We had the good fortune of connecting with Edward Mena and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Edward, why did you pursue a creative career?
First of all, thank you for the opportunity to reach your wonderful audience, It’s a pleasure. Well, I was always very musical since a very young age; I remember singing as a little boy around my house with a hairbrush pretending that it was a microphone. Then in school, I would also participate in musical theater plays and everything related to the arts. But it wasn’t until I turned 15 that I discovered my true voice, after it changed and started to mature, I realized I had this powerful sound and that I could reach certain high notes and hold them for a long time, that’s where it all started. I made my debut at 17 years old in front of an audience of 3,000 people at a musical festival in Miami where I was invited to sing the National Anthem of the USA to open the event. That’s when I said to myself “This is what you will be doing for the rest of your life” so I began to take voice lessons to protect my voice and to formally study music. From being that young teenager until now, a lot has happened in my life and career and I’m thankful for it. I’ve worked very hard to earn my place and continue to do so.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m mainly a romantic singer, but I have also recorded in other genres, and languages and performed music from several countries, always incorporating my style and personal touch in everything I do of course. From power ballads to mariachi music, American classics, Contemporary Pop, and Latin-American songs, my repertoire is currently very wide. Back in 2019, I recorded a beautiful award-winning EP called “Emociones” for the Hispanic market, which was produced by the legendary 17 Grammy Winner Humberto Gatica, who has worked with Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. That was the beginning of a new stage in my career. My sound has continuously been evolving and so has my voice and the way I use it. I consider myself a versatile performer and I’m always open to experimenting with new elements and sounds in all my projects, I love to be in the studio and get creative with my team. Also, to date, I’ve been able to perform successfully in many cities around the United States like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago, New York, and others, and have shared the stage with amazing great Hispanic artists that I admire such as Paloma San Basilio, Guadalupe Pineda, Danny Rivera, Luis Enrique, Charlie Zaa, Tania Libertad, Aida Cuevas, Leo Dan, among others. A big highlight in my career was being recognized at the White House in November of 2023 as an “Exemplary Venezuelan” in the United States and receiving a letter from President Joe Biden telling that my story is “an essential part of the American Dream”, and many other international awards I’ve received for my work, such as the Global Music Award as “Male Vocalist”. I’m also a Cultural Ambassador for several important organizations that I represent and have been recognized by State, County, and Local governments in Florida for my work as an Activist. Currently, I’m promoting my first Single in Italian called “Senza Catene”, which I recorded alongside renowned music producer and arranger Hildemaro Alvarez here in Miami and was mastered in London by acclaimed sound engineer Nick Burchall (Marvel and Disney Soundtracks), it has been another success for me, especially in European countries. I feel very blessed. So many more fantastic projects coming up for 2025. Remember, this is a career of “resistance” and there are always new doors opening and wonderful opportunities to continue showcasing our work here in our city, in the country, and around the world. You just have to keep working hard, persevere, and most importantly, always believe in yourself. The music never ends, as the song says.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow! That’s hard. Our city has so many great places and things to check out! From having dinner in a good restaurant in Coral Gables or Brickell, to hanging out in Wynwood and have a drink and a good conversation to catch up. Love all the beautiful locations that we have here! My best friend is not an artist but loves the arts and music, so maybe going to see an exposition, or even another artist that we both love if that person is performing in town would be a great plan. Design District is also one of my favorite spots. There’s so much to do! I’m always very active in events and social gatherings that I receive special invitations to, so that would also be a good opportunity to bring my friend with me and have a wonderful time together while visiting. I love our Miami and everything it has to offer!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course! I am so grateful for so many incredible people in my life that I’ve had the honor of crossing paths with. Starting with my parents, family, my very close friends, my music professors and vocal coaches, my management company, my producers and team, amazing humans who believe in me and have always encouraged me to fight for my dreams, and who have supported me all the way. I can’t mention every single one because the list is long, but you know who you are and how special you are to me. I love you all and thank you for everything, our journey ahead continues. So much more to achieve and share with the world!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardmenamusic/
Twitter: https://www.x.com/itsedwardmena
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwardmenamusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/edwardmenamusic
Image Credits
Interactive Line Productions
Kevin Granados
UNO Productions