11.16.24 |

Vivir Quintana: Her Music, Her Fight, Her Story

Vivir Quintana: Her Music, Her Fight, Her Story

Vivir Quintana, the powerhouse Mexican singer-songwriter and activist, is stirring things up in the Latin music world with her voice and message. This year, she earned a significant accolade by being named one of the “Leading Ladies of Entertainment” by the Latin Recording Academy—a title reserved for women who’ve made a profound impact on the arts and entertainment landscape. Vivir’s fearless dedication to using her music as a tool for social justice and her ability to inspire audiences beyond the sound makes her a true trailblazer. Her story isn’t just about music; it’s about creating meaningful change and championing the fight against social injustices. Vivir’s journey is one that continues to empower and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on both the industry and the community.

Vivir’s journey hasn’t been just a straightforward road. Celebrated for her powerful feminist anthem, ‘Canción Sin Miedo’ (“Song Without Fear”), Vivir Quintana is lending her voice to the fight against femicide and gender violence in Latin America. This empowering song has become a rallying cry at marches worldwide, echoing across borders in multiple languages, even reaching Indigenous and sign languages. By translating these urgent messages of resistance into music, Vivir connects with people on a universal scale, inspiring change across the globe.

Vivir Quintana describes her anthem as “a song of struggle, love, and resistance,” a powerful tribute to women worldwide who are demanding justice. She poignantly expressed that it’s also about remembering those lost to violence. During an exclusive interview with LatiNation, Vivir shared her heartfelt hope for a future where “one day, no one will need to sing this song.”

During our chat, Vivir shared her mission of creating what she calls “music of resistance.” She’s all about amplifying the voices and stories of people who might not usually be heard. Vivir is convinced that music has always been a core part of revolutions and social shifts, and she hopes her songs contribute to these movements, sparking personal transformation and advancing social justice.

“Music is a powerful tool for change, and it’s crucial to touch people’s hearts and minds,” Vivir expressed. She sees every word she pens as carrying a weight of responsibility and dreams that her lyrics profoundly connect with those who hear them.

Vivir Quintana’s latest single, ‘Al Tiro,’ keeps up her strong tradition of meaningful songwriting. Dropped in September, this track delves into the powerful themes of self-defense and survival. It echoes the urgent challenges facing women today. True to her style, Vivir uses her music as a platform for folks to come together, offering a sense of solidarity and strength.

Reflecting on her incredible journey, Vivir Quintana spoke about what it was like to collaborate with artists she once looked up to, like Mon Laferte, La Santa Cecilia, and the legendary Caifanes. Sharing the stage with them has felt almost surreal—a “moment of gratitude” for all the years of relentless effort that have brought her to this point. Vivir reminisced about her early days performing in bars as a young woman, passionately singing the songs of Caifanes and Aterciopelados, and how she never imagined that one day she’d be performing alongside them. “It didn’t happen overnight,” she reflected, “it took twenty years, but it happened.” Today, she takes pride in being a part of a vibrant community that uplifts her artistic voice and encourages her fight for change.

Vivir Quintana opens up about her songwriting process, sharing how she taps into her creative flow. Every day, she jots down phrases and ideas in her phone notes—a simple yet committed practice.

As she puts it, “Creativity isn’t just within me; it’s everywhere, swirling all around us.” For Vivir, the key is to keep an open mind and let inspiration come naturally. With each song, she strives to stay true to her core values of love and respect—principles that her team at Universal Music has wholeheartedly embraced from the very beginning.

Reflecting on her honor at this year’s Latin Grammys, Vivir shared her initial reaction to receiving that life-changing email from the Latin Recording Academy. “My manager and I both had a moment on that call – our jaws literally dropped,” she laughed. But for Vivir, this is only a milestone on her ongoing journey. She’s committed to paving the way for other women aspiring to make their mark in the industry. “I really hope I can smooth the path for others who are coming up,” she said with her trademark modesty.

If you’re curious about Vivir Quintana and the amazing artists shaking up the scene in the Latin music scene, don’t miss out on the Latin Groove Miami Microsite for some awesome Latin Grammy coverage!


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