ICYMI: #WomanCrushWednesday IG Live featuring Nana Mendoza

BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

Every musician has a different creative process to guide them through their music, but when it comes to relying on instinct and “going with the flow,” no one does it quite as flawlessly as Nana Mendoza.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Mendoza has always had a passion for music. She joined a Conservatory of Music at the age of four in the hope of playing the piano, but when all of the piano spots were filled, she chose to play the violin instead. Looking back, Mendoza says that decision played a key role in training her ear and defining her desire to make a career out of music.

This desire grew even more while working with a band of three other musicians in her teens. Shortly thereafter, she worked with a producer friend of hers to release her first album at the age of 19.

“When you’re in the studio, you just forget about everything else,” Mendoza said. “You figure out what the song wants to ask of you.”

At this point in her career, Mendoza has been nominated for two Latin GRAMMY Awards for Best New Artist and Best New Contemporary Pop Vocal Album. She also continues to write all of her own music, mostly in collaboration with her friends and the producers she works with.

While the COVID-19 global pandemic has put a temporary pause on live performances, Mendoza says she most misses being on stage and connecting with her audience.

“My purpose is to be on the stage and connect and be there for the people,” Mendoza said.

For now, however, Mendoza has been placing a lot of focus on recording new music in the studio. She is currently working on an EP that is expected to be released in May 2021.

When it comes to describing her style, she prefers not to attach a label to her music. Rather, she views her sound as a combination of all of her musical influences across a wide span of genres, finding her best inspiration from the emotional experiences of being in love and heartbreak.

“The music that you make, you better do it for yourself and your happiness,” Mendoza said. “Do whatever you feel in your heart.”

To Mendoza, music is a universal language that is capable of connecting people from all around the world, regardless of typical language barriers. While she has faced some challenges with self-doubt, she continues to remind herself that she is doing what she really loves.

Mendoza has also faced additional challenges as a woman in the music industry and needing to prove her worth in a largely male-dominated industry where men are likely to judge a woman’s ability solely on her physical appearance. However, Mendoza strives to prove herself through her knowledge and study of music.

“You need to win respect,” Mendoza said.

Despite the challenges within the industry and in the world overall, Mendoza works hard to keep a positive attitude and outlook that continues to push her forward.

“We are in a hard moment and we need to find peace in ourselves,” Mendoza said. “We are not alone, we are part of humanity. You are going to be okay.”

For more on Nana Mendoza, you can watch the entire interview on Instagram @OfficialWomenWhoRock.