We recently connected with Marqueza and have shared our conversation below.

Marqueza, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Almost everything that I know how to do I taught myself. I learned to sing by just singing nonstop and still practicing and trying to reach notes I couldn’t before. I learned how to produce because I got so frustrated by the misogyny and gate-keeping in the local music scene and also my difficulty learning in school due to undiagnosed ADHD. I am still learning my craft as I go and that is part of the journey I am learning to love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Marqueza! I’m a non-binary Japanese/Venezuelan multi-disciplinary artist doing pisces shit based in Salt Lake City, UT :) I am primarily a singer, and I also songwrite, produce, dance, creative direct, and do all sorts of visual arts and crafts. I have always known I wanted to sing and perform since my earliest memories as a child. I’m drawn to all sorts of rule-breaking and artistic expression and think about music day in and day out. One thing I’m proud of is how grounded I have always felt about my art being first and foremost for marginalized people. Lately I’ve been working on new music, performing at shows and festivals, and making free creative drag mixes for local BIPOC performers.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I dream of being able to reach as many people as I can with my work. One of the things that keeps me going and impacts me deeply with appreciation is when folks engage with my art and reach out to me to tell me how a particular song impacted them, or how seeing someone talk about the subject matter that I do locally is helpful in them feeling affirmed. As an artist I think it’s difficult sometimes to protect my creativity from the influence of others opinions, however, I do think art is meant to be engaged with. It’s an honor as an artist to witness peoples reactions or learn that something I made from my heart touched another. I intentionally do a lot of internal work to avoid making money a goal with my art. Obviously living under capitalism I still have to pay bills, so it’s always nice to make money from my work as well. But the real mission driving my creative journey has to be becoming the best possible singer that I can while I am alive, the best songwriter, the best dancer that I can. The journey has to be a part of the achievement or I believe I will never feel fulfilled. I am still learning how to live in this mindset, but I have deep love for the creative project that is just living and creating in the moment.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As someone that has been creative since the day I was born it’s difficult for me to understand people who identify as non-creatives. I believe on some level every living thing is creative. Existing is creation. We engage with creativity daily whether we like it or not. I do understand that we also need to focus on getting basic needs met, and many folks do not have the privilege or time to focus on an artistic project. But I believe that anyone and everyone could benefit from spending even just a few minutes making something, whether it’s by hand, in the mind with a visual idea, even preparing a meal or looking at a flower with intention. We only become further in touch with ourselves and the world around us, as well as the people we love when we create or appreciate art. I can talk about art for hours. Art is my life and I think life is art. I feel so lucky to regularly experience the awe that comes from witnessing something that was made by another human being and their inner world. What could possibly be more beautiful?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/marquezamusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marqueza.music/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6sorWlIx0Q
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marqueza.music

Image Credits
Photographer: @jeepers.creeper Stylist: @elianasuniverse