Meet MARIA REIGN | Singer-Songwriter & Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with MARIA REIGN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARIA, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Hi, my name is Maria Reign

Life inspires me through experinces, which I like to write about in my songs. I’m greatly inspired by all the love in my life, and want others to recognize the love that’s already in and all around them. These days I find myself interested in personal growth, not just in my relationships – but my music and passions. I believe words have the power to harm a person or heal an entire nation, and through my music I want to be at the forefront of the latter. As a Mexican-American born and raised in two countries, I grew up with the uncertainty of not feeling entirely accepted by either. Despite it being difficult growing up, hidden in those challenges, were the stories that would inspire me to start writing music. Today I know that it doesn’t really matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, but who you choose to become.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

It’s difficult as an artist to choose your favorite piece since you grow to be emotionally attached to them all. I’d say I’m most proud of my first single “Paradise” because it forever marks the time in my life when I decided to embark on a different journey that required more willpower, perseverence and belief than ever before. It was thanks to “Paradise” that new music opportunities started opening up for me. At first I took leaves of absence from SDSU to work on my musical projects and this fall, after exhausting the four leaves of absences alloted, I had to make the difficult decision to return to school or finish an ongoing music project that is my album in spanish. I chose the latter and took full responsbility of my dreams and artistry to finish recording the project I am most proud of to this day, my first professionally recorded album. I’m extremely excited for it to come out, as it is both in English and Spanish and caries my whole soul and essence in it. I like to focus on what makes me happy and feel alive, and I find that music allows me the freedom to be and do that. The path of being an artist is packed with challenges to overcome, and every time you pass a hurdle, the next one arrives at your feet. I learned to take it easy and get things done, following my dreams and knowing in my heart that everything I desire is possible. I want my message to be that you don’t have to conform to society’s standards of what you should do or be, but to stand firmly in your truth and expression because you are as capable as you believe yourself to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend and I love to have a great time and laugh. Our quality of friendship is very beautiful and anything that we do together we enjoy. Luckily she lives in the area, but if she were to move out and come visit, we would go get some sushi to-go, and head to Windandsea beach. I would then take her to have some local kombucha at NOVO Brazil, our favorite spot for drinks. The next day we would chill at her house and make homemade “Aguachile,” our favorite Mexican dish. We would catch up about how our businesses and music are going and give each other advice on how to overcome challenges. After hours of talking, we would go get our nails done and then go thrifting around PB and Hillcrest. We would end the night having dinner at our favorite Vietnamese Pho Hiep. On longer trips, I would take my best friend on day trips to Tijuana, Valle de Guadalupe, Santa Monica and LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m very blessed to say that my growth in the past years has definitely been due to being 100% inspired by my mother and learning that everything is possible. I’d like to give a shoutout to my brother Esteban San Roman who has been a mentor to me, especially since he graduated from SDSU in finance and marketing and decided to pursue music as well. He is the one that recommends which books I should read and what podcasts I should listen too. Some of the authors that have influenced my life and whose teachings I try to emulate are the following: Malcolm Gladwell, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Rhonda Byrne.

Instagram: mariareignn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariareignmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kpOoghohQsuT4thMdJ0Ig

Image Credits
Paulina Rodriguez (bar and mirror photos), Fernando Espino (pink photo)