We were lucky to catch up with Muñeca Torres-Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.
Muñeca, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
As of today, “No Basta Con Podcast” is the most meaningful project I have worked on since I had to leave Puerto Rico and move to Texas. The phrase “No Basta Con” is Spanish, and it roughly translates to it’s not enough or it takes more than. I decided to use that phrase as the name for the podcast to convey the idea that simply doing one thing or having one quality isn’t sufficient to achieve a desired outcome; more effort or resources are needed. For example, “No basta con tener talento, también hay que trabajar duro” could be translated as It’s not enough to have talent, you also have to work hard.
The truth is that being a musician is a multifaceted and complex experience. People commonly think that being a musician is glamorous, exciting, and full of fame and fortune. However, the reality of being a musician is often quite different. While there are certainly some musicians who achieve fame and fortune, the vast majority of musicians struggle to make a living from their craft. We may have to balance our music career with a day job to make ends meet, and we may not have the resources to record or promote our music on a large scale. Additionally, being a musician often requires a significant amount of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Musicians may spend countless hours practicing their instruments, writing and recording songs, and networking with other industry professionals. We may have to deal with rejection, criticism, and competition, and we may struggle with issues like stage fright or creative block. Despite these challenges, many musicians find their work to be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. For us, the joy of creating and performing music outweighs the difficulties and setbacks we may face along the way.
It’s always interesting and inspiring to hear about how people have overcome challenges and adversity in their lives, particularly in the music industry. I have a personal connection to the music industry and to music in general, and I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for musicians to succeed in this field. I have also experienced and observed how often musicians face adversity or difficult experiences and feel that their stories are not being adequately heard or understood. As a musician myself, I have faced my own challenges and obstacles in my life and have found inspiration and solace in the stories of others who have overcome similar struggles. Creating a platform for musicians to share their own stories of adversity and resilience has been my way of giving back and helping others who may be going through difficult times. I constantly share my backstory with the listeners to help them better understand where I come from and why this project matters so much to me. My intention is to build a deeper connection with the audience and make sure that “No Basta Con” is an authentic and engaging podcast.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, my name is Muñeca Torres-Rivera. Originally from Puerto Rico, I now reside in Dallas, TX, after leaving everything behind due to the impact of COVID-19 on the island. Since then, I have adapted and learned to navigate the culture outside of my home country. Over the past two years, I have faced a variety of experiences that have helped me grow into a strong, empowered, and accomplished Latina woman. I am known as an Arts Administrator, Musician-Flutist, Event Coordinator, Bilingual Educator, and Podcaster. My goal is to inspire others by demonstrating what can be achieved through relentless motivation and perseverance toward fulfilling one’s aspirations.
Currently, I hold the position of Executive Assistant to the President’s Office at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. I am dedicated to facilitating the success of individuals, professionals, students, and other members of the Latino community. I recognize the value of my diverse experience and skill set in my role and take pride in my contributions to the organization. I firmly believe that each person possesses a unique set of abilities and talents that can make a meaningful impact in the world. By embracing our individual strengths and sharing our light with others, we can illuminate our own path and inspire those around us.
In 2022, I founded “No Basta Con Podcast” to provide a platform for artists to share their stories of success while highlighting the struggles and challenges they have faced. As an advocate for artists, I strongly believe in creating a more inclusive and supportive music community. I am dedicated to promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration among musicians to build a stronger and more resilient industry. Supporting emerging and underrepresented artists by amplifying their voices and providing resources and opportunities for growth is essential to creating a more equitable and diverse music landscape. My ultimate goal as an advocate for artists is to ensure that everyone has the chance to pursue their passion and achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. By discussing tools to deal with different situations, such as mental health and financial struggles, and by educating the general public about the realities of the music industry, we can promote a healthier and more sustainable industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As creatives, we often prioritize our work and output over our personal health and well-being, believing that our talent and creativity will sustain us no matter how much we neglect self-care. However, I learned the hard way that taking care of our health is essential for personal growth and career sustainability. At 16, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Over the years, I experienced fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and brittle hair. I was 21 at my heaviest, I weighed 286 pounds, but I didn’t give up.
I visited an endocrinologist and started taking my medication. I knew that losing weight with hypothyroidism was challenging, but not impossible. I set small goals, cut out outside food and soft drinks from my diet, and started exercising more. The first 40 pounds came off fast, and I celebrated each milestone. It was a long journey, but I kept pushing forward, even when setbacks occurred. As I continued on my journey, I found myself feeling more confident and capable. After two years, I lost over 100 pounds and felt stronger, healthier, and happier than ever before.
Through my weight loss journey with hypothyroidism, I learned that resilience means picking yourself back up when you falter and persevering even when the journey is difficult. It’s about believing in yourself even when others may not. As creatives, we must prioritize our health and well-being to reach our full potential both personally and professionally.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As a musician and creative professional, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some incredible moments, from performing for sold-out crowds to collaborating with other talented artists. My journey has been filled with both challenges and rewards, but if I had to choose just one thing that makes this profession so rewarding, it would have to be the ability to connect with people through music.
There’s something truly special about the power of music. It has the ability to transport us to another place and time, evoke strong emotions, and bring people together in a shared experience. As a musician, I’ve had the honor of witnessing this firsthand – whether it’s seeing someone moving along with a certain piece, feeling the energy of the audience during a concert, or receiving a heartfelt message from someone who was touched by the repertoire selection. These moments make all the hard work and sacrifice worth it.
Beyond the connections with the audience, working in the creative industry has also allowed me to connect with other musicians and creatives. Collaborating with other artists has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, both as a musician and as a person. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the different perspectives and approaches that each person brings to the table.
Of course, working in the creative industry comes with its challenges – moments of self-doubt, creative blocks, and the constant pressure to stay relevant and innovative. But it’s moments like these that make the rewards even sweeter. When you finally break through that creative block or play a repertoire that you’re truly proud of, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable.
Overall, the most rewarding aspect of being a musician and working in the creative industry is the ability to connect with people through music. Whether it’s through a catchy melody or a powerful rhythm, music has the ability to bring people together and create moments that will last a lifetime. And to me, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @muneca.torres.flutist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/muneca.torres.flutist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mu%C3%B1eca-torres-rivera-mpa-7b7163145/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nobastaconpodcast5337
- Other: https://linktr.ee/nobastaconpodcast