In the world of music, building the right relationships is just as important as building the right sound. That’s where our A&R and Client Development teams come in. At Symphonic, these team members are dedicated to discovering talent, expanding opportunities, and helping artists reach new markets around the globe. 🎙️ ✨ In this spotlight, we’re excited to shine a light on María Mendivil, who works as an A&R based in Mexico. Get to know her here…
Meet Our Team: María Mendivil
📲 IG: @xmajomendivil
What do you look for when signing new artists to Symphonic? / What genre do you focus on?
“One of the most important things I look for when signing a new artist is commitment. I love working with people who are deeply passionate about their music and who approach their careers with seriousness and intention. I’m especially drawn to projects that have a strong creative vision, not necessarily perfection or a rigid concept, but a clear sense of direction and purpose.”
“I also pay close attention to the quality of the music and how organized things are behind the scenes. It’s always inspiring to find artists who not only create great music but also manage their releases, assets, and teams with intention and care.”
“As for genres, I’m very open. At Symphonic, we don’t focus on a single sound; diversity is something we value a lot. Personally, I’m naturally drawn to projects that feel fresh, culturally relevant, and truly authentic to the artist’s identity.”
What’s one service or tool at Symphonic that you think more artists should take advantage of?
“The Marketing Drivers tool, without a doubt. It’s essential because it can really make a difference in a release’s visibility. It gives our marketing team — who work closely with digital platforms — a chance to build a solid pitch using the information that comes directly from the artist.”
“It also helps artists understand what an effective promo campaign looks like. It’s not just a submission form — it’s an educational tool that encourages artists to think more strategically and professionally about how they present their work to the world.”
When talking to artists, what’s something you encourage them to prioritize for long-term success?
“I believe the most important thing is understanding that success isn’t instant. It’s something you build over time through consistency, strategy, and a real connection with your audience. The community you create around your music is key, and that relationship needs to be nurtured.”
“I also recommend looking beyond one single release. Having a mid to long-term plan — ideally with a year-long vision — brings a lot more clarity. You don’t need a massive budget to succeed. What matters is being creative and strategic with the resources you do have. Keep the project moving, visible, and aligned with your goals.”
What’s a common mistake you see artists or labels make when trying to grow their audience?
“A major one is buying fake streams. It’s not only harmful but can seriously damage your career. It’s a practice that should never be considered.”
“Another big mistake is assuming you know what your audience perceives without truly getting to know them. Understanding who your fans are, how they behave, and how they consume your music is vital. That information allows for better segmentation, smarter decisions, and deeper, more authentic engagement. Pay attention, listen, and learn from your audience. It’s key for sustainable growth.”
What’s one trend you’re seeing in the industry that artists should be paying attention to right now?
“One big trend to watch is the shift toward personalized content and how digital platforms are rewarding creators who deliver authentic, audience-focused experiences. It’s not just about being present online — it’s about telling your story in a clear, intentional, and compelling way.”
“The small details matter more than ever, and how you communicate your message across different formats can truly elevate your project. Artists who learn to be intentional and thoughtful with their content will stand out.”
What’s been the most rewarding part of working with independent artists at Symphonic?
“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to support the creative process behind each song. Every release comes with its own emotion, effort, and dedication — being part of that journey is something I truly value.”
“Working with independent artists is also incredibly inspiring because you’re constantly surrounded by talented, passionate people with unique perspectives. Watching them shape their creative vision and build their careers on their own terms is one of the best things about this industry.”
What advice would you give an artist who’s just starting to think seriously about their music?
“If you’re starting to take your music career seriously, the first step is to organize your project. From planning releases and budgets to building a solid visual and auditory identity, every detail counts. Having a presence on social media and in the media is fundamental, but to achieve that, you need structure.”
“Think about how established artists operate and begin, step by step, to cover those key areas. It’s not about having everything from the start, but about building with strategy, authenticity, and consistency.”
“You don’t need to have it all right away, but you do need to start working on each area early. Research, learn, and adapt everything without losing your essence. Be authentic, but also strategic.“
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It’s time to take your music career to the next level… and we can help you get there.
Here at Symphonic, we pride ourselves on providing established and thriving artists, record labels, managers, and distributors with the team, music marketing, and business intelligence they need to grow revenue and brand awareness through music promotion and distribution to over 200+ digital music stores and streaming services.
Whether you’re just starting out or an established act, we have a plan tailored to your specific needs. Click the links below to check out our two available plans for artists at every level below…
Starter 🤝 Partner
