Lupita Infante, the grandaughter of Ranchera music legend Pedro Infante, took off as a musician after appearing on “La Voz… México.” We talked to her about the musical passion that runs through her veins, and what Hispanic heritage means to her as a Mexican American.
You are the granddaughter of Pedro Infante, the “King of Rancheras.” How has your grandfather played a role in your life, love of the arts, and music career?
I try to imagine whether I would have chosen this career path if I were not an Infante. It’s hard to tell because my love for music runs so deep, quite literally in my veins. I definitely think it’s a trait that I attribute to my grandfather, and furthermore, my great grandfather, who was also a musician (Delfino Infante).
I’ve seen in several interviews that not all that long ago you were an Uber and Lyft driver making your way through college. Can you tell us a bit more about the years of hard work you went through during college, and how you made the transition to becoming a Grammy-nominated artist?
It feels like it’s been such a long journey with music, and at the same time I feel like I’m only beginning.
College at UCLA was a challenge in many ways, but it also opened my eyes to new ways of music expression. Writing about music and analyzing it became a window to a new dimension of cultural and musical understanding that I’m truly passionate about. As things in my career become integrated with what I studied and experienced in the past, I see areas that are coming full circle. For example, I have recently participated in committees for top music organizations, where I have been able to give my input and put my skills to use.
After college, I auditioned for Mexico’s version of “The Voice,” (“La Voz”) where I made it to the semifinals. It was during that time that I started driving for Lyft, which I loved doing.
Coincidentally, during my last performance on “La Voz,” I caught the eye of Laura Pausini’s management. Pausini was a coach that year. I received a message on social media from En Total Agency, which represented Pausini at the time, and suddenly I found myself building a career with an amazing team of people. Since then, we have kept growing steadily and have achieved a Latin Grammy and Grammy nomination.
As a Mexican American, do you find yourself connecting with your Mexican roots often? Are there cultural elements and traditions from your heritage that play a key role in your day-to-day life?
Because of the genre of music I perform, as well as the fact that I come from one of the most iconic figures of Mexican culture, I definitely find myself connecting with my roots. Although, I do think it’s important to note that I experience Hispanic heritage very differently depending on where I am. There are many beautiful shades of Mexicanidad that can and do coexist, and all should be celebrated. In Los Angeles, I feel comfortable being my bicultural, most authentic self. When I’m in México, I’m in complete awe of the beauty of my culture and the richness of diversity that I come from.
I am defined on a daily basis by cultural elements and traditions whether I notice it or not. There is so much that I have been gifted, so much that my ancestors have strived for to arrive at this present moment. As a first-generation Mexican American, I feel proud to be able to musically represent my culture and traditions, and at the same time represent progress.
As a powerful figure for so many, what does it mean to you to be “a strong Latina”?
It’s the confidence you feel to be your authentic self despite adversity. It’s standing tall and proud despite struggle, having courage in the face of the unknown, carrying your history, and making history at the same time.
What does Hispanic heritage mean to you?
Two words that simplify a complicated past, but that celebrate how far we have come.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Music is my passion, and as a powerful Latina, this is what I have to say about it: Si la canción ranchera ha sido el vehículo de expresión que permite a los machos llorar, ahora será la expresión de liberación y poder para las mujeres.
If ranchera songs have been the vehicle that allow men full emotional expression, now it will be the vehicle that allows freedom of expression, power, and liberation for us women.