Five Questions with musician Señorita Sin

Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – Mariela Ortiz Maxwell is Costa Rican-born and Canadian-raised. Her mother and her three siblings relocated to Canada when she was a year old. Her mother was a Latin Dance teacher, and her father pursued a career in music in Costa Rica. Influenced by her upbringing, family, and culture, she pursued arts from a very young age. Fast forward to 2020, and this is where you will find Señorita Sin and her music. A character that brings you back in time with her sultry voice inspired by Jazz, R&B, and Blues.

Señorita Sin has played Cornwall Art Walk, the Pride Festival at the Lamoureux Park band shell, and La Maison Tavern. Also, Señorita Sin played a charity concert and spaghetti dinner at the Agora Centre to help raise funds to hire a PI and to help find the missing person Paul Bellmore.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

“Expression and emotion are so important in my values. I think it is vital for us as humans to be able to express ourselves and share that with others. Music has the ability to make you cry or can make you dance. It can make you think. Music can help you forget someone, or remember another. It is a powerful tool we can all understand and create, a universal language that brings communities together.”

2 – Describe your creative process when you write new music.

“My creative process is very intense but random. I saw the most improvement when I stopped telling myself my ideas were bad or too much. I learned that creativity isn’t linear and that even those “bad lyrics” can transform into beautiful ones. I also love to create with others rather than on my own. Having a different perspective is key to my growth in writing. And it sounds cliche, but practice is essential.”

3 – Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?

“My first experience on stage was at four years old. After that, I just never stopped. Dance, poetry, musicals, theatre, improv, talent shows, and countless hours singing very loudly in my room. My family was really patient during those years. I would say lyricism is my strongest skill, but I’ll never stop trying to improve. I sound repetitive; however, time, practice, and listening to others’ insights are why I perform the way I do.”

4 – If you’re in a band, tell us about your bandmates and what it’s like working with them.

“Señorita Is two people, really. Myself and Darren Martin. We first started working together in music when I asked him to help me record a song. We worked so well together that one song turned into a musical journey, a business, and a life partner. Darren’s not very talkative, unlike me. Unless you get him talking about music, sound engineering, or helping others achieve their goals. We work so well together because we are both so passionate.”

5 – Tell us about your last album or an upcoming album you started writing/recording.

“We are currently working on a seven-song concept album entitled ‘The 7 Deadly Sins’. Exploring the themes of Pride, Sloth, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, Envy, and Greed. I want to create an experience when you listen to this album that transports you to an old Jazz Club. Mixed in with a little R&B and my own life experiences. I wanted to create something that I enjoy. And most importantly, give one hell of a show.”

To learn more about Señorita Sin, visit her Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SenoritaSins