Marisol Flores
Photo Credit: Dave Stabley Photografx
The Beginning of a Career When did you first get into music? Since a noticeably young age I loved to sing and dance. My mom noticed my talent and put me in Folklorico dancing. My first performance was when I was seven years old. However, I gravitated toward singing and slowly began to focus on my vocals. Initially my mom asked a cousin of mine to instruct me in singing lessons but unfortunately, she said no and at age seven I started taking singing and guitar lessons with a Mr. Raymond Gallegos.
Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? My first favorite singer was Gloria Estefan, I fell in love with Miami Sound Machine. I would listen to Gloria Estefan cassettes, often with headphones on, always singing along. My favorite song was “The Rhythm is Going to Get You.” Later I began to fall in love with Selena’s style of dance and music. The beauty of Selena’s performance very much inspired me to pursue music. How would you describe the music that you create? It is a blend of Latin Fusion with a Caribbean and Mexican twist. I love all Spanish genres of music and am influenced by Latino music.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing? I now focus on more of the Cumbia style. Also, songs that are deep felt and relate to people’s true-life stories inspire me greatly. That humanistic aspect of music evolved from initially just fallowing the beats and melodies of songs.
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I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? I got to open for Los Kumbia Kings at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas. I also performed with them in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Legends Theater inside Route 66 Casino. I was elated and honored to perform with Selena’s brother Abe Quintanilla. Additionally, I felt like my state supported me and my music proceeding these performances.
Photo Credit: David Moreno
