Meet Cristina Salvatierra | Singer/songwriter and dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Salvatierra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creating has always been a fundamental part of my growth as an individual. I was always involved in art from a very early age, whether it was singing, dancing, painting, among many other things. You could say that growing up I could never stay still, I was always doing something and art came naturally to me. I was part of many projects and this only increased my interest and fascination for music and the role it played in my life. It was my only escape from the pressures of everyday life and, at the same time, my reconnection with my spirit. It got to the point where I couldn’t go a day without listening music, even unconsciously, and that’s when I knew I wanted to make my life around it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There is too much to say and in general I talk a lot but I will try to be as concise as possible.
I could say that my music tells my story, whether it’s emotions related to experiences, stories of my own or sometimes points of view about a particular situation. I have very strange ways from which I get inspired, it can come from listening to music from artists I like, a phrase I heard on some Youtube video or even images I come across on Pinterest. My thoughts and ideas never leave me alone.
One of the things that differentiates me the most from other artists is my versatility. Although my music is mostly Latin, I can easily adapt to a wide range of musical genres and languages. I am in constant discovery of my own essence and style, I like to experiment to know the places where I feel more comfortable and mostly represented without leaving aside the risks.
Another thing I like to implement in my music is my technique and development in dance. I recently started training again and it’s something I genuinely enjoy, I like to explore myself in that field. I started dancing at a very young age and getting back into it feels like reconnecting with that part of me.
Nothing has been easy. I am very emotional and many times the responsibilities are overwhelming, however, I try to remind myself why I do what I do. I like to demand and give my full potential, I like quality above all and that makes me someone selective in many aspects, especially in my own projects. It’s hard to cope with certain expectations and sometimes wanting to reach perfectionism holds you back and for me it’s something I’m still working on. My commitment to myself and the connection I have with my emotional self has led me to have the habit of continually creating and in the end that is the most important thing.
I see myself as an eternal student, I love to learn from others and from myself but a lot of knowledge comes with time and experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned so far has been to introspect, to know myself over time and understand my values, my emotions, my habits and my traumas. Understanding that I am constantly changing and being patient with myself and my processes.
Art itself is not thought most of the time, it is through the connection you have with yourself that gives you the ability to create, because to express you must first feel. The most beautiful thing is that not all the time what you feel will make sense but that is part of life and is what reminds us that we are human.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I haven’t had enough chance to check the city completely so I’m gonna name some of my favorite places and some others that still in my bucket list. First of all, I love the beach and my favorite one will always be Malibu but Marina del Rey and Crystal Cove are amazing too. I love to explore coffee shops and new restaurants around the city. I really like Kateen and Cecconi’s and for coffee I love Jones coffee. For nightlife my favorite place is Bungalow in Santa Monica, also Barlis and Dessert 5 are great options too. I really want to visit the Griffith Observatory, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LACMA and the Getty Villa.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people who have influenced my career over the years. My parents and my family who were the ones who first exposed me to art. My teachers and mentors who contributed to my knowledge and taught me the value of discipline and perseverance. Most of all, my producers and friends Finlay Mathias and Jose Cruz who have mainly supported my projects, everyone in my dance crew, Legacy and my dance mentor and friend, Aukai Cain for showing me that there will always be people who are willing to help and support you, besides teaching me to believe in my talent and give my best, not only for myself but also for all the projects that will come up in the future.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tubbcris_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-salvatierra-99545b21a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWRLo91xvnYscYzMZkj-hQ