Julie Acosta is an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and arranger for Grammy Award winner Flor de Toloache, and has played with many other greats such as Celia Cruz and Eddie Palmieri. For readers who might not be familiar with the world of Mariachi music, historically it has been a male-dominated genre with various all-female groups only now starting to gain more prominence and wider recognition. It can be a struggle, and some might even say just the music industry, in general, can be hard for females to get the recognition they deserve. So for Acosta to have played with so many great artists, become a Grammy winner, and all while performing on an instrument that is primarily played by men, speaks to her level of artistry, strength, professionalism, and so much more. It truly is a wonderful story for young female musicians, in particular, to read and take note of. We got to talk about her humble beginnings, the journey to success, her new adventures with balancing her career and motherhood, and much more.
There’s so much to talk about with your illustrious career, but for our readers who may not be familiar with your work can you tell us a little about yourself? Where did you grow up, and when did you start playing music, and what was your journey like that has led to such a great career thus far?
I was born in Paterson, NJ accompanied by my identical twin sister to Dominican parents, and a big brother. We ended up in Miami at around age 5, where we met our Cuban step-father who ended up raising us alongside my mother 🙂 I began to play trumpet in the school band at around age 12 thanks to my big brother Giovanni Almonte, who we looked up to tremendously (I still play and write music with my brother today). I started playing in the wind ensemble and jazz band, through high school attending the New World School of the Arts in Miami. I went on to study classical performance at FIU, and 1 year of jazz at SUNY Purchase. I continued to perform and tour with different bands while in school. I have had the honor and privilege to perform with many artists I love and admire, such as the Late Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Alejandro Sanz, Gilberto Santa Rosa Rey Ruiz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, La India, Los Hermanos Lebron among so many others. In 2010 I met Mireya Ramos and Shae Fiol, founders of Latin Grammy-winning band and Grammy nominees Flor de Toloache, New York’s first all-female Mariachi, and I was invited to join as the group’s trumpet player and 3rd voice.
I think the perception for most is that the trumpet is a male-dominated instrument, AND that Mariachi music is mainly performed by men, but being a member of Flor de Toloache you’ve defied the typical stereotypes two-fold, and I think it’s a great thing. Were there any moments where it was scary, uncomfortable, may be difficult due to these male-dominant tendencies? If so, how did you deal with these situations?
We are all victims of our conditioning until you have the sight to break free. Though I’ve had my share of “she plays good for a girl/ she has that gig because she’s a girl” comments, my response is to play, do it with love, and most times they can’t hate. Before I had the sight to see this, connecting with my younger self, I remember very clearly when feeling threatened, scared or found myself in an awkward situation, I’d step into my power pose and fake it. I still do in any nerve-wracking situation. Everyones gotta have one! Women have been playing instruments and paving the way since forever. If I come across that sort of ignorance, I note it and carry on. I don’t feed it, I starve it as best as I can by just doing my thing and treating folks with respect. That has almost always worked for me.
There have been other all-female mariachi groups, but Flor de Toloache seemed to have really taken it to the next level. You all have won the Latin Grammy in 2017, and since then the group has soared to even greater heights with a current 2020 Latin Grammy nomination. What do you think are some of the reasons you all have stood out among all the other female mariachi groups, and what factors do you feel have contributed to the success of the group?
There are so many amazing Mariachis out there that I’m a big fan of and it’s such an honor to be part of this culture through this band. Our persistence and staying together despite the hardships have been key. We “just keep swimming” no matter what.
It has been one of the biggest blessings in my career to have been honored with such an award and recognition.
Traditionally in Mariachi, the women are required to wear long skirts, we wear pants, not to be rebellious but because it suited our lifestyle rushing around NYC hopping on the train from one gig to the next. Aside from different cultural backgrounds we also have very different musical backgrounds, from Classical to Jazz, Rock, R&B, Soul, Hip-hop, Bluegrass, Salsa..etc, that alone contributes to why our band has such a different sound when compared with traditional male and female Mariachi groups. We cover traditional songs, but also arrange our own mashups of other styles of music (like Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatnuts..etc) with traditional mariachi instrumentation, as well as our original compositions. We sing in both English and Spanish.
