Because country music is not about a place or a demographic but a state of mind, I try my best to portray a wide variety of what country music is and encompasses.
Someone who has been on my radar for a few years is a petite singer/songwriter with powerhouse vocals and an unstoppable attitude that combines to make the complete package known as Andrea Vasquez. The Cali native has blended her love of modern country and Latin-American roots to create a refreshing sound within the genre. With her newest song out this week, “Solo,” out this week, I thought the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th - October 15th) would be the perfect time to feature this burgeoning artist.
But regardless of the culture or influence, Vasquez and I agree, “If the song isn’t great, none of the rest of it matters.”
Vasquez hails from a musical family with cousins who were professional musicians. They worked in lighting, audio engineering, and anything related to performance. She and her sister took violin and piano and were fully established within their talented family.
Vasquez recalled, “From a very early age, when I started learning to play the guitar, I got into songwriting. I always looked up to very powerful females such as Carrie Underwood. I was in that generation that got to watch her become a star. I was, of course, into the Chicks and Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Shania Twain.” (All influential country females from the 1990s and beyond.)
Andrea has been crafting her unique sound and becoming a success story that future generations of aspiring country artists who share her Latino heritage will strive to emulate.
Like many songwriters, Vasquez fell in love with the storytelling aspect of country music and knew that she wanted to perform it from a very young age. In 2017, she moved to Nashville to hone her craft and, shortly thereafter, got involved with the Song Suffragettes.
She said of her music career, “Growing up in Los Angeles, I wanted to do songwriting, but I didn't get into the art of songwriting until I moved to Nashville. You hear about Nashville and the songwriting, and it's tough to explain to a new artist unless they're here. I mean, Nashville is all about the song.”
The first song that Vasquez released in 2022 and her biggest hit to date was “Never Into Me,” a relatable tune that pulls you into the unmistakable feeling of unrequited love we all have experienced. The tune is a crowd favorite at her live shows. Other significant songs from her debut record, The Bed You Made, include the title track, “Overthink,” which uses footage from her childhood in the music video, and the cleverly composed “Hangover,” which implores her ex, “You better go get sober/ Jack and Jim can come around but they don't get to hangover...”
I remarked on a similar theme from the songs. She confirmed, “I have a very not-so-great person to thank for the whole Bed You Made album. A true story inspired it.”
In February of this year, Vasquez released her first Spanish single with Latin artist Jimenico, “Si Una Vez,” a signature song that was originally recorded by Latin award-winning artist, Selena.
In March, Vasquez made her mark on the country music scene by releasing the mesmerizing “Moving Target.” As many have experienced, sometimes your own fears can keep you from experiencing the love you deserve. It is told in a third-person point-of-view, creating a storytelling aspect that immerses you in the song. The song reached #3 on CMT Music 12-Pack Countdown this past summer.
On Friday, the 13th of September, Vasquez released her newest installment of Latin-infused country with the single “Solo.”
To capture Vasquez's motto, "Country with a little Tajin," she wrote the song “Solo” alongside Bailey Morgan and Eitan Snyder with a playful and flirtatious vibe in mind.
Vasquez explained, “If anybody's not familiar with Tajin, Tajin is a staple in a margarita. It's a spice in Mexico with some seasoning.” And that is exactly what her version of country music is.
She continued, “We wrote this last fall and instantly knew we had to record this after the positive crowd reaction at the Young Music City Latin Heritage Month show!” The song speaks to those discovering their worth and realizing that they deserve better than keeping those who can't fulfill their needs in life.”
The lyrics discuss the necessity of going solo because "If he can't give me what I need, he can't handle me." This song was designed to combine what country and Latin music fans love into a fun song of the summer, resonating especially with Mexican-American heritage.
She said, “I hope that Latin and country music fans enjoy this song as it's a fun summer anthem!”
With continued support from CMT and other prominent media outlets, including The Country Network, Nashville Scene, Nashville’s NBC and FOX affiliated TV stations, and more, her songs surpassed half a million streams just on Spotify and have landed on curated playlists, including the Country Latino playlist, New Music Nashville, Young Nashville, and Apple Music Country.
With her undeniable stage presence, powerhouse vocals, and songs that mainstream listeners are eager to hear, Andrea Vasquez has quickly established herself within the ever-encompassing and diverse country music scene. Keep your eye on this “one to watch.”
You can keep up with Vasquez on her website and follow along with her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
