Meet Hector | Founder & Executive Music Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Hector and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Hector, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The first thing I thought of was the responsibility of bringing authentic traditional Mexican music to this country. Yes, there are many mariachis, but very few true mariachi musicians here in Dallas. As someone who comes from generations of mariachi musicians, I have always been concerned about the musical avality Mexican folklore as well as the image we project. What motivated me to start my own group in 2015 was that very ideal, the pursuit of excellence with true mariachi musicians.
Although I do believe in giving opportunities, because we all start somewhere, I have welcomed musicians who are just graduating, with little experience or much to learn about real interpretation. Those I have accepted into the group are people with a genuine desire to improve themselves and not limit themselves to only playing what they can read on sheet music. There are many beginner musicians or those with a very limited repertoire for that very reason. Still, there are a few who truly take an interest and genuinely want to learn, those are always welcome.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets us apart from others? I would say it’s the quality of our work, work that is well done. I’ve seen many people say they are passionate, some even speak about being from generations of musicians, and I’ve seen all kinds of content-interviews, homemade podcasts-but the truth is, when someone is truly passionate, it shows in their work. One consequence of doing something you genuinely love is that you will always strive to do it the best way possible. That is not the case for most of my fellow mariachi peers. So, if there’s something I can be proud of, it is not only the work we do but also the quality of it because passion is reflected in our results.
When you are passionate about something, you dedicate yourself fully, you give your best effort, and as a result, the work you produce is of high quality. That’s what sets us apart from everyone else: actions, not just polished words. Every new project excites me, every new challenge, the ideo of knowing that there are young people seeking an opportunity to grow as musicians, to work as musicians, with those kind of aspirations. Never stopping, always learning, always striving to give the best of oneself. I feel deeply inspired by young talent. Even though we are professionals, in this group we give opportunities to young people to join, to grow, and to develop. We aim to nurture and shelter that future talent.
I’ve reached where I am today with great effort and sacrifice-it has been anything but easy. There have been many challenges, but they have been overcome with determination and patience. One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that, even if you can’t swim against the current or change the way the world thinks, you can always contribute your small part to make things better and leave a stronger legacy for future generations.
And I would like the world to know about us, about me as a representative, and about my group-that we always welcome people with passion for Mexican folk music, that is Mariachi. People who want to learn, to develop, or to contribute to the cultural legacy of mariachi, which is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Everyone who can contribute something will always be welcome at Mariachi Mi Tierra De Dallas TX LLC.
As a group, we are committed to improving every single day. Many people talk about transcending, about evolving, and about though they claim not to forget their roots or where they came from, I believe that is precisely what they do. There is an immense wealth of music within our folklore, and today many groups don’t even know 5% of the repertoire or that richness. While one never stops learning music, it is not easy to master the entire repertoire that exists. And that is one of our goals.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas for a week, I would want them to experience the heart of the city through culture, food, and music.
We would start in Deep Ellum, enjoying the street art, live music, and local restaurants. Then head to Downtown Dallas to explore Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Museum of Art, and Reunion Tower for the best city views. A visit to the Bishop Arts District is a must—it’s full of unique shops, coffee spots, and great dining.
To experience authentic Texas heritage, I would take them to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where history, rodeo, and cowboy culture come alive. For nature, we’d spend a day at White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
Of course, no trip would be complete without celebrating the rich Hispanic heritage of Dallas. We’d enjoy traditional Mexican food in Oak Cliff and, most importantly, attend a live mariachi performance. That’s where you feel the true soul of our culture—through music that connects generations and continues to thrive here in Dallas.
In my view, what makes Dallas special is this unique mix: history, modern city life, cultural traditions, and a vibrant community that always welcomes people with open arms.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My late grandfather, Martín Sandoval, was the one who instilled in me the love for mariachi music. My great-uncle Emilio, “El Indio Gálvez,” my grandfather, and his father- it all comes from generations. Mr. Héctor Pereira trusted us to start taking part in major concerts with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and more recently with Mariachi Sol de México. Finally, my colleague Zayra Avalos, violin and voice, has supported me greatly in administrative matters and currently serves as the CEO of what is now the company Mariachi Mi Tierra De Dallas TX LLC.
Website: https://www.mariachimitierradedallastx.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariachimitierradedallastxllc/?igsh=MXFiczltaWFmZ2FzNA%3D%3D
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mariachimitierradedallastxllc?si=cIi4lhu6DK6VAevk
Other: https://linktr.ee/mariachimitierraa
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
