Maria Rosa is a force to be reckoned with—an artist whose passion, resilience, and bold personality shine through every note she sings. With two decades of dedication behind her, she’s finally ready to share her unique blend of genres—from Pop and Afrobeat to Reggaeton and Hip-Hop—with the world. Her music is a reflection of her journey—a journey defined by strength, self-empowerment, and a relentless commitment to her craft. In this interview, we dive into Maria Rosa’s musical influences, the personal experiences that fuel her work, and her inspiring message for women everywhere. From motherhood to overcoming adversity, she has a story that not only resonates but invites others to find their own voice and “Glow.”
- Your music blends so many genres—Pop, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, and Hip-Hop. What draws you to these particular styles, and how do they reflect your personality and journey?
My Pop influence comes from the music I love to listen to like Britney and Janet’s iconic songs which embody my outgoing, peppy nature. Reggaeton and afro beats are in my blood as an island girl. My ethnic background is Cuban, Dominican and Chinese. I am moved by the sounds of the islands and oriental music. I also grew up listening to Hip Hop and R&B artists such as Eminem, Nas, Aaliyah, and Lauryn Hill. The hip-hop influences are all around me and all over the world. It is the fashion especially where I am from. I am a classy lady but have a little bit of a hood in me due to the environment I grew up in. Growing up in a tough city was not easy. I had to be tough and stand up for myself. I cut off anyone who disrespects me, especially with malicious intent. It comes through in my music. It was a challenge and still to this day it is challenging. I stay tuned into me. My mother taught me to be tough and stand up for myself at all times. I would say the Hip Hop side of me definitely stems from my upbringing. My personality definitely shines through in my music. I let my alter ego fly. My lyrics are positive affirmations. Things I say to myself when I look in the mirror. As I believe everyone should do. Look in the mirror and slay all day. My music is a reflection of me. It is strong willed, beautiful, bold, witty and fun. To sum it up.
- You mentioned that your new single, ‘Glow,’ is all about letting go of toxic people and situations. How did your personal experiences shape the message behind this song?
The message behind the song was inspired by my personal experiences with former friends, former relationships, and even toxic family members. These experiences shaped the song. I reached a point in my life where I said enough is enough. You push a good woman’s triggers hard enough that she will go right off. Life is too short to be around bad vibes or toxic energy. It is better to stay away from it. Protect your peace at all costs. Even from toxic family members. You can love them from afar. I have had former friends or family try to steal my man or only want to hang out with me because of who my man is or what I can do for them. Some have even expressed to me that my success or happiness bothers them and their actions towards me demonstrate envious intentions and cruelty. They drain me of my energy and/or swipe my style and push my triggers on purpose. The single white female syndrome is where they try to assume your life. It is creepy and toxic. I nip that stuff right in the butt asap. I let it go and Glow. I have experienced many traumatic events committed by former friends, exes, or family members. I could write a book. Instead, I wrote an album. This is how I create my songs. I channel my pain and emotions and ride the beat.
- Having put your dreams on hold to focus on raising your children, how does it feel to finally share your music with the world now? How do your kids play a role in your journey as an artist?
I am over the moon with Joy. I am content and feel accomplished. A life goal achieved. It feels like my morning coffee, satiating. My kids are so proud of me and they are my number one fans. They see me following my dreams and it motivates them to be better students in school. I put my dreams on hold to be their mother and now they are the ones that push me the most. They motivate me every day. So ironic, I did not know they would be the ones to light the fire under my butt to follow my dreams. I thought it would stop them for good but that was not the case at all. In fact, it has made me a better artist. Focusing on my children and my education has been a blessing. My daughter says Eminem is her favorite rapper but I am her favorite singer. My son’s teacher asked what his favourite song was. My son responded with “My mom’s song, booked and busy”. He did a homework assignment on my EP and played the song for his classmates. They all loved it and said that’s the “W” music. Kids are the best. They tell the truth. My children are my number one priority in life. Being present for them keeps me grounded and focused on the Prize.
- You’ve had a diverse range of experiences, from being a Boston Celtics cheerleader to performing in various settings. How have these experiences influenced your stage presence and musical style?
I come in hot and bring that heat. Always stay red carpet stage-ready. Performing in front of a crowd is exhilarating. I feel at home on a stage or booth. I bring that flare to the studio and to the stage. I do not think I just perform and make sure I am on point. I come alive in the booth or on stage. My roots grow from underneath the booth. I apply everything I learned as a cheerleader in my performances and my music. Always go full out and if you mess up keep going.
- In your bio, you mentioned the hardships you’ve faced, including trauma and loss. How do you channel those emotions into your music, and do you find it therapeutic?
I talk to my guitar. It’s therapy. What she spits back moves me like a smash-hit melody. Yes, definitely. Making music is so therapeutic. I channel what I have been through and turn it into a song. I turn the pain into art. I take whatever I am feeling at that moment or whatever trauma I am experiencing and make it an organized sound. My vocals, the melody in my head, a powerful message, and heartfelt lyrics, mixed together with Mike’s beats (my producer); viola output is magical.
