Fluctuating between unleashed and sweet, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Mercedes Escobar’s raw, guttural vocals dominate any stage. Her voice has been likened to a mix between Linda Ronstadt and Howlin’ Wolf. She’s created a unique genre which blends the rawness of old blues and country vocals and guitar, with the intensity of magical realism lyrics and the sonic traditions of her home culture; All while staying true to her modern values against prejudice in music, race and gender. She calls this “Latin Americana.”
Mercedes has shared the stage with artists such as Gaby Moreno, Rubén Albarrán (Café Tacvba), Malacates Trébol Shop, etc. She is also featured in the soundtrack of acclaimed independent films Temblores (2019) and Cadejo Blanco (2022; the latter also credits her as music supervisor). After receiving a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music and graduating in May 2024, Mercedes is working on an upcoming bilingual album, which will be produced by 2024 Grammy-winning producer and artist Gaby Moreno.
Other than her work in music, Mercedes organized the first Pride event in Antigua Guatemala, and was appointed “Ambassador Against Violence Against Women and Girls” by UN-Women Guatemala.
“If you’re searching for the best representative of traditional country and blues sounds in Guatemala, seek no more. Mercedes possesses a piercing, but at the same time subtle and elegant, voice, which recalls the greatest singers of pure and raw roots-blues. I have no doubt she has a brilliant career ahead of her.” -Gaby Moreno, Grammy-winning artist and producer