Can you talk about your role in the group aside from a trumpeter and vocalist?
They call me the food meister! I also go on the “good” coffee hunts (major coffee snob here!) I also contribute to arranging and writing.
How has your audience changed since the inception of the group up until now? Was the group always playing to full houses with enthusiastic crowds? Did it take a while to build a following or did the group take off pretty fast?
We have been rejected and turned away on many occasions, especially in the beginning when we were getting our rep together, looking for opportunities. Reception in NY became better and better…we played the subway and it was very encouraging, lots of support. We got some of our biggest write-ups there which led us to better opportunities. When we started touring with The Arcs (a side project of Dan Auerbach of “The Black Keys”) is when we saw how powerful we could be with just 4 of us, and how well received we were in countries outside of the US, it was such a beautiful experience. We also performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk series which today has more than 1 million views. To answer your question it has been a slow progression, after about our 9th year as a band is when we really started to see some shifts. In 2015 we were nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for our first album. In 2017 we took the Latin GRAMMY home for the “Best Ranchero” album! In 2019 we were nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for “Best Ranchero Album”, and in 2020 we nominated for a GRAMMY under “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album”
When an artist has success it might be easy to try and stick with a winning formula, but you all seem to always be pushing for new material which is a wonderful thing. Do you all find it hard as a group to keep coming up with material or is it not so bad with many members of the ensemble involved?
We are risk-takers, boundary pushers! We trust in what we have to share in however it may take form musically. As soon as we can commit, and focus.. magic happens.
You’re the mommy of a beautiful baby boy! Can you share with us how you manage life on the road with a little one? I know there are many challenges, and I salute you for doing such an amazing job of balancing everything! I’m sure other moms who travel with little ones while working would be very interested to read your insights!
Traveling with my little one has been an amazing journey, though definitely challenging. It starts with a whole lot of support from the band, friends, and family! From there, making sure that I had what I needed to feel at “ease”, the stroller that I use is called the “Doona”, it’s a stroller that converts into a car seat. Boy has that has been a lifesaver. The fact that I didn’t need to travel with a stroller and car seat was a huge saving grace. But the Doona does have an expiration date, basically whenever the baby reaches a certain weight/height. So pretty soon, I’ll have to retire the Doona sadly. When touring, there are some inevitable big question marks…like when you will eat next (laughs)…I invested in gadgets like a portable lunchbox/food steamer where I could easily make his buckwheat cereal, oatmeal, rice, steamed veggies..etc. Those kinds of things helped me feel secure in knowing that I had what I needed to whip up a quick meal at any given moment. Travel with light toys, either fewer toys or just toys that don’t weigh very much. Everything gets so heavy! From carrying the baby to my instrument, the diaper bag, the carry-on… I definitely didn’t want to lug around heavy toys. The last thing I’ll mention is a baby carrier! I left it behind one time by mistake and I had a hard time forgiving myself for that!
Outside of Flor de Toloache, what are some other projects you are involved with or might be looking to startup?
I have recently signed with a publishing company Warner-Chappell as a songwriter. I am definitely looking to write a lot! I’m also really looking forward to recording my own project, finally!
So we know you are a very talented trumpeter and vocalist in mariachi music as well as Latin music. Any other secret hidden talents you’d like to share with our readers?!
I love to write songs and produce beats! I don’t know if these are talents but I love to create things, whether it’s jewelry or do it yourself party favors and backdrops.
Julie Acosta is truly one of the most humble and beautiful people I’ve had the pleasure to speak with, and I know myself and many others will anxiously be awaiting the recording and release of her project. Be sure to check her out with Flor de Toloache as well as many of the other great musicians mentioned in this interview, follow her on Instagram @Jewlbop and be sure to check back as we follow up with her again soon!
Photo Credits: William De La Cruz (Main) Luis Guillen & Carly Zavala
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