In a recent interview, emerging artist Kordelya revealed the intricacies of her unique journey in the music industry, skillfully intertwining her Mexican and American identities to craft a distinct sound rooted in authenticity. This musical fusion recently took center stage in Los Angeles, as Kordelya headlined a concert series sponsored by Tequila Cazadores and organized by Sofar Sounds. The event, dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity within the Hispanic music scene, provided an ideal platform for Kordelya’s talent. As Kordelya’s musical journey continues to captivate audiences, her revealing interview and vibrant LA performance serve as a prelude to the compelling layers of inspiration and determination woven into her unique personal story.
Kordelya’s childhood is a back-and-forth tale between Houston, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico—laying the foundation for her transformative journey. Shifting between two culturally rich yet totally different worlds, she faced the challenges that each place threw her way. From juggling different friend groups to diving into contrasting music scenes, every experience left its mark on her growing sense of self. The stark differences in language further underscored the uniqueness of her journey. In handling this cultural juggle, Kordelya admitted, “It felt like I didn’t really have an identity…I was almost embarrassed to speak Spanish.” The clash between Mexican and American cultures played out like a melody of struggles, a nuanced dance that became the soundtrack of her journey.
But in the midst of these challenges, Kordelya’s musical adventure thrived. Her sound drew strength from the fusion of her unique experiences in both cities. Straddling Mexico and the United States, her dual existence uncovered a diverse musical palette, blending influences from Latin and non-Latin genres. As she sums it up, “I got a little bit of both—the best of both worlds.”
Kordelya’s journey into the realm of music began unexpectedly in the heart of her Mexican roots. In her own words, “I fell into music because in Mexico, my grandfather had a piano in his house and he never let anybody touch it because it was a very old piano and it was very, very well protected and he took care of it. But I was lucky he let me play it.” What started as an exploration of familiar notes like songs from The Beatles, soon evolved into a deeply personal musical odyssey. Reflecting on this period, Kordelya shares, ” It started becoming more my own, where I was like, I have stuff to think too.” Using songwriting as a form of self-reflection at the age of thirteen, Kordelya recalls, “I can’t talk to my mom about this so let me just talk to myself about it. Kind of like therapy on my own. I just fell into it.” In those early days, the songs were brief, but their impact on her creative spirit was profound, marking the beginning of a musical journey rooted in authenticity and introspection.
Kordelya’s musical evolution took a defining turn with her first professional venture — the creation of an indie rock band, Kordelya and the Buffalo. The camaraderie and creative synergy within the band birthed a unique musical identity, with one exception. The band performed solely in English. The group’s journey was marked by notable performances across the globe, however, amidst the excitement of international acclaim, Kordelya grappled with a sense of disconnect. In her own words, “People were speaking English to me, I’m like, oh. It just felt a little bit limiting. I also felt like why am I keeping my Mexican identity dormant when I have so much to say. I feel like I’m not being fully myself.” The realization that her Mexican identity remained silent amidst these experiences led her to a crucial decision. Kordelya articulated this transformation, stating, “It’s not that I disbanded the band, but it just morphed into something else. And that’s why I changed it to just Kordelya. So it doesn’t really matter what language I speak. It’s still me.”
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the artistic process. ‘I feel like being honest is the best way to be an artist,’ she shares. In a dynamic industry, Kordelya also acknowledges the difficulties of identifying trustworthy collaborators. ‘It’s tough to find the right people to surround you and the right people that believe in you, and at the same time know how to execute those ideas together,’ she notes.
Undeterred by the hurdles, Kordelya offers valuable advice to aspiring songwriters, advocating for hands-on engagement with music production tools. ‘I highly recommend that if you’re a songwriter, to start playing with Ableton and to figure out how you want those songs to sound and to figure out how you want to how you want those songs to sound because you can start a song and guitar or piano but the production is really what’s going to make a difference of how people receive this song,’ she advises. Recognizing that production plays a pivotal role in shaping a song’s reception, Kordelya emphasizes the transformative impact of marrying songwriting with thoughtful production choices.
From navigating dual identities to transforming her musical path, Kordelya’s story becomes a compelling testament to the authenticity and resilience required in the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Article by Pollyana Ramos Tucker