Folk singer Silvana Estrada counters a culture of violence with light

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One of the first things Silvana Estrada noticed about Las Vegas was its lack of natural light.

The Mexican singer-songwriter has always felt uneasy in the dimly lit, artificial environments of the city’s casinos. Before the Latin Grammys in November, where her song “Como un Pájaro” was up for best singer-songwriter award, she chose to stay at a hotel that felt more open and airy, rather than ‘underground’.

“I was so relieved to see sunlight,” Estrada said, as we sat in a bustling coffee shop at the Encore in Las Vegas. Sunlight streamed through the window, lighting up her face. “It’s wonderful to have sunlight, see some greenery, and even a small fountain with fish.”

Despite a busy year, Estrada has found joy in appreciating small moments. Following the October 17th release of her second album, “Vendrán Suaves Lluvias” (meaning “There Will Come Gentle Rains”), the 28-year-old artist performed for NPR’s Tiny Desk series, toured Europe, and began a North American tour in November that will continue through 2026, with shows across the U.S. and Mexico.

She’s arriving in Los Angeles on Friday and will be performing a concert at the Belasco in Downtown L.A.

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Estrada shared that she thrives on staying busy, feeling a need to constantly be productive to feel worthwhile. However, she also wants to be able to rest without feeling guilty. While having passions is wonderful, she recognizes that constantly striving to do things out of a sense of obligation can be unhealthy.

Estrada discovered a new approach to being productive while creating her 10-song album, “Vendrán Suaves Lluvias.” The album features emotional, orchestral pieces about dealing with loss. She spent three challenging years working on the project, and dedicated the final year to learning music production herself. She found the process both challenging and ultimately fulfilling.

Estrada explained that she was deeply involved in every step of making the album. The process became all-consuming, and she realized how important it was to maintain complete creative control. Once you experience that level of ownership over your music, she said, it’s something you can’t relinquish.

Following her first album, “Marchita,” which explored the pain of her first relationship, her new record continues with a sad and reflective mood. However, this time, the songs focus on a different kind of loss: the deep sorrow she felt after her best friend and his brother were kidnapped and killed in Mexico. The album largely deals with the grief she experienced from this tragedy.

Estrada, who lives in Mexico City, explained that many women in Mexico live with constant fear for their safety, worrying about sexual assault or even being killed. Despite this, she also emphasizes that she was raised in a supportive and loving family, and that sense of hope and positivity is reflected in her work.

Born in the small mountain town of Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico – a place famous for its traditional son jarocho music – Estrada came from a musical family; her parents built and repaired stringed instruments and played in orchestras. While she grew up in a supportive home, her town faced a surge in violence during her youth. Amidst the fear, Estrada found peace and comfort in the plants and animals around her.

Estrada shared that she’s always had a deep connection to nature, growing up near a river surrounded by coffee fields in her home country. She explained that with age, she’s come to appreciate it even more and doesn’t assume it will always be there.

Estrada’s song “Un Rayo De Luz” beautifully captures the hopeful feeling of sunshine after a difficult time, while also directly addressing the topic of death – she sings about how beautiful death must be, since no one who has experienced it has ever returned. Compared to songs like “Dime” and “Flores,” which build to powerful orchestral crescendos, “Un Rayo De Luz” features quieter moments with delicate percussion that eventually lead to emotionally satisfying climaxes.

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Estrada explained that many of his songs were inspired by time spent in nature. Being outdoors helps him feel grounded and less focused on self-importance. ‘When I’m surrounded by nature, I don’t feel the need to prove myself,’ he said. ‘It reminds you that you’re a small part of something much larger, and it’s okay to just be yourself.’

Even when writing about sad subjects like barren landscapes or endless storms, a sense of hope still shines through her music, noticeable in every powerful note and gentle guitar chord.

Estrada explained that he’s naturally drawn to positivity, comparing himself to a mosquito and its attraction to light. He acknowledges he experiences sadness and pain, but in those moments, he needs to seek out things that bring him joy and comfort.

She explained that, having experienced a lot of violence, she often chooses not to focus on it. Instead, she actively looks for beauty and positivity in every situation, believing this diminishes the impact of negativity and harm.

Performing these songs allows her to access and express sadness in a healthy way, creating a powerful connection with both herself and her audience.

Estrada explained that singing allows her to access and acknowledge difficult emotions. She described it as opening doors to rooms filled with grief and pain, but emphasized that revisiting these feelings through song isn’t hurtful – she’s already aware of what they contain. For her, singing is the key to connecting with these inner experiences.

What’s amazing about being on tour is getting to see the faces of the people I’m performing for. That connection, seeing them right there, is what makes it truly special.

She shared that thinking about the U.S. leg of the tour reminded her how crucial it is to make her fans feel understood and appreciated.

As a movie buff, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s happening right now, and honestly, it’s a really tough time for Latinos here in the States. With all the increased raids on our communities, it feels… intense. That’s why I’m so passionate about celebrating Latin music and our heritage with these concerts. I really want to create a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and loved – a little escape, you know? Everyone deserves a good life and some happiness, and for a few hours, I want people to just celebrate life and forget about everything else.

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2025-12-02 18:32