- As a woman in the music industry, how do you navigate the challenges and pressures that come with it, and what advice would you give to other women pursuing their dreams in music?
My advice to women is to stay true to yourself. Never give up. Failure is a part of the journey. Like Aaliyah said, “dust yourself off and try again” Protect your peace and surround yourself with the right people. As a kind-hearted, talented, beautiful woman with a generous soul, it is hard to know who is genuine. Life is hard and this industry is even harder. When I was younger I thought everyone was my friend. However, Not everyone has your best interest at heart. It is necessary to cut off the dead ends in order to grow. I learned the hard way to be very cautious of who I allow in my circle. Now I use discernment and protect my peace at all times no matter the circumstances. I turn the other cheek, keep it moving, and write a song about it. This is what inspired Glow. Life is too short to waste time on people or situations that do not serve you or your purpose. Focus on yourself, your dreams and your family. Focus on your education. My education was vital in developing my artistry. My bachelor’s degree in Business management, finance and accounting has helped me tremendously. Educate yourself on the music industry as well. Always have a backup and multiple streams of income. Do not go into making music for monetary value. I make music because I love it and I am called to make it. It is fun and fulfilling. The money if it comes is a bonus, not the goal.
- Who were your biggest musical inspirations growing up? Do you still draw from them today, or has your style evolved beyond those early influences?
Growing up I listened to Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Selena, Britney Spears, TLC, and Eminem. Yes, I most definitely draw influence from them still to this day. I believe my style is unique and constantly evolving while still drawing influence from the artist aforementioned. I studied the way they sang, dissected every note, wrote out the lyrics and practised singing in my room every day as a child. Music was and will always be my first love.
- You’ve spent two decades perfecting your craft. What was the turning point for you when you realized it was finally time to release your first EP?
The turning point for me was time. It was time to release. My time has arrived. This is something I set out to do years ago back in 2004 and I finally got it done. As soon as I finished recording my EP and heard the product I was blown away. I created it out of my own mind. From the melodies that frequent my head. I knew I was meant to make music. My faith in God gave me the strength to go for it. God told me to do it. Amen. It is my calling. I answered like Hello!!!! This is her. To produce something of value it takes time. It is all about QUALITY.
- The music industry is known for its highs and lows. How did you stay motivated during the years when your music career took a backseat to motherhood and other challenges?
My biggest motivations are my kids, my faith in God and my talent. My belief in myself. Know thyself. My determination and most importantly my hard work. You gotta put in the work. Those two decades were imperative and got me here. I look forward to more growth.
- Your debut single, ‘Glow,’ has such a powerful message about self-empowerment. What does “shining bright” mean to you on a personal level, and how do you strive to live that every day?
Shining bright to me means showing up as your best self every day. Staying focused. Humble and hard-working. Shining bright is being loved and being loved. I strive for greatness by learning new things and pushing myself outside the limits and comfort zone.
- With your background in cheerleading and live performances, how do you prepare for a live show? Do you bring elements from your cheerleading background into your music performances?
Yes, I do. I incorporate my cheer experiences into my music and performances. Especially by using what I learned as a cheerleader like using facial expressions and discipline. I have lyrics in my songs “I am” and “one up” check them out streaming on all platforms.
- How do you balance the vulnerability of expressing personal experiences in your music with the need to maintain a sense of privacy about your life?
It is an art form. I take personal experiences and generalize them in my music. I want it to be relatable, not a personal attack. I want to deliver a powerful message in a classy, relatable way, not an offensive one. I use discernment and do not disclose personal private information. This is how I keep the balance.
- Your sound is described as raw, soulful, and powerful. How would you describe your musical identity, and how does it differentiate you from other artists in the industry?
My sound is pop acoustic. My personal experiences and the pain I have endured makes me different from other artists. My journey. My story. I follow my own path. I do not follow the crowd. I stay true to myself. I never duplicate or copy. I draw influence from my favorite artist however I remain true to my natural raw sound. I make it my own. I own my craft. I walk in a room like I am an art piece.
- What role does community play in your music, especially considering your upbringing in Lawrence, Massachusetts? Do you draw inspiration from your roots?
Yes, I draw inspiration from my roots. Growing up around my ethnic peers I was surrounded by the hip-hop and Hispanic culture that has shaped my artistry.
- Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career, and what do you hope to achieve with your debut EP? How do you envision your evolution as an artist over the next few years?
My EP was my introduction to the world and to inspire others to believe in themselves; no matter what stage of life they are in they can still achieve their dreams. Looking ahead to more growth and helping aspiring young artists. Working to enhance my artistry and improve my craft. My evolution as an artist continues to grow and get better. Confidence changes everything.
