Maria Becerra, or “the Girl from Argentina”, is an up-and-coming pop star, who despite only being 21 years old has become Argentina’s most-streamed artist. Starting off as a YouTuber, she quickly rose to fame and is now signed to 300 Entertainment (Young Thug, Meghan Thee Stallion.) 360 got the opportunity to talk with her about her life and rise to fame.
- How would you describe your style of music?
I think that I have a very melodic and versatile musical style. In the studio, we always try to ensure that each song has a varied melodic line, with different nuances, that above all… sounds familiar to the public. I have [traversed] several genres and in all of them, I was able to find how to make my style fit. I heard out there that they call me “The queen of weeping” [laughs] because I have many songs that are for dogging and dancing, and others that are a bit sad.
- How did you first become interested in creating music?
From a very young age, art was important to me. I learned how to sing, act, and dance. In my house, [we] listened to a lot of music. For a while I did covers and interpretations of famous songs, I think I was absorbing that and at one point I felt the need to start expressing myself with something of my own and I did. I was not 100% sure, I had many insecurities, I was afraid to know how… [people] …were going to receive my music, and also if this was really my path. Luckily things turned out… [positively] …and today I have no doubts that yes, I was born for this and I am very happy [making a] living from music.
- Which songs are you most proud of?
Mm, they are all special and fill me with pride. You can’t say just one. If I have to think quickly… [about] …which one I like the most, maybe… “Close to You” or “My Debility.” That song is very special. I cried a lot while making it and recording the video.
- You were a Youtuber before becoming a singer. How was the experience of transitioning from an influencer to an artist?
It was a beautiful experience, and I am grateful that it was like that. The change in my life was… [immense]. Being [on] YouTube gave me the opportunity to get to know me and lose my fear of exposure. …having had the experience of being a YouTuber served as the basis for everything that happened to me later.
- What is your favorite fan moment?
My favorite moment is when… [fans] …tell me… that my music… [is relatable] …to them. It’s amazing how something I do with all my love in the studio can reach so many people and positively influence their lives. ….we would…talk to …different fans, and at one point a girl told us that with “Tell me how I do”, one of my songs, she had declared her love to her girlfriend. I found it beautiful. Those moments fill me with happiness.
- How does it feel to have reached this level of popularity so young?
I still don’t think… [I’m famous]. It seems incredible to me, but I take it easy. I do not despair and try to have the same life as always. I surround myself a lot with my friends, my family, and my pets who are my ground wire and remind me of where I come from.
- Why do you refer to yourself as ‘The Girl from Argentina’?
In general, it is known that many discoveries have occurred accidentally in the world, and this was no exception. [laughs] When we recorded “Animal” with Cazzu, at last, in the part of the song’s guidelines I said “Las Nenas de Argentina”… referring to the two of us. Apparently, people heard “La nena de Argentina” and everyone loved that I refer[red] to myself that way. From there I started to use it as my brand, and I feel that it gives me a special power for transmitting to everyone that my music is made and is from Argentina.
- Who are your influences?
Wow, many! But especially Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. I think they are very important to me. I watch their shows and videos a lot.
- How did it feel to join a label as prestigious as 300 Entertainment?
[It was] an honor, I am very happy with them. They are also always very affectionate with me. Since their office is in Los Angeles, we don’t see each other that often, but when we do it’s very nice because they always surprise me. I know the whole team takes care of me and they want the best for me, so I respect them and thank them very much.
- Your most recent EP blended many different genres. Which genres would you like to experiment with in the future?
I like “Bachata”, I think more songs like… [that] …are coming, but as I said before, I don’t want to pigeonhole myself and today I am here to experiment. So, in 2022, you can be surprised.
- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I feel like it’s going to be a great year this year. We are working to make it so. I’m locked in the studio; some songs are coming out that are tremendous. I am already anxious for you to listen to them, so a new album is coming, trips and several shows in Argentina and Europe. We will be on the move. We hope to reach many places and have everyone dance and sing my music.