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[Editor’s Note: Mau Jimenez has two upcoming performances at The Palm Cabaret on April 19 & April 24 – “Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show”. ]
In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, where vibrant sunsets meet the soothing sounds of waves, Mau Jimenez has carved out a niche for himself as a beloved musician. His journey as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter has been filled with passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to his roots. With a musical lineage that traces back to his mother’s days as a singer in the ‘80s and a childhood steeped in diverse musical influences, Mau’s path to stardom has been both organic and fascinating.
Musical Journey
Mau’s story begins in a family that thrived on music. “I come from a musical family,” he explains. “My mother was a great singer during the ’80s, and I guess this is where it comes from.” He started his musical journey playing drums alongside his brother, eventually picking up the guitar, where he discovered a newfound passion. This evolution led him to explore singing, a skill he candidly jokes he’s still mastering.
His formative years were marked by the backdrop of his mother’s rehearsals and his father’s eclectic taste in music. “My father studied in a private school and learned English from a young age,” Mau recalls. “He had many American friends and introduced us to a wealth of music in English.” The exposure to various genres and the early lessons in English from a private school laid the groundwork for Mau’s musical exploration, which blossomed in the lively atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta.
Inspiration
When it comes to songwriting, Mau finds it a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. “I always try to be super authentic with what I write, meaning trying to write about things that I actually think and feel,” he shares. However, this authenticity can sometimes come at a cost. The emotions tied to his experiences can be painful, and has lead him to explore different songwriting approaches.
“Nowadays, I’m trying to make music that I would listen to as a fan,” he confesses. Mau’s process typically begins with music rather than lyrics, as he strives to create soundscapes that resonate with him. “I think I’m more of a musician than a lyricist,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of melody and sound in his creative journey.
Local Scene
The music scene in Puerto Vallarta is as eclectic as the town itself, and Mau is grateful to be a part of it. “Honestly, it is an awesome place to perform at,” he enthuses. “I love all the different types of artists that you find here.” The local scene is a melting pot of talent, with many foreign musicians contributing to the rich tapestry of performances. Mau finds himself inspired by the professional quality of shows, especially the vocalists he encounters.
However, he acknowledges the challenges of being an original artist in a tourist-driven environment. “There is not that much space for original music,” he explains. Tourists often seek familiarity, leading to a focus on cover songs. “I’ve done a couple of original music shows with great responses, but I wouldn’t be able to make a living out of it,” he admits. Yet, he embraces the competition and the opportunities for growth it presents, stating, “You can only keep improving; otherwise, someone else will take your place.”
Performance Venues
Among the various venues in Puerto Vallarta, Mau has his favorites. “Awaysis is a great place with a big stage where they let me do almost whatever I want,” he says, relishing the creative freedom. One of his cherished spots is Mama Caguama’s, a small venue that allows him to express himself freely. “It’s fine to play what I enjoy, even throwing in a few original songs,” he smiles, appreciating the supportive audience that understands and appreciates his artistry.
Audience Interaction
Mau thrives on audience interaction during his performances. “I love talking to people,” he shares. The energy from the crowd feeds his performance, and he enjoys engaging with them about the music he plays. A memorable moment comes to mind when he performed Elton John’s “Your Song.” A woman in the audience began to cry, moved by the memory the song evoked. “I had to stop singing and check if she was okay,” Mau recalls, touched by the emotional connection that music can create.
Challenges
Despite the beauty of his surroundings, Mau faces significant challenges in the competitive music landscape of Puerto Vallarta. “There are so many great artists here,” he notes. Finding a way to stand out as a solo guitarist can be particularly daunting. “It’s difficult for a guy with just his guitar,” he reflects. Adapting his music to suit the varied tastes of the audience while remaining true to himself is a constant struggle but worth the strife to continue singing and playing, which is his true passion.
Songwriting Process
Mau’s songwriting process is both structured and fluid. “I prefer to write music first,” he explains. He often begins by experimenting on his guitar or the piano, developing melodies that catch his attention before layering lyrics on top. Recently, he has embraced a more conceptual approach, exploring themes and emotions before diving into the music. “I try to think of how the concept sounds—whether it’s sad, happy, adventurous, etc.,” he elaborates, revealing the depth of his creative exploration. Another process that he described “Lately it has been very joyful is to just start playing something on whichever instrument I grab or pick up, record it and loop it. Then go to another instrument and compliment what I had, then grab another instrument and again. And sometimes really cool things happen.”
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Mau is excited about several upcoming projects. “I have the Bruce Springsteen show at The Palm on April 19th and 24th. I hope that they (the audience) will like it and that we can keep presenting it there.” he shares. Eager to present this work he has been developing, he is also in the process of writing new songs and plans to record an EP titled “BESER” during the summer. “I’m focusing on enjoying the process,” he says, emphasizing his desire to live in the moment rather than fixate on expectations.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
For those looking to make their mark in the local music scene, Mau offers valuable advice: “Be very confident in yourself. Vallarta at times is not an easy place for a musician, and people already have their favorites.” Authenticity is key, as is mastering one’s craft. “There is so much talent here, so always keep practicing and getting better,” he encourages. He also humorously warns aspiring musicians about the vibrant party culture in Vallarta—“If you’re not careful, it can be dangerous!”
Personal Favorites
Among his original works, Mau is particularly proud of the song “Walk Away” from his project BESER. “People really love to listen to it,” he beams. In terms of covers, he enjoys performing “Rocket Man,” believing he brings a unique flair to the classic.
Life Outside Music
When he’s not performing or writing, Mau enjoys a balanced life filled with family and friends. “I spend a lot of time with my girlfriend, and my family lives here now, so I cherish those moments,” he shares. A self-proclaimed food enthusiast, he loves exploring local eateries. He is also an avid tennis player, making time to hit the courts each week and from time to time hit the road or Malecon f
Legacy
As for his legacy, Mau has learned to focus on living in the present rather than stressing over how he will be remembered. “I realized I’ve done so many things with music and that I am blessed to be able to do this,” he reflects. He acknowledges that the pressure to create a legacy can sometimes hinder his creativity. “Once I’ve learned to enjoy my life and music, then I will think of the idea of a legacy,” he concludes, embodying the essence of living authentically.
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Mau Jimenez is not just a musician; he is a storyteller, a connector, and an artist who embraces every moment of his journey. His experiences, challenges, and triumphs weave together a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever dared to pursue their passion. In the backdrop of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant music scene, Mau continues to shine, and his story is far from over. The world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the life of this talented guitar man.
Check out his upcoming performances at The Palm Cabaret on April 19 & April 24 – “Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show”.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
