From middle school mariachi to corridos tumbados: Delilah Cabrera’s musical journey
Oct 22, 2024 – [[read-time]] minute read
Many musicians have gotten their start online, but for Washington-based singer Delilah Cabrera, getting a record deal from a viral video was the last thing she expected. At 15 years old, her social media presence was minimal and all her accounts private. But when a singing video shared by a friend started to take off, Delilah’s life changed seemingly overnight. Within 24 hours, she landed a record deal, making her the first female artist signed to the Los CT label under the Interscope Records umbrella.
Delilah's first year as a signed artist has been a whirlwind — touring, releasing music, and experimenting with new sounds. We were lucky to catch her during a break in her tour to chat about her artistic journey and her passion for Música Mexicana.
You started writing music at a very young age, initially in English. Why did you decide to transition to singing primarily in Spanish?
I began writing music as a young child as a way of coping with the passing of my Abuelita. My plan was to sing to her while she was in heaven and I remember worrying that she wouldn’t understand my songs because she only spoke Spanish. At that age I could speak Spanish enough to communicate with my Abuelita and Tios, but at my school we were only taught to write and read in English. Therefore, writing in English was all I knew to write in at that moment. My mom assured me that up in heaven she will hear and understand.
Then, in middle school, Mariachi started to become an option for students and I jumped at the chance to sing in Spanish. Singing in Spanish enables me to express myself fully and authentically, allowing me to forge a deep emotional connection to my Mexican heritage. I really loved finally being able to sing to my Abuelito and know for sure that my Abuelita could surely hear and understand hasta el cielo. I am so thankful.
Over the years, I have gotten to play around with many styles of music as well as singing in many different languages. The beautiful thing about music is that it's universal. It doesn’t matter what language I was singing in, a good song is beautiful in every language.
Singing in Spanish enables me to express myself fully and authentically, allowing me to forge a deep emotional connection to my Mexican heritage”
DelilahWhen did you decide that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
In between schools and weekends, we would travel to many fairs around our hometown to perform Mariachi. The most impactful, to me, was the Washington State Fair in Puyallup when I was a sophomore. I remember the crowd looked endless from where I was on stage. Many people were singing along with me and a couple were in tears! After I finished, the crowd chanted my name as well and began to chant “otra, otra, otra,” requesting another song.
Hearing them cheer my name sparked a belief in myself that I didn’t know was there. I always knew I loved to sing and looked forward to every time I was able to be on stage, but this was different. I didn’t know how I was going to achieve it, but I started believing that this was what I was destined to do.
What role has social media and the internet played in your career so far?
Social media makes so many things possible, and is the reason I was discovered in the first place. At the time, all my accounts were private, but my friend posted a video of me singing on his channel that somehow was put in front of all the right people. I was contacted by a record label in less than 24 hours after the video was posted. My life truly changed in a day. It's funny, actually. My parents used to think social media was a waste of time. Now, they're the ones reminding me to post on my story and stay active online! We all view it so differently now.
Tell us about when you first heard about the offer from Los CT Records.
When Emilio reached out, my dad and I looked him up to see if he was legit and quickly saw that he was Natanael Cano’s manager. I was in disbelief and my dad started to pace back and forth. We both had trouble getting to sleep that night with all the excitement. The next morning I was heading out of town on a choir trip with my school and, when I came back home life was already changing. Within minutes of our phone call, Emilio said, “I’m going to offer you a record label contract.” I had the biggest smile on my face.
Now, you’re touring around the country with Ivan Cornejo. What does it feel like when you’re on stage, singing for thousands of people?
Touring has been a dream come true. I feel especially blessed to do this with Ivan Cornejo because I look up to him as a mentor or as a big brother. As an opener, I get kind of a “softer start” to learn from what Ivan and his team are doing. Then you pair that experience with the awesome crowd that has been coming to all of Ivan’s shows. Thousands of fans who are excited about music, excited for a night with Ivan and thankfully have also welcomed hearing from me. It’s all been special.
Are there any particular corridos or regional Mexican songs that hold special meaning for you?
Yes! Amor Eterno has a special place in my heart because of my Abuelita. I love No me queda mas, because Selena is such a huge inspiration to me as a strong female artist. And lastly, there's Amor Tumbado. I used to listen to it regularly before I knew who Natanael Cano was and it made me fall in love with corridos tumbados.
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How would you describe your personal sound and style as a musician?
It’s very hard to define. My style changes depending on my emotions, but I wouldn't say it's just random either. I think that those who listen to my music can feel my essence in every song I write. I make music so the people that listen can heal. That's always been my goal from the beginning.
What's something most people wouldn't guess about you just by listening to your music?
I feel that most people who hear my music wouldn't guess that it was written by someone so young. I know I still have a long way to go as a singer and songwriter, but I have always known how to use music to express my emotions … especially at this age when you’re feeling so many emotions from growing up and leaving home. If anything, the hard part about writing for me is choosing what I want to express.