion – a true hybrid of Mexican folklore and rock ’n roll delivered in both English and Spanish. Maria the Mexican would not be the band it is today without the musical talents of guitarist / songwriter D. Garrett Nordstrom – a veteran of the KC/Midwest club scene with 3 releases by the alt-R&B group The Garrett Nordstrom Situation.

Maria The Mexican is currently a 7 piece band with acoustic guitar, electric guitar, pedal steel, trumpet, percussion, keys, drums, and bass. Through the years, we’ve played an official showcase at the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, SXSW in Austin, Chicago, and the KC area. We’ve released two albums – Moon Colored Jade (2013) & South of the Border (2016). Our newest album is scheduled for release later this year!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My music is a tribute to my grandmother and culture. Maria The Mexican does not refer to me but rather is a reference to my grandmother and all the Marias out there with a similar experience to mine. My grandmother was very passionate about music – specifically mariachi music. She wanted that musical tradition to be passed down from generation to generation. It is my hope to continue to share mariachi music as well as express my own experience. My band, Maria The Mexican, is a reflection of who I am as a Mexican-American woman growing up in Topeka, KS, or rather a ‘mezcla’ of Mariachi and rock ‘n roll.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connecting with others. To me, music is a shared experience that can ignite emotions and energy, and Mariachi music specifically is quite passionate and emotive. Whether it’s dancing or singing along, when I look out in the audience and notice people enjoying my music, I feel such joy and gratitude.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mariathemexican.com
• Instagram: @maria_the_mexican_musica
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariathemexicanmusic/
• Youtube: @mariathemexican
• Other: Spotify: Maria The Mexican

Image Credits
JCJONES PHOTOGRAPHY