MARIA SANCHEZ ( Groovy MS ) | Singer/Songwriter & Higher Education Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with MARIA SANCHEZ ( Groovy MS ) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARIA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
From an artist’s perspective, risks are taken literally every single day. Nothing is ever guaranteed in the music industry, it’s a daily challenge to move forward in one’s musical career. As we know, there is so much talent out there, some of which unfortunately will never be shared. Making the decision to even start creating and writing music was a risk because there was the possibility that people wouldn’t care to listen or even like my sound. So, with that being said, I navigate my journey as an artist through risks. Whether it’s reaching out to promoters, venues or even other artists to collaborate, it’s all a risk. Nothing will ever be achieved if that leap of faith is not taken.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Soul/Funk artist from Riverside, CA but based in Los Angeles. Although I say I create Soul/Funk music, it also incorporates and is inspired by many other influential genres that I love, such as R&B, Disco, and Rocksteady, just to name a few. I officially started my music career in 2020 when I began working on my debut 45 with Sweden based label, Soul Tune Records, which is managed by Niclas Wretelid. We officially released two tracks in 2021 digitally and on vinyl. They had discovered me in a talent competition I participated in, hosted by Big Crown Records, where I won 3rd place. It was a beautiful opportunity that allowed me to showcase my two talents, singing and songwriting (lyrics). That was the moment I took that leap of faith on myself to create original music and showcase it to the world. Therefore, I would say that is also what I am most proud of because if I hadn’t said yes to working with Soul Tune Records when they reached out, I wouldn’t have original music out or have had the opportunity to co-release a new 45 in 2022 with My Grito Industries, which is managed by Rob Castellon and Oscar Toledo.

When reflecting on the journey to where I am today, I would say that the musical journey aspect has been fairly smooth as of yet, but my personal life journey definitely was not. Thankful to say that I can use my creative outlet to express my emotions and sing about shared experiences that so many folks have. Additionally, one thing that I’ve come to learn is that communication is critical for an artist to be successful. If you’re not happy with the sound or a project, you have to speak up- there will always be a difference of opinion on things, but sometimes it’s about compromising. I hope that my listeners feel empowered and heard through my music. Sometimes it’s difficult to express what we’re going through or how we feel, but music always finds a way to say exactly what we need to.

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?
If my best friend was visiting for the week, the first stop would be to take them to my favorite ramen spot, Shinsengumi Hakata Ramen, specifically the West Los Angeles location. I discovered this spot during my Undergrad days at UCLA and it’s always been my go to- we’re ordering the Hakata Ramen with some spicy miso, veggie rolls, and some Spam Musubi! Next stop in the area is SomiSomi for some Frozen Yogurt and Taiyaki. Another spot I would take them later in the week for some cold beer and live music is Border X Bell in Bellflower, CA. They sometimes put up some new beer options, but my go to is ALWAYS a Hazy IPA. Another venue like spot I would take them for some drinks and live music is Alex’s Bar In Long Beach, CA. It’s a dope small bar/venue that always hosts amazing live music. The last spot I’ll mention that is a MUST for some Boba is BYOB in West Covina, it’s literally become an obsession to go there on a weekly basis for their Thai Tea! Apart from all of these recommendations would of course be rehearsal with my band for some live soulful tunes, haha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my phenomenal band that has joined me on this musical journey- without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I love. In such a short amount of time, we’ve been able to do a handful of shows, create new music and build such a dope sense of community amongst one another. We’ve become such a close knit little musical family that shows and rehearsals feel like we’re just jamming and having fun. I had even proposed giving the band a name to account for everyone who plays a huge role in our success and ability to perform, but they were adamant that Maria Sanchez worked fine. So, I unofficially call them The Groovettes! We all agreed that the name is more of your typical female type group name, but it just stuck with us. I am incredibly grateful for each single talented individual: Jasmine Sanchez (Vocals), Esteban Reynaga (Guitar), Vincent Stevens (Bass), Jacob Sahagun (Keys) and Robert Acosta (Drums). And most importantly, I am excited and blessed to continue creating with The Groovettes in 2023 and beyond!

Website: https://www.groovyms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovy_ms/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-sanchez-29a887142

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Groovy__MS

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXiIcKV2zeyz-gT61LhQUyA

Other: https://www.youtube.com/@Groovy_MS

Image Credits
RooRoo Media (Ruben) Dan6er0us (Brother Ming)