Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Salas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Monica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Born and raised in Dallas, TX I was exposed and surrounded by music at an early age on my mothers and fathers’ side of the family. My mother was the Spanish choral director at our church, as well as the Founder, CEO, and Dance instructor for her non-profit Mexican Folkloric Dance Company “Ballet Folklorico de Tejas” where I danced for 10yrs starting at the age of 4 with my brother also a musician, an amazing professional Violinist and is currently playing with the “Queer Urban Orchestra” in the New York City Metropolitan Area. My father a multi-instrumentalist and past professional “Guitarron” player for a mariachi was one of many musicians in his family. My “Grampi” Nicanor A. Salas (Grandfather) was an Architect, artist, poet, comedian, and multi-instrumentalist musician, and was one of my biggest inspirations in music. From kinder to 7th grade, I was in choir. In the fourth grade I started and learned to play the flute and have been playing it ever since! I am an alumni of the world renowned “Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts” AKA “Arts Magnet” where I had many musical experiences and performances playing flute in chamber ensembles, the Wind Ensemble, Full Orchestra, R&B Ensemble(Flute and Sax), and last but certainly not least, I am honored to say I was the Flautist, Vocalist, and Guirero for the “Latin Music Ensemble” under the direction of Otis Gray until I graduated in 05′. This program he started along with the whole ensemble my sophomore year changed my life forever! We were a group of 14 that played, toured, and recorded professionally as a group. It was during our trip to NY my senior year that I had truly found my calling. While singing “La Vida es un Carnaval”-Celia Cruz to a sea of people in the Bronx at the Puerto Rican day festival, I knew I wanted to spread love through music using my gifts on a stage performing for as long as I lived. It was one of the best feelings I have felt in my life, to connect with thousands of people I didn’t even know, through Music.
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?
I am a Classically Trained Flautist, Vocalist, Ukulelist, Composer, Music Teacher, and Early Childhood Music Specialist who enjoys playing, singing, and learning different genres of music. I currently reside, perform/compose, teach Family Music classes and Flute at Armstrong Community School, and am a full time employed Music Specialist for JoyRX and get to share my gifts with hospitalized kids and their families around Austin, TX. My husband “Tito Cuba”, also a musician(percussionist/composer)and I have a few projects going on at the moment.
1. During the pandemic, my husband and I always had dreams of recording our compositions and made that come true investing time on writing, recording, practicing, and learning ProTools. “La Luz Verde Band” is made up of world class, Accomplished Musical Friends out of Austin, TX from all grooves of life, who love to compose, play, and record music together. I am super fortunate to have some of the best musicians alongside me bringing my Music to Life!
During a state of emotional distress, the height of the Covid pandemic; After the Murder of George Floyd and During the Worldwide Movement of #BlackLivesMatter; you can find our single release “Ay La Vida” from our upcoming album on all streaming platforms.
Follow us for updates here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/laluzverdeband/ay-la-vida
Official Lyric Video on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/lmOP8Ug5JEY?si=5v2F0L-0mHNFMj7r
2. We are also lucky to be part of a Cumbia Fusion band named Huerta Culture who plays in and around town. We are currently writing/working on a new album together.
Follow and See Facebook page for updates/booking here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Huerta-Culture/100063474283491/
3. “Sonic Charm Trio” is composed of two guitarists/ukulelists and vocalists, a flautist, and a percussionist. We are friends that have a repertoire with a variety of genres and languages; to mention a few; Classics, Latin, Pop, Jazz, Rock, R&B etc.
For Booking: [email protected]
Find our Instagram Reel Here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3bmlTANxuU/?igsh=ZjdkMzhlcXY1dmJu
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Supporting artists is crucial for fostering creativity, enriching communities, and ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape. Where ever you are, go out and support local artists, nonprofit and creative arts programs in all schools. Every small action counts, and collectively, we can make a significant impact on artists’ lives young and old and the cultural fabric of our society.
“Music Seeds are Love!
We Are the Community!
Love brings Grasp, Hope, Joy!”
~Monica Salas
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being able to meet and connect with so many different people through performing, teaching, singing, and learning music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/laluzverdeband/ay-la-vida
- Instagram: @caracol_azulito
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Huerta-Culture/100063474283491/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/lmOP8Ug5JEY?si=5v2F0L-0mHNFMj7r
- Other: Armstrong Community Music School: https://acmsaustin.org/
Queer Urban Orchestra: https://www.queerurbanorchestra.org/
JoyRX: https://joyrx.org/
Part of “Sonic Charm Trio” you can find recording Artist- Kris Dani here: www.krisdanisongs.com
Image Credits
Distro Kid Poster