Today we’d like to introduce you to Elias Olvera.
Elias, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Austin Texas. At an early age I was exposed to Mexican music through my parents. My father was a Trio Romantico guitar player here in Austin and played many years with Manuel “Cowboy” Donley. I started playing music in elementary school band and went to Wm. B Travis High School in Austin Texas. I learned how to play traditional mariachi instruments such as guitar, vihuela and guitarrón through Maestro Zeke Castro’s Mariachi program. From there my professional career took off. I played many years with Mariachi Guadalupano and Mariachi Relampago as well as other local mariachi groups. This offered the opportunity to accompany and perform with international artists such as Yolanda Del Rio, Pedro Fernandez, Maribel Guardia and Lucia Mendez as well as regional artist such as Rick Treviño, Grupo Fantasma and Willie Alvarado. I have always maintained a full time job while also playing music until this year. I recently decided to take on music full time and perform with other artists and bands. I currently play music full time with local mariachis and other music artists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There were times when I had to stop playing music due to the demands of my full-time job and being a parent and providing for my family. As the sole provider to my family, music didn’t provide a stable enough income and health insurance to be able to continue playing. There were also times when there were no music gigs. Specifically, during the pandemic. Those times were a struggle to do what I loved (music) and be able to provide for my family. I lost my parents at a young age. My mother passed away when I was in my teens and my father passed away suddenly when I was in my 20s. Music has always kept me connected to my parents through memories. Every time I sing “Cruz de Olvido” I always think of my mom because that was her favorite song.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Latin music performer. I play guitar and bass instruments and also have played the traditional Mexican harp. I perform for private and public events. I have over 40 years of music experience and I am familiar with many musical genres even though I play mostly Latin music. Because of my experience, I get to perform multiple days every week. Shows and performances range from intimate local events to large public shows on stage and sometimes recording sessions, I have been fortunate enough to have done many recordings and soundtracks. I am really proud of some of my performances and people I have met. I have had the opportunity to play large shows such as ACL Fest with Lesly Reynaga and The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s “Go Tejano Day” with both Mariachi Guadalupano and Mariachi Relampago. I have had the opportunity to perform for celebrities such as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, actor Edward James Olmos, actress Sandra Bullock, and many others. I have been called to play and record on soundtracks for movies and shows such as Robert Rodriguez’s Once Upon a Time in Mexico and the Netflix Series Seis Manos as well other recordings for local and regional artists.
How do you think about happiness?
Performing music is truly my happy place. I am realizing more than ever of this after leaving a full-time 9-5 job where I worked over 20 years. As to why, I believe that my personal music performance sets me apart from others through my dedication to perfecting and honing my craft. It takes a lot of time and practice to be able to perform and be able to sit in with a group you have never played with or take on a recording project that you may get called to do. I enjoy his type of challenge because it makes me grow as an artist and performer.
Music always seems to help me through difficult situations and I always come back to performing as a way to help me through difficult times in my life. Performing music feels like an escape where it takes me to a fun, peaceful, happy and stress -free place.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.eliasolvera.com/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/eliasolveramusic
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eliasolveramusic
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/eliasolveramusic
Image Credits
Angelica Taylor
Christi Little
Kevin Garner
Nikk Nguyen
Carlos San Miguel
