A blend of relentless work ethic, boundless passion and uninhibited creativity have worked harmoniously to allow San Diego based artist, Mariela Contreras, to carve a unique position for herself as bi-lingual vocalist and performer.

As a youth, Mariela’s fascination with rhythm and vocals opened her musical horizons as she delved deep into the universe of piano, percussion, and vocals. She then continued on her journey and drew from a variety of influences including Celia Cruz, Armando Manzanero, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Astrud Gilberto, Bobby McFerrin, Janis Joplin, and Jill Scott.

Her natural ability, coupled with her determination, have allowed her to become an opening act for multiple established entertainers including Ely Guerra, Edith Marquez, Rosana, Romeo Santos, Mana, and Selena Gomez. She cites her greatest live accomplishment as the evening she performed at the Tito Puente Tribute and shared the stage with Justo Almario and Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez to honor the late Celia Cruz.

In addition to exhibiting her talent alongside household names, she has collaborated with the YMCA, Apple, Intuit, Best Buy, Sempra Energy, Girl Scouts, Marshall Faulk Foundation, and the San Diego and Catalina Chamber of Commerce.

Her creative streak continued in 2015 when Mariela caught the ear and attention of Pacific Records, where she is currently signed. Shortly after, she was selected as the lead singer for NFL team, The San Diego Chargers.

Since, she has begun working on her debut album alongside producer Jesse Audelo — a project that will demonstrate her vocal range and eclectic influences from the Latin Soul & R&B communities. In addition to working on her personal opus, Mariela Contreras is performing with her band ‘Con Todo’ and collaborating with her Latin-Pop ensemble ‘Tres’ to create an album.

To give back to the music community that has given her so much, Mariela is currently teaching piano and vocals and helping to launch Avant Garde Music Company, a collective dedicated to providing the finest in music education and recording.