Mexican singer-songwriter Mariangela gives her northern soul in “La 17”, a cumbia pop that celebrates friendship, freedom and the connection with her roots. Inspired by the emblematic 17th Street in McAllen, Texas—where she grew up and experienced decisive moments—the song transforms heartbreak into a bright night among friends, to the rhythm of the accordion and modern pop that characterizes her style.
Originally from Monterrey, Nuevo León, and with a rich Jarocho heritage, Mariangela has spent much of her life in Texas, building a sound that fuses northern cumbia with alternative pop, indie pop and R&B influences. With references ranging from Julieta Venegas and Belanova to Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande, the artist creates an authentic style that connects with the emotions of her audience and reflects her border identity.
In this exclusive conversation with La Entrevista, Mariangela talks about the creative process behind “La 17”, how her Mexican roots and her life on the border influence her music, and the new introspective and mature stage that she inaugurates with this release. Don’t miss the full interview and discover the story behind this song that has already become an anthem for its fans.
What inspired you to write “La 17” and why is it so special to you?
Well look, 17th itself, literally, is a street in McAllen, Texas, a border city where I grew up for much of my life.
When I was creating this project—which will be released in full in the coming months—I was going through a breakup. I always had the idea of making a song that was a tribute to my roots or the places where I grew up. I think things happen at the perfect time, and it was ideal to be able to bring together that lyrical context with the sound universe of the song: northern cumbia pop. Basically, it’s me in a song.
Sometimes we don’t need to see that person again; We just need those moments where love looks different. Moments of sisterhood, of company, that are also necessary to heal. That’s what La 17 encapsulates for me.
How did you manage to combine northern cumbia with your modern pop style in this song?
The truth is, it was something very natural. When I started my career I collaborated with a northern music band. Very few people know that, but those who have listened to everything on my Spotify will remember it. It wasn’t my song, but since then I really wanted to create something like that, because it’s the music I grew up with: rancheras, norteña, Tex-Mex.
It comes naturally to me because it’s in my blood. Even when I write pop or R&B —which are also an important part of my style— norteño or ranchera melodies always appear. That Mexican world totally represents me.
That’s why for me it was very important to maintain a clear line: the lyrics and melodies are pop, but I asked the producer to include well-marked bass and accordion, to preserve that northern essence. This is how La 17 was built, a song that is now out there and that people have received with so much affection.
Your music reflects Mexican roots and life in Texas. How does that mix influence your sound and style?
I have always said that I am very proud to be where I am from and to be where I am. Sometimes there is that idea that “you are neither from here nor from there” for those of us who migrate, but I feel 100% Mexican and 100% Texan.
I grew up with a lot of sound diversity and with influences from both Monterrey and Veracruz—my dad is Jarocho—so I have the best of both Mexican worlds. That has taught me a lot about art and who I am.
Far from doubting my identity, I feel firm in it. I am part of a generation that found that middle ground, that feels comfortable in both worlds. And that is reflected not only in my music, but also in my way of being. When I talk to other artists or in the studio, I carry with me my values, my culture and my ethics, which come from both Mexico and that border life in which I grew up.
You have mentioned influences from artists like Julieta Venegas and Billie Eilish. What did you learn from them to create your own style?
Julieta Venegas is, without a doubt, an enormous reference for all Mexican composers. In addition to being a great artist, she started doing rock and then moved towards pop mixed with folk. Since I heard his discography, he inspired me not to create with limits, neither mental nor emotional.
He taught me that, even if I am composing a northern cumbia, I can incorporate other elements; It doesn’t have to sound strictly like one genre. Julieta inspired millions of Mexican composers to dare to fuse. She is, for me, the queen of music and composition.
And Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and other international popstars also inspire me a lot. They all have something in common: they are authentic. You listen to Billie and she doesn’t sound like anyone else. That motivates me to be clear that I want to be an artist with a unique sound, even if it takes people a while to understand it at first. Many times they want to put you in a box of “how you should sound”, but they inspire me to maintain my authenticity and show myself as I am through my songs.
Do you feel that “La 17” marks the beginning of a new stage in your career?
Definitely yes. The 17th is my way of telling the world that I am ready to start a new stage, representing my country and my roots. Today I feel that the public is looking for something more than viral songs; he wants to connect with the artist, with his story. That motivates me to move forward with more firmness and confidence.
What’s next for you after “La 17”? Will there be a new album or project that continues this story?
Yes, I am going to have my first own show, which I will be announcing very soon. I have had the opportunity to open for artists that I greatly admire, such as Carla Morrison, Jesse & Joy and Kany García, on large stages, but I had never had a show of my own.
It will be a very special, iconic moment for my career. I hope it is the first of many. After the full album comes out, I want to tour it, be able to sing my songs to people live, meet the fans who have supported me from the beginning and finally hug them, laugh, cry, dance and celebrate together.
