Behind “Pies en la Tierra”
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mariela Contreras, one of our talented vocalist of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, to discuss her original song "Pies en la Tierra." This heartfelt composition has become a beloved part of our repertoire, resonating deeply with both the band and our audience. In this interview, Mariela shares the inspiration behind the song, her creative process with Jesse Audelo, and what it was like to hear the song performed by the Classics 4 Kids orchestra.
Mariela, what sparked the inspiration for "Pies en la Tierra"? Can you share the story or moment that ignited the idea for this song?
Yes! I was singing abroad in Asia. I was miles away from my family for 3 months and had a lot of time to reflect and write on my own. I had woken up with the melody in my head and the resounding words that my mother repeated to me before accepting that 3 month opportunity to sing abroad, “Pon los pies en la Tierra, Mariela” she would say.
“Pies en la Tierra” literally means feet on the ground. But the meaning is a bit deeper. It means that you should remain grounded. And not by your parents, hehe, but grounded in the sense that you must remember where you came from. Remain realistic, close to the ground. My mother kept reminding me that I had to stay grounded, and keep my thoughts and dreams at a realistic level.
The message was not quite received by 26 year old Mariela. I ended up flying miles and miles away from home to pursue the dream of singing abroad. So more like “Pon los pies en el plane,” hehe. Nevertheless, my mother’s loving advice traveled with me and ended up being the hook of this song I love to sing.
Writing a song is often a journey of its own. Could you walk us through your process from the initial idea to the final version of "Pies En La Tierra"?
After writing the chorus, I called my friends in San Diego and asked them what they thought. I had never really believed in my original ideas, but this one I really loved. Upon my return to San Diego, I teamed up with Jesse Audelo to work on the music and the lyrics. Jesse came up with the music and the arrangement of the song and after many meetings, changes and drafts we finished the final version.
Collaborating on music can bring a song to life in unexpected ways. What was it like to work with Jesse Audelo on the musical arrangement for the song?
It takes an open heart and sometimes tough skin to be able to trust your thoughts and ideas on to someone. Jesse is a patient collaborator who is always open to my ideas, whether they are constructive or straight up crazy thoughts. He is not afraid to let me know when an idea is not serving our vision of the song. But when a concept or an idea is good, he walks alongside me, adding and building upon it even more. For “Pies en la Tierra”, we were both inspired by border life and what it means to have big dreams, so big that no borders can ever stop them. This song was the start of many collaborations with him. I am very grateful that I continue to collaborate with him to this day.
Your song is now a beloved piece of our repertoire. What does it mean to you to hear the band bring "Pies En La Tierra" to life?
I have performed this song many times in front of many audiences. But to have Sabrosas Latin Orchestra take the song and make it their own has been an incredible honor. The song says, “A dream knows no borders, there is nothing out of reach.” I believe that nothing is out of reach for us as a band. So whenever I sing the lyrics, I think of our collective dream and how incredibly inspired I feel when I am supported by an all-women salsa orchestra that follows their dreams and overcomes obstacles.
Having the Classics 4 Kids orchestra play your song must have been a significant moment. How did it feel to hear it played by a full orchestra during the recent Danza Cubana show, and what do you think that brought to the piece?
When Elizabeth Meeker Howard, one of our trumpet players, asked if it was okay for the Classics 4 Kids orchestra to learn “Pies en la Tierra”, I said, of course! But I didn't really understand what that meant until I heard the orchestra play it live. I couldn’t believe that our idea was worthy of being played by not only Sabrosas Latin Orchestra but also by the Classics 4 Kids orchestra. What made it even more special was that the message of the song would be repeated to children. And as an educator, I consider the message of the song extremely important for little hearts and minds to practice dreaming and making sure that they know that there is truly nothing out of reach.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from "Pies en la Tierra"?
We seem to stop dreaming as we get older. We think that dreaming is for younger humans or for those who refuse to grow up. Sometimes having your feet grounded is a symbol of “growing up” or “settling.” “Pies en la Tierra” is a reminder that I can keep dreaming even though I am “grown up.”
Can you share any challenges you faced while writing this song, and how you overcame them?
I took soooooo long to finish it. You can ask Jesse. I was overthinking the lyrics and so afraid of making a mistake. This is why collaborating is so great. You need friends like Jesse to take you out of that damaging obsession with “perfect” lyrics.
It also helped to walk away from the lyrics and then return to them with a fresh heart and mind.
How do you believe "Pies en la Tierra" contributes to or reflects the essence of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra's musical identity?
The determination of every member in this band is mind blowing to me. Every single member inspires me in different ways. I truly believe that there is nothing out of reach for this band. And the BEST part is that we are all “grown up,” yet we all keep dreaming. And dreams and ideas are welcomed with so much love and respect. We keep our feet (and instruments) grounded yet we travel to the magical land of salsa music and we dream big, with so much rhythm!
Is there a particular line or musical element in "Pies En La Tierra" that you're most proud of or that holds a special meaning for you?
“No existe muro que toque el cielo,
ni una pared que pise el fondo del mar,
en esta tierra viven mi sueños, vivo para soñar”.
“There are no walls that reach the sky
No barriers that touch the bottom of the sea
My dreams live in this land and I live to dream.”
I imagined Friendship Park with these lyrics: the park that for many years would serve as a place for people that could not cross the border to meet with their family and friends. Dreams, stories and love travel freely no matter how high a wall is built. Nothing can stop a determined soul from dreaming to the point where the dream becomes the life they live.
Finally, what advice would you give to anyone who wants to write and share their own original music?
Spend time with your thoughts. Allow yourself to share all the ideas, even the ones you think are “bad.” You do not have to share them with anyone if you are not ready. Start by journaling and sharing them with yourself.
Thank you, Mariela, for inspiring us all with your music and your words. We invite everyone to listen to "Pies en la Tierra" on Spotify or at our next performance and to keep dreaming, no matter where you are.
