"If I’m going to eat dirt anyway, I might as well do what I like." - Mercedes Escobar
This Friday, our community has a rare opportunity to experience the incredible talent of Mercedes Escobar live in concert. Her unique sound, which she calls “Latin Americana,” beautifully fuses blues, country, and Latin rhythms. As she prepares to take the stage, we dive into her inspirations, experiences, and the powerful narratives that shape her music. Don’t miss this chance to see an artist who brings something truly special to our town.
What is Latin Americana?
When asked what inspired her to blend these seemingly disparate genres, Mercedes explained, “At first, I was inspired by those different genres simply because I liked them. Yet, in time, I saw how much crossover exists between these forms of music. If you listen to rhythm guitar in much Latin music, you’ll hear the influence of blues and country, and that goes the other way, too. Growing up as a Latina who loved traditional music from the States showed me that it all rose from the same source. To me, that’s Latin Americana.”
The Challenges of Being a Female Artist in Guatemala
Mercedes' journey has not been without its challenges, especially in a country where the music industry is still developing. Reflecting on her experiences as a female artist in Guatemala, she shared:
“Not only as a female artist but plainly as an artist, it’s hard because there isn’t much of a music industry or platform for new musicians. A handful of people do love supporting (it’s always the same faces), but we simply don’t have the numbers. When you consider that it’s a small country (roughly 17 million inhabitants) and about 90% of the country lives in poverty, you realize that you’re part of the privileged 10% that even gets to eat every day. This might give you some perspective. We have people who like coming to shows (I was lucky I was able to sell tickets for my fully independently organized shows), but it’s a matter of statistics. As a performer, the total market potential is very small. As a niche performer often singing unknown songs in English (not the official language), my potential market was even smaller…
I’ve always been very stubborn, so I stuck to it because that’s what I like to do. I had no way of leaving the country, but I’d already made up my mind that I was going to be an artist in a place that didn’t enable it. So I thought:
‘If I’m going to eat dirt anyway, I might as well do what I like.’”
Influences and Comparisons
Mercedes is often compared to iconic artists like Janis Joplin, Chavela Vargas, and Patsy Cline. While these comparisons are flattering, she remains grounded in her unique artistry.
“There’s an old maxim in the industry that says, ‘Talking about music is like dancing about architecture,’ and I tend to agree. At the end of the day, we’re all out here doing our own thing, trying to add something beautiful and unique to the creative flow. In that way, I’m the same as any artist, but I’m honored people would use those inimitable artists as a point of comparison. While I strive to bring my own voice to audiences every night, being considered in the same breath as Janis, Chavela, and Patsy is great company to be in.”
Art and Activism
Beyond her music, Mercedes is an active advocate for change. She’s known for her activism, including organizing the first Pride event in Antigua and working with the United Nations. Her approach to activism is subtle yet impactful.
“While I’m not overtly political in my writing, I try to use inclusive language. For example, one of the blues songs on my new album has the line, ‘Ladies, fellas, and all in-between,’ because we’re living in a world of more mindfulness about the fluidity of gender and gender identity. This song, by the way, is the one where the incomparable Joe Bonamassa recorded lead guitar - I’m still pinching myself.”
Mercedes also shared a powerful story about her song, Mataron a Pérez, which reflects on a personal childhood experience and addresses the judgment and speculation that often follow tragedy. She explained:
“Once, my mom, brother and I were driving home, when we saw a dead body right by the sidewalk in front of our house. The man seemed to have been shot in the head while riding his bike. During dinner, we were discussing the incident with my parents, and my dad said something along the lines of ‘Well, you never know what people are involved in.’ That really stayed with me, and years later, I was able to verbalize that it was the dead guy who was getting blamed, not the shooter… Whatever he did, I doubt it was reason enough to cost him his life.
So, on the song Mataron a Pérez (translates to They Killed Pérez) starts with a dead body in the middle of the street. The neighbors start to speculate. They wonder if he was killed because he drank a lot, or maybe because he frequented the brothel… but little did they know, he died of a heart attack while chasing a thief. In the song, Perez’s spirit is well on its way to Heaven, but his wings are torn away by the snickering comments and speculation of his neighbors. In the end, he falls from the sky and is left to haunt the streets of his neighborhood forever. I only play this song at live shows. Someday I hope to record it.”
The Upcoming Bilingual Album
Mercedes’ upcoming bilingual album is a testament to her Latin Americana vision, exploring a wide range of themes and emotions.
“The album represents my interpretation of Latin Americana. There are blues, country, vintage Latin songs (bolero and ranchera), and some songs that bridge several of these genres at once. It’s an album of heartbreak, the prejudice in music, the need for inclusivity, and how, in the end, it is up to us to choose light over darkness - themes explored in all the streams of music that comprise the great rio of Latin Americana.
The album takes the listener from my early Spanish influences through my departure into the blues and country music of Northern culture and back into the Latin world now influenced by the American soul. The ‘plot twist’ of the album is when I move from singing heavy, sad, heart-wrenching songs to songs of joy, like ‘Such is Life in the Tropics.’ Before making that shift, I felt I needed a way to explain the transition. I needed my audience to understand that nearly two decades of singing sad songs was taking its toll on my mental health. That’s why I wrote ‘Que Me Perdone Chavela’ or ‘May Chavela Forgive Me.’ The allusion is to the great Chavela Vargas, known for singing some of the most soul-wrenching ballads in the music of any language - and an artist to whom I am at times compared. My song says, ‘May Chavela forgive me, for I don’t want to cry anymore. I got to the bottom of the bottle, and I feel just the same. Today, I choose light and happiness; I choose a helping hand over solitude.’
This transition came, and the song was written right around the time that I accepted an invitation to study at the Berklee College of Music.”
Advice for Young Women in Music
Mercedes’ journey offers valuable lessons for young women pursuing careers in music or any male-dominated field.
“Stick to singing and writing what you love. Do what makes you ‘you.’ Copying other people works when you’re still learning the ropes of the trade. However, there comes a time when you need to be introspective and honest, take a look at yourself and unapologetically bring yourself to the table. It is very weird when the artist persona and the person are the same because some people might think you’re blatantly promoting yourself. I used to be really shy about it, but the truth is no one else is going to do it for you, and you’re the first one who needs to believe in what you’re doing. No one will follow you if you don’t walk with conviction, but that means truly believing in what you’re doing from the heart.”
Preserving Tradition While Pushing Boundaries
When asked how she balances preserving traditional elements while pushing musical boundaries, Mercedes explained:
“To be fully honest, I don’t worry about it too much. Those elements are just IN me. I’m very attracted to a vintage sound, and I’m drawn to the traditional elements, so they just show up in my music automatically. I don’t think they’re going anywhere anytime soon. At least, I hope not.”
Mercedes Escobar’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to oneself. Her upcoming concert this Friday promises to be a captivating showcase of her unique Latin Americana style, blending traditional roots with contemporary artistry in a way that only she can deliver. This is a rare opportunity for our community to witness an artist of her caliber perform live. Don't miss the chance to experience this incredible artist and be a part of an evening that celebrates the rich tapestry of culture, music, and storytelling. Join us for an unforgettable night that bridges cultures, genres, and hearts this Friday, September 27 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater at 7 PM. Tickets are available at the door or by clicking the button below.