María Becerra is a tour de force. The Argentinian songstress, known as “la nena de Argentina” released her second EP in 2021, embracing and experimenting with hip-hop, reggaeton, trap, R&B, salsa, and more to craft her new sound. Described as a “leading voice in Argentina’s urban pop movement,” Becerra is a star on the rise. As the first Latin artist signed to indie American record label 300 Entertainment and with a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist pending, it is clear despite her successes already, she is only just beginning. She sat down to answer a few questions for 360 Magazine including how she got her start in music, the story behind her nickname, her influences, and what to expect from her in 2022.
How would you describe your style of music?
I believe 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 degrees of nuances. Above all, we aspire to make a melody that sounds familiar and enjoyable to the public. I have experimented with several genres and in all of them, I was able to find how to make my own style fit within them. I hear they call me ‘the Queen of Weeping,” which makes me laugh. I have many songs that are for dogging and dancing, and others that are a bit sadder.
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 as a child. In my home, we listened to a lot of music. For a while, I did covers of famous songs as I learned. I think I was absorbing different music and styles to the point where I felt the need to start expressing myself with my own works. Despite this desire, I was not 100% confident in my abilities yet and had many insecurities. I was afraid of how the public would receive my music and doubted if this was my true path. Luckily, things turned out in a positive way. Today, I have no doubts that yes, I was born to create music and it brings me a lot of joy.
Which songs are you most proud of?
Mm, they are all special to me and fill me with pride. It is difficult for me to pick just one. If I had to choose one, my first instinct is to say Ademas De Mi or Mi Debilidad, that song is very significant to me as an artist. 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?
YouTube was a beautiful experience, and I am grateful that the opportunity was a positive one. The change in my life was progressive over time. Being on YouTube allowed me the chance for people to get to know me, while I gained confidence and worked on my own fears as a public person. Obviously, my life and my career are now on another path but having the experience of being a YouTuber served as the foundation for everything that has gone on to happen in my life.
What is your favorite fan moment?
My favorite moments are when my fans tell me everything in my music speaks to them. It’s amazing how something I pour so much love into in the studio can reach so many people and positively influence their lives. In live concerts, we would raise up different fans to speak with them, and at one performance a girl told us that with my song ‘Tell Me How I Do,’ she declared her love to her girlfriend. I found it beautiful. Those moments fill me with incredible happiness.
How does it feel to have reached this level of popularity so young?
It still doesn’t feel real. It is incredible to me, but I just try and take things one day at a time. I try to appreciate the small things and remain the humble girl I’ve always been because that’s still who I am. I surround myself a lot with my friends, my family, and my pets who are my rocks – they remind me of where I come from and who I am.
Why do you refer to yourself as the Girl from Argentina?
In general, it is known that many of the best discoveries occur accidentally, and this was no exception. When we recorded Animal with Cazzu, in the song’s lyrics I sing “Las Nenas de Argentina,” as if referring to the two of us. Apparently, when people listened, they heard “La nena de Argentina” and everyone loved that I referred to myself that way. From there, I started to use it as my brand, and I feel it gives me a special power for communicating to the world my music and I are made and from Argentina.
Who are your influences?
Wow, so many artists! I especially love and admire Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. They are very important role models to me. I watch their shows and videos a lot.
How did it feel to join a label as prestigious as 300 Entertainment?
I am honored and very happy to work with them. They have always been supportive, even affectionate, towards me. Unfortunately, their office is in Los Angeles, so we don’t have the opportunity to see each other that often, but when we do it’s always a special moment. I know the whole team at 300 takes care of me and wants 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, and I think more songs like this are coming from me. Yet as I said before, I don’t want to pigeonhole myself. I love to experiment with different genres and different sounds, and that is what is important to me as I create music today. So, in 2022 you and all my fans can be surprised with what I come out with next.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I feel like 2022 is going to be a great year. My team and I are working hard to make it so. I’m locked in the studio, and many of the songs we are currently working on are tremendous. I am already anxious for people to listen to them. This year, a new album is coming, as well as trips and several shows in Argentina and Europe. We hope to reach many places and have everyone dance and sing to my music.
Photos: Christian Garfa
