Daya’s Mexi-Country EP Fundraiser for Studio fees

Along with the Get Local Beverly music community, we are fundraising money to pay production and studio costs for a 5 song EP at the legendary SONIC RANCH STUDIOS in El Paso, TX.

Representation. My goal is to embark on a musical project that exquisitely embodies the contributions of Mexican-Americans to country music. Not as a stereotype, but in a manner that is genuine, dignified, and unabashed. By applying the Norteño (“Northern”) Mexican style accordion to classic country lyrics, I aim to pave the way for a new genre that truly represents my culture: Mexi-Country. 
 
I have been singing all my life. Raised in El Paso, Texas, this borderland city was the canvas to my rich musical experience. There, a fusion of Mexican regional music and country music molded my identity. I slowly came to the realization, however, that the fullness of my experience as a Mexican-American woman was always partially silenced by each of these two individual categories. It only fully flourished in their intertwining.
 
I picked up the accordion at age 20 (much to my parents’ delight), given that it is a strong symbol of our borderland music and can be heard in both Norteño and Tejano music. For 5 years, I tried to box myself solely into these two genres. And although they hold a place deep in my heart, I know now that my music will never truly be genuine unless I also acknowledge my country American influence as well. Today, my biggest musical influences are the artists who did just that. Linda Ronstadt, Selena, and Freddy Fender were Chicanos who fearlessly made their mark in mainstream American music in a way that highlighted everyday moments in the Mexican-American experience (be they trivial or profound). Though they faced unfettered racism and attempts to be silenced in speaking of these experiences, they persevered. My goal is to continue their legacy of amplifying the voice of the Mexican-American experience through music. That is why I want to invest in a high quality and professionally produced EP. Yes, I am but another Chicano voice in the shadows that seeks to be heard – but there is beauty in that struggle. I want to produce a quality recording that will properly put that on display for the world to hear.
 
It is imperative to note that regional Mexican Norteño music would have no footing without the button accordion. Historically, only men played it. Recently, more and more women (such as myself) have gone against these traditional sexist conventions and learned how to play this “masculine” (as seen in Mexican culture) instrument. It is a brave and powerful instrument, with harmonic melodies nostalgic of the Southwest and Mexico. Infusing country music with that instrument, when done correctly, creates the bold Mexi-Country sound. 
 
I am extremely lucky to have had the influence of such beautiful music, both from the US and Mexico. It pains me that despite all the influence Mexicans have had in country music, we are hardly represented at all. My aim with this project is to take a step in changing that, as well as satisfy my need to make a statement on the Mexican American experience. As the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, I feel it necessary to stay genuine to my roots, to take a risk, and in my attempt inspire others to do so as well.

This EP will be recorded at the SONIC RANCH Studios in my hometown of El Paso Texas. I have not returned to El Paso since my family moved to Chicago in 2005. We moved because the Juárez/El Paso border was at its height of violence, and my father felt it was the safe thing to do. Returning to my hometown, where my grandparents are buried, to record something that means the world to me is going to be a recollective experience to say the least. All donations will receive a digital download of the EP once it is finished. 

All the money raised will go the Sonic Ranch for production costs, if there is any extra money it will go to Get Local Beverly non profit music community to support music production costs for my fellow wonderful musician friends there. 

Any donation helps! 

Photo and video credit: Brenda J. Hernandez; Front Row Music News.