Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Saldivar.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew that music was going to be a big part of my life. Even at just 5 years old, I could be heard humming songs on the radio before I could even talk. How I truly started singing was in 7th grade when I joined choir at Jackson Middle School here in Grand Prairie. I learned how to read music, how to hold pitch, and how to blend with the voices around me. I also learned how to project my voice and tried out for choral competitions like All-State and All-Region. With the help of my choral director (Mrs. Sandra Davis), I auditioned for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for Music and was accepted my sophomore year, graduating from there in 2012. At this point, I had already been performing as a track singer around the DFW area since I was about 14 years old for healthcare events and many different festivals. After high school, I went to Dallas Baptist University where in 2017 I received my bachelor’s for Music Business with a focus in Vocal Performance, all while continue to perform, singing the national anthem at many special events (as well as sporting events), and starting to make music. My entrance to Tejano music all started in the national singing competition “Tejano Idol”, which I won in 2015. From that competition, I have gone on to release my first single, “Este Dolor” in 2016, put a band together in 2018, released my debut album in 2019, won my very first Tejano Music award for “Best New Female Artist” in 2020 as well as many other awards, released my sophomore album “Soy Mas Fuerte (Deluxe)” in 2022, and have performed in Texas, Las Vegas, Wisconsin, and New Mexico. I have also worked with so many amazing people and mentors in this industry which has been nothing but a blessing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been the smoothest road in me becoming a Tejano artist. For one, I am a female in a very male-dominated genre, and that has always been one of the biggest struggles in being taken seriously in this industry. Another part of the road, being a little tough to travel on, would be the financial side of it. The music industry isn’t what it use to be and there really aren’t too many labels backing Tejano music as they did back when Selena was still alive and performing. My family and I have been doing this together and independent from any label since the very beginning. This is definitely a family business, and I owe them so much for coming on this crazy adventure with me. We have invested so much of our time and resources into this, and there have been sometimes where it felt like I would not succeed, but God has seen us through it all. I’m a very big believer in everything happening for a reason, and the growth only makes that point more valid.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Tejano award-winning recording artist. I create music that my audience can connect to whether those emotions be happy, sad, in love, alone, or even just listening to enjoy. Music is meant to be felt, and I’m extremely proud of my band and I being able to connect to those around us through the music and the performances. Most of the songs I sing from my albums have been things I have felt/been through, and that was always super important to me. The songs I’m most known for are “Este Dolor,” “Tu No Sabes,” “Si Me Dices Que Sí” and “Soy Mas Fuerte.”
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice I have for the ones just barely starting their journey in music (whatever genre it may be) is to not give up even when it feels as though no one is listening and it’s not going anywhere. It took me 10 years or more to actually make it in this industry, and I’m so happy that I never quit even when there was a few times I really wanted to because then I would’ve never gotten the opportunities and recognition I do today. When you set goals for yourself, make sure to also give yourself grace. Also, just because we have knowledge in certain things does not mean we never stop learning. You have to be open-minded to learning more. And lastly, always stay humble, even when good things start to happen because success will come your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: Monicasaldivar.com
- Instagram: @Monicasaldivarmusic
- Facebook: @Monicasaldivarmusic
- Twitter: @Monicasaldivarmusic
- Youtube: @Monicasaldivar
