Tenerife Singer María Pérez Debuts Original Music at DocuRock Festival

María Pérez, a talented singer from Tacoronte, Tenerife (born in 1997), is making a name for herself in the Canaries. For years, she's been known for her unique takes on popular songs by artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Nina Simone. But after an inspiring week with other musicians in Granada earlier this year, she's started writing her own music and finding her own sound.

You can catch María Pérez this Friday, October 24th, at 8:00 PM at MusiCanarias (22 Castro Street, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). She'll be performing as part of the DocuRock festival, which is supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Canary Islands Government, and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council. Tickets are available for €6.50 at tickety.es.

Here's a little more about María and her musical journey:

Early Days: "I started singing in the school choir when I was five. That's where I learned about harmonies, even though I'm a mezzo-soprano. My teachers encouraged me to become a soloist. We sang versions of popular songs and children's tunes."

Why Music?: "Being in that choir is a big reason why I sing. And when I was 12, my dad gave me a guitar, and I started learning to play."

Singer-Songwriter?: "I feel like I'm still developing my songwriting. I've mostly performed covers throughout my career."

Musical Styles: "I love pop, rock, and blues. Now that I'm writing my own songs, I think my style is a mix of everything I've listened to: Michael Jackson, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, U2... I'm on a journey to create my own unique sound."

Classic Influences: "I can thank my parents for that. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, mostly in English. That's why I sang in English until a couple of years ago."

The Granada Experience: "Last year, I spent a week in Granada living and working with eight other musicians from across the country, all with different styles. I learned so much from their creative processes, which helped me find my own path."

"Hogar" (Home): "That experience in Granada inspired me to write my first song in Spanish. It was a challenge! We even performed at a concert at the end of the week. Before that, the last time I wrote a song was when I was 18 – a song for piano and voice called 'Right at All.' I was studying at the Conservatory of Music for three years, but I ended up leaving because I felt burnt out."

Music as Home: "Music has always been my home. When it's not in my life, I feel empty. Even just seeing my instruments when I wasn't playing made me feel uncomfortable. Music is my refuge. Singing feels natural; it's part of who I am."

An Album in the Works?: "I'm working on it! I don't feel pressured to release something right away because music isn't my sole source of income. I want to enjoy the process."

Intimate Concerts: "Yes, small venues are special. It's a small, intimate space that allows for a real connection between everyone. It creates a special atmosphere of trust between the musicians and the audience." MusiCanarias only holds about 30 people.

What to Expect at the Show: "I'll be playing five new songs that I haven't performed live before. I've used this concert as an opportunity to develop some ideas I've been working on. The songs are about my personal experiences, and I try to offer a spark of hope. My goal is to share meaningful messages through my music. If my songs can help someone, I'll be happy."