It’s an exciting time for Venezuelan/Canadian singer and songwriter, Mariana Vega, who’s been nominated for not one, but two Latin Grammys. The first is for Best New Artist and the second one for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album: “Mi Burbuja”, produced by Cachorro Lopez. Vega has been playing multiple instruments since she was a little girl and has a passion for human emotions that has brought her to make great music. We had the chance to talk with Mariana about her future projects and endeavors. Here’s what she had to say:
Latin Times: Congratulations on both of your Grammy nominations! Are you a bit more excited about either of them?
Mariana Vega: Thanks so much! Not really, I’m so surprised to be nominated for even one of these categories. I’m a little more surprised by the Best Pop Album one because of the other nominees; I’ve always admired the work of Camila, Santana, Rosario, I’m just so flattered my album made it there.
LT: When did you know you wanted to have a career in music?
MV: I actually went to music school in Venezuela until I was 15, and then I moved with my family to Montreal, where I started writing and composing songs as a form of therapy. Later on, I went on a trip to Europe with my brother where he did paragliding, and while he was doing that, I played the guitar and sang. No one around there understood what I was saying and even so, I could see they were drawn to my music, so that’s when I decided I wanted to do this.
LT: Do you play any other instruments, aside from acoustic guitar?
MV: Yes, I play the piano, the flute and the Quattro, which is very similar to the ukulele.
LT: How much of your personal life goes into your songs?
MV: I’d say 90 percent of my songs come from experiences I’ve had. Maybe not ones that are happening right at that very moment, but ones I’ve been through and remember clearly. Sometimes I borrow stories from people I’m very close to and love very much.
LT: And what inspires you?
MV: I studied psychology at the University of Toronto because I’ve always been very interested in human reaction. The way we don’t all speak the same language, yet experience the same emotions and why we feel the way we feel sometimes; all of this is very inspiring to me.
LT: What advice would you give to 15-year-old Mariana Vega?
MV: Well, I’ve been pretty lucky because things have been going pretty good, so I’d say, to not change a thing! [Laughs]
LT: Which artist would you love to collaborate with?
MV: I really love the production and composing work of Mario Domm from Camila. That’s why I’m beyond thrilled to be nominated with him. I’ve always admired what he does and would love to work with him. It would also be a dream come true to record symphonic album with Gustavo Dudamel, a wonderful Venezuelan orchestra director; super young and super talented; I’d love to cross paths with him and collaborate in a project.
LT: What’s coming up for you, Mariana? What’s next? MV: Well, right now we’ll be promoting in Venezuela and Miami before the Grammys, and then back to Venezuela for a little bit. I’d also like to go back to Mexico, since I was there in June promoting the album, but we might go back until the beginning of next year to promote an upcoming single called “Medicinal” which I recorded with Ale Sergi, from the Argentinian band, Miranda.
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