Mireya Ramos a.k.a.
Mireya, the founder of the all-women
Mariachi band Flor de Toloache, is making her debut as a solo artist.
Her upcoming album, will include singles like “Mi mayor fortuna,” a love power ballad co-written with the prolific composer Claudia Brant (Luis Fonsi, Ednita Nazario, Monsieur Perine…)
But besides launching her solo career, Mireya and Flor de Toloache’s co-founder Shae Fiol just released the band’s fourth album titled ‘Florecita Rock-ERA,’ a tribute to the golden era of Rock en español, with special renditions of some of the most known classics by Aterciopelados, Soda Estéreo, Cafetacvba, Draco and many more.
Get to know this Latina powerhouse raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico from a gorgeous Afro-Dominican queen and a Mexican romantic mariachi singer on LATV’s exclusive Q&A sessions for Women’s History Month.
How was Mireya’s upbringing?
Coming from a musical family where family parties always included a jam with perfect harmonies and a varied repertoire hailing from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, is how I fell in love with music. My parents opened a very successful Mexican restaurant in San Juan in which they had live music every weekend with my father as the star singer plus host and my mother curating the playlists and, from time to time, she would come out and perform as well.
How would you describe your musical background?
My musical education started at the San Juan Children’s choir a world known and prestigious institution who I got to travel the world with for ten years and subsequently took private violin lessons through Suzuki method. Both of my parents are extremely passionate about music and always made it a big point for both my brother and I to be proud of where we come from. [They taught us] to be proud to be Mexican and Afro-Latina, understanding that music is an extension of yourself and therefore it is a constant evolving collaboration and one must approach music with a sense of freedom like no other. It is what has been ingrained in me, hence the fusion and diversity within what I do with Flor de Toloache.
How have your different projects helped find inclusion for the Latino community?
I think because of the diversity that exists in my band both in expression and visually, people see themselves represented which is something that has been lacking for a long time. Also, the fact that we do songs from a female’s perspective and that we do bilingual songs, a lot of the Latinos that have either been born in the US or raised here, they can relate to the fact that we speak both languages or Spanglish in some cases.
How have you seen diversity and representation of Latinas in your industry changed over the years?
It’s changed so much! I can only think of a few artists growing up that I could feel connected to and that I felt represented by- Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, etc… only a few and now there are more and more women of color of all shades doing their thing and being successful at it. It also feels like there is a global movement of women empowerment, a revival. More and more latinas starting their own businesses and more and more unity amongst ourselves, supporting each other.
Movies as well are making moves to represent latinos, Latinas, latines with vibrant familiar characters that plants a pride in the next generation.
What have been some struggles/obstacles in your career, and how did you overcome them?
There were so many…. We’ve gotten bounced checks, not gotten paid, disrespected by both men and other boss women who feel threatened instead of being supportive. Also, being a female leader for an all-female group was a challenge in itself. The things I learned were eye opening and I truly think all women should experience. It makes you self aware of the behaviors ingrained in us and how these dynamics need to change.
I came to terms with the fact that you can’t change people in an instant, you truly have to choose your battles and at times, tune out the negativity, focus and persevere. It’s important to not only love what you envision but also believe in it. I think once I believe that, and once I focused on the positivity, I could see things flowing much better and it showed me that people can change over time. You just have to continue to be genuine and this will shine on its own.
Another one of the challenges that at times made us feel a bit alone was the fact that we were highly criticized basically since day one. Even other Mariachis tried to start their own all female group years in and claim they were the first ones.
At some point I understood that what we are doing is beyond the music, it truly is a mission. Our existence has sparked so many needed conversations that have led to the inevitability change to a more inclusive and diverse world.
What makes you passionate about your work?
In a personal level, it is my happy place, I feel like I’m flying, I feel elevated and all my worries melt away when I’m performing. I feel blessed that I can experience this gift.
I love the fact that music heals, brings people together, the way that people connect, that it moves them is truly amazing to witness. I love the fact that a lot of the ladies that have become a part of the band have reconnected with their roots through the project.
The biggest lesson you’ve Learned and can share with younger Latinas
It’s important to be genuine, to be yourself and to not be afraid to express yourself. It took me a long time to embrace all parts of me and I am grateful that through the journey of music I’ve been able to find my true self. Find that thing that makes you happy and that you are passionate about and go for it. The are world is full of infinite worlds and there are is a place or more than one place for all.
What future goals and projects should we stay tuned for?
Really excited to release my first solo album and I hope I can inspire Latinas with my music, especially my Afro-Latinas, to go for their dreams and to be proud. I’m also excited to be offering online voice lessons and music industry mentoring. I’m truly passionate about sharing my knowledge and mentoring other Latina women.
What makes you most proud of being a Latina in the music industry?
It makes me proud to see other women making it in this business, it makes me proud to see the sparks in a younger Latina’s eyes when they see themselves represented, it makes me proud that Latin music is being highlighted and celebrated more and more.
