Maria Rosa’s two-decade journey in music has been a testament to growth, perseverance, and a relentless passion for self-expression. From her humble beginnings in 2004, navigating through the challenges of motherhood, personal struggles, and shifting genres, Maria has continuously refined her sound, blending pop, Afrobeat, reggaeton, and hip-hop into a unique and captivating fusion. In this interview, Maria opens up about the lessons learned, performances that shaped her, the inspirations behind her latest work, and how her personal experiences fuel her artistry. Read on to discover the woman behind the music—empowered, resilient, and always glowing.
Maria, you’ve spent two decades perfecting your craft. How did your early years in music shape your current sound and artistry?
When I first began recording music in 2004 I had no clue what I was doing. However it was a vital learning experience. I learned from the mistakes I made. I took my early year recordings and perfected my craft by using my demos as a learning tool. I would listen to my demos and critique them. This not only shaped my artistry but made it better and continues to get better. I learned how to breathe, how to hit and hold that note with feeling behind it. I learned that the final product comes with time, additions, and edits. You have to let the melody marinate if you will.
You’ve had a varied musical journey from choirs to talent shows and festivals. Can you share one performance that stands out to you and why?
Absolutely, I can share a time I performed at a local pub called the Claddaugh in my hometown. This performance was memorable because I performed with a live band for the first time and the crowd went wild. I covered Katy Perry’s hot and cold. During the performance, I changed my outfit in the middle of the performance and the crowd went bonkers. I also performed recently at a Music Porch Festival event in Medford Ma. This was a fun one because it was a performance for the neighborhood in the street with a live band. The whole community came out to support. The best part was the food! They had a grille going. It was so much fun meeting everyone in the neighborhood and sharing a nice meal with them. I am looking forward to this year’s Porch Fest.
Your new single ‘Glow’ blends pop, Afrobeat, reggaeton, and hip-hop. What inspired you to fuse these genres, and how do you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
I would describe my music as fun, witty, bold, and beautiful. It is hard not to move to my music. It is a unique sound and guaranteed to make your head bop, feet tap, and hips sway. It is hypnotizing. It is empowering and refreshing. It is a blend of Pop, Afro beat, reggaeton, and hip hop, some of the most fun genres playing right now. This is what inspired me to blend them. They are the most popular and these genres move me the most. I love all genres of music as they all inspire and ignite melody in my mind. Then my producer and I bring it to life.
You mention in your single ‘Glow’ about letting go of toxic people and relationships. How does this theme reflect your personal life and your evolution as an artist?
In my personal life, I let go of anything toxic, or energy-draining and channel it in my music. I do not tolerate disrespect. I will forgive the perpetrator for myself but also will move on for my own health. I choose me everytime. Choosing me is empowering. It is the fuel that drives me and shapes my artistry.
Balancing motherhood and music must have been challenging. How did being a mom shape your music career, and how do your children continue to inspire you?
As a mother, career woman, and Artist, it is exhausting juggling the three. However, my kids help me by keeping me on point. They keep me on my toes. They remind me of things and help me around the house. They also try their very best in school and are extremely well-behaved. They push me every day to be my best self. They are my biggest motivators and supporters.
As someone who has been performing for so long, do you find that your stage presence has evolved over the years? What’s changed the most about how you approach live shows?
I have found that with each performance I get better and better. I learn from them as I do with my music and pretty much everything in life. I am always looking for new ways to enhance my performance or make it better. I ask myself, “What can I do that is different from other artists?” I do what I can to stand out in my performance and most of all Shine Bright.
Your journey hasn’t always been easy, with life trials and obstacles. Can you talk about a moment when you almost gave up on music, and what motivated you to keep going?
Oh no, it has not been easy at all. It is still a struggle to this day. From loss, lack of support to my battle with depression. Growing up in a tough neighborhood also did not help. Problematic or unsupportive family members/former friends also did not make my pursuit of music easy. Not everyone has your best interest at heart. I have learned to surround myself with the right people. I struggled with depression which has since gotten better thanks to accomplishing my dream of making my album. You have to be in the right state of mind to make music. I did not have anyone to help me with my music like I do now with my music community I have established through my music studio Cybersound. Meeting my music producer Mike Midura and Perry Geyer, who owns the studio, have been a blessing. Mike is truly gifted and I am privileged and honored to work with him. Perry is great, extremely helpful, and resourceful. They both are real professionals and have helped me tremendously on my music journey. Back in the day, the people I worked with only wanted to hit on me, or hurt me, not actually help me. Now I only work with professionals that are about making hit music and exhibit a mutual respect. Another major hold up was motherhood. I put my dreams on hold to have my babies. To focus on being a present and attentive mother. My children are my number one priority. Music is my first love. However my children come before my music along with God. Now my kids are older and more self sufficient. Time for mom to shine under the Limelight. Momma has to have a life too, you feel me. I almost gave up on music but I am proud I finally got it done and overcame my depression and the challenges of motherhood. My artistry has developed and is now streaming with plenty more songs to come. Looking forward to more growth.
What role do your fans play in your music creation process, and how do you connect with them through your art?
I try to make my lyrics relatable for my fans. I want to connect with them through my life experiences. No thought is original. We all experience pain and sometimes go through the same experiences. I try to let that shine through in my music. I write a lyric and say to myself “every woman or man can relate to this”. I like to engage with them on social media by asking them questions like “what should be my next album cover?” I put up 3 or 4 options and take a poll or something to that effect.
Being influenced by legends like Rihanna, TLC, and Lauryn Hill, how do you make sure your music reflects your own unique identity while honoring these influences?
Easy, I remain true to myself. Own my own craft. I make my own sound. Whatever I feel in my heart and then I belt it out.
Any goals for the rest of the year?
My goals for the rest of the year are to work on my second album while creating content for my upcoming single releases. My next single release is called “Mesmerized” and is coming out very soon. Gearing up for more special musical medley treats. Stay tuned.
Check out ‘Glow’ –
