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

Hi Laura, why did you pursue a creative career?
Music is a huge part of my life and I think it has truly shaped me. My dad always had music playing in the house or in the car. I am Colombian, so I’ve been exposed to salsa, merengue and just about every bolero from the age of 3. I loved the energy that music gave me and the feeling of singing along was so exhilarating. I’ve been singing since I was little, it’s been my passion since I can remember. When it came time to got to college, I felt like I owed it to my childhood self to pursue music and study it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a singer-songwriter, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is finding my own voice. Today, the music industry has created a multibillion dollar business out of the art. It’s hard to stand out when the recipe for ‘becoming the next pop star’ has worked time after time. Growing up and seeing all these pop-stars reach stardom was inspiring. It’s normal to want to be the next big thing. However my vision started to shift once I entered University and majored in Music Business. Not only was I studying the business of music, but I devoted my time to vocal training in the Jazz department at Florida International University. I was training classical vocal techniques, alongside music theory, reading music, reading rhythms, training my ear, and playing piano day in and day out. It was exhausting, but very rewarding. I realized that my goal was no longer to be the best singer, but a great musician. I was lucky to be around incredible musicians that pushed me to want to be better. Better than the next big hit. It was then that I realized that it wasn’t about me. It’s about the music. I know that if I just speak my truth, in my own way, people will listen. The music doesn’t hide anything. I work hard, and I train hard, that’s what sets me apart from the rest. I’m just beginning this journey, and I still have a lot to learn and to experience. I’m excited to release new music, and continue creating and working with talented musicians.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is gorgeous. She has diversity, she has art, she has beaches, she has architecture. She is rich in culture and history. Of course my first stop would be Wynwood. Wynwood has some of the best art walls and murals. It’s full of unique restaurants, all with their own design stamp. The food is amazing and the drinks are delicious. You have boutiques and desert shops. At night, there are a lot of places to see live music such as Lagniappe, and Las Rosas. And of course some of the best clubs. My next stop would be Bayside, where you have the Bayside Mall, the American Airlines Arena, the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts, the PAMM, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. These places really express Miami’s beautiful diverse culture through the arts. Calle Ocho, Little Havana is next where the Cuban culture is embraced. It’s beautiful to see the history, and the Streets. Cuba is known for its music. You have Ball and Chain, High Note Jazz Club at Cuba Ocho.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
FIU School of Music was really where I started my journey of not only becoming a singer, but a musician. I was in the Jazz program under the direction of Lisanne Lyons. Jazz was something that was very new to me. It tested my singing ability, my ears, my sight reading abilities. Just about everything. It is very challenging, but I owe my success to this program for pushing me to places I never thought possible. Of course I was surrounded my incredible musicians that really pushed me to be better. Coming into the program, I put myself at the bottom because I was so new. A lot of people believed, and some didn’t. But both challenged me. I also have to give thanks to my job, Let it Beat Music Academy which has allowed me to explore myself as a teacher and share music with my students. I have to say that I learn a lot from my students, and they don’t know it. but everyday they help me to become a better person and musician. My family, and friends have been the biggest support group, especially my brother who has never doubted me. Finally, I met a very special person and talented musician, Juan Tobon. He has been my guiding force, my mentor, my teacher, my music partner. He believes in me, and challenges me. Juan has given me the confidence to express myself musically, which isn’t always so easy. It’s important to surround yourself with people who make you want to be better. Whether that be your career or just life in general. I know I can fall back when things don’t go as planned and they’ll be ready to push me back up.

Instagram: @lauramunmusic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-munevar-116a24152/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.munevar.9/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzMUHZ0HQLN1xhGqgpIAwKw

Nominate someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.