In celebration of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute to a collection of essays that explore themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
Today, Canadian jazz musician Maria Solena shares a personal essay about her musical journey—covering her background, influences, songwriting methods, and her life as an independent artist—as part of Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series!
Influenced by icons like Sarah Vaughan and Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vancouver's Maria Solena crafts narratives of love, loss, and strength through melodies that have garnered international recognition and airtime. Her soothing sounds enchant audiences with a blend of swinging classics, Brazilian rhythms, contemporary jazz, French songs, classic pop, and original pieces. Her captivating stage presence and musical expressions are sure to uplift spirits and brighten days. Solena has collaborated and performed alongside Canadian and U.S. musicians such as Phil Dwyer, Campbell Ryga, Brad Turner, Lionel Young, Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, and Seamus Blake. The track "Just a Touch" was featured as bumper music on Coast to Coast AM, while selections from her albums aired on stations including WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, CBC Radio throughout Canada, DR P1 and DR P8 Jazz in Denmark, and KUVO in Denver. Following performances in Italy, Solena took the stage in Las Vegas, where a show host discovered her music and invited her onto a syndicated program. With radio rotation in New York and Denver, Solena has composed several original works and collaborated with arrangers Torben Oxbol, Fred Stride, Allan Rodger, and Miles Black. Her upcoming album of original compositions is set to continue her mission of uniting audiences through the universal language of music.
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A Narrative of Dreams, Commitment, and Discovery
by Maria Solena
Music unites people across cultures.
No matter our backgrounds, music resonates with everyone. I draw immense inspiration from artists like Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Henry Mancini, Milton Nascimento, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose stories of struggle, love, loss, and triumph have significantly enriched the world of music.
When you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t feel laborious. While talent is essential, it is hard work, consistency, discipline, and the determination to hone your skills that truly matter. Additionally, having strong follow-up skills and a good grasp of business practices is crucial for aspiring artists.
Music was a constant presence in my upbringing. My father amassed a collection of music from the ’50s and ’60s, which I listened to growing up. My aunt was a major influence, encouraging me to sing and even recording my voice when I was just five. I joined every school choir, and by high school, I was part of a choral group performing three-part harmonies across British Columbia. I also took classical piano lessons early on. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, I spent an additional 15 years studying voice, attending master workshops, and studying jazz piano.
Maria Solena © 2025
My musical career began with an audition for a show band as a vocalist and keyboardist. Around the same time, I participated in a singing contest that introduced me to the local jazz scene. I always dreamed of producing an album and collaborating with a world-class arranger. That dream was realized when I contacted arranger Torben Oxbol, who helped me produce my debut album, followed by two more collaborations over the next ten years, allowing me to record with some of the finest musicians both nationally and internationally. The three albums have received regular radio airtime across North America.
As an independent artist, I undertook much of my own promotional work. The complexities of technology were daunting, but I persevered. In a predominantly male jazz industry, I stepped up as a band leader, performed under my own name, and engaged numerous talented musicians for performances and recordings. I was fortunate to collaborate with Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, Krishna Booker, George Robert, Lionel Young, Phil Dwyer, Campbell Ryga, and Seamus Blake. Invitations to perform in Italy, Denver, and on a syndicated Las Vegas show followed my exploration of these opportunities.
I self-funded the recording of three albums as an independent artist. My first album, released online, caught the attention of a KUVO radio host in Denver, which led to regular airplay on Breakfast Jazz, a Saturday morning show. As my second and third albums were released, my music continued to be played during the show, culminating in a live interview and quintet performance at The Five Points Jazz Festival in Denver, featuring Richie Cole.
Maria Solena © 2025
Regarding my creative process and approach to songwriting...
Songwriting allows me to share my stories through music, using a combination of chords to evoke the song’s mood. It centers on honesty and expressing real-life experiences that resonate with many, whether they are
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Canadian jazz musician Maria Solena presents a heartfelt essay detailing her musical journey, encompassing her upbringing, influences, songwriting methods, and experiences as an independent artist, as part of Atwood Magazine's Women's History Month series!