Gabriella Martinez on ‘Domingo Live’
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Emerging artist Gabriella Martinez opened up about her journey into the Tejano music scene, her musical influences, and premiered her latest single, “Perdón, Adiós” in a recent interview with the popular TV show “Domingo Live“. The Florida native, who now calls Houston, Texas, her home, shared her experiences and insights with co-hosts Rudy Trevino and Barbi Leo.
Moving to Texas: A Leap of Faith
Gabriella recounted her bold decision to move to Texas at the age of 19, right after finishing college. “So I was actually with a label when I was 19, just finished college. And I was like, what’s next? Let’s just go for it. Why not? You know, I had a four-year college degree. I always knew that my education was something I would always have. So I thought I’d just go for it. And I knew that if I stayed in Florida, I wouldn’t get uncomfortable. I would have everyone around me. I would just still kind of, I felt like be complacent. And everyone says you only go far once you start to get uncomfortable. So I just up and moved by myself, took my dog, Roxanne. Here we are.”
Embracing Tejano Music
Despite not being Mexican or from Texas, Gabriella found her passion in Tejano music. “It’s so funny. I actually feel like I was adopted into Tejano music because I’m not Mexican. I’m not from Texas, but I just started to sing. That was the main thing I wanted to do. I wanted to sing, and I wanted to sing in Spanish. The first song I did was a ranchera and I loved it. And then, you know, people in the Tejano world, they started reaching out and they were like, this is beautiful. And that’s when I really started to become immersed in the genre. And I started to learn little by little, you know, I’m still learning. And it’s just been an incredible experience. I’m very lucky.”
Musical Influences
Gabriella’s musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences. “For Selena, you know, Selena’s everybody. She’s such a huge inspiration, especially for someone like me. I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish, still learning as we go. And, you know, for her to be able to do that and show others that they can do it, she’s always been huge to me. Rocio Durcal. She’s like, she’s queen bee to me. She is like up there. I mean, her ballads, I like to feel everything I sing. I can’t sing something if I’ve never gone through it or if I don’t feel it. So she’s somebody that’s inspired me with the feeling aspect. And then of course, you know, I’m Colombian. So the Colombian cumbias and, you know, vallenato music, like with cumbias, the birthplace is Colombia. So just growing up on that, hearing my mom blast it in the house while she’s cleaning, you know.”
Family Support
Gabriella expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of her family when she moved to Texas. “They were like, go for it. You know, they’ve been very supportive. I’m very lucky in that aspect because, you know, not everyone has that full backing of support. And my family, all across the board, they were just like, go for it. Like, if you need something, like we got you. And that was big to me because I do, I do care about my family a lot. And my father’s actually here. He came from Florida. So he’s here repping me with the Gabriela t-shirt.”
Debuting “Perdón, Adiós”
Gabriella premiered her new single, “Perdón, Adiós,” on the show, sharing the emotional inspiration behind the song. “This one, I actually was going through a tough time with my love life, I guess. So, it was something that I talked to my songwriter about, Cesar Morquecho, amazing songwriter. I was like, I need something that is just very sad. Yeah, I need my heart to just be on the floor at the end of it. Like, I need everything to pour into this one song, but also with a cumbia flair. Can you do something for me? Like, here are some words, go for it. And bam, he sent me something and it was perfect. Wow. Right on the money.”
Gabriella Martinez debuts ‘Perdon, Adios’ on Domingo Live
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What’s Next for Gabriella?
Looking ahead, Gabriella is focused on creating more music and reaching new heights in her career. “More music for sure. I’m in the studio and I’m working my butt off, you know. It’s been a great help with social media. Social media has helped me a lot. Get my music out there. And we’re just gonna be singing our hearts out. I love that. As much as we can. And hopefully, you know, I am trying for more accolades in the future, whether that’s the Tejano Music Awards or Latin Grammys, you never know, but just gonna keep reaching.”
Gabriella Martinez’s journey into the Tejano music world is a testament to her passion, determination, and the power of embracing new challenges. With her talent and dedication, she is sure to make a lasting impact on the Tejano music scene.
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