In a genre rooted in Dominican tradition, Mexican-American artist J Salez is proving that bachata has no borders. Born in Corona, California, and raised in Los Angeles, J Salez brings his Chicano soul to the rhythm of the Caribbean, blending emotion, storytelling, and cultural pride into every beat. From his mariachi family roots to his breakout with EQS Music, J Salez has carved a lane that’s authentically his own.
His latest single, “Si Te Vas” with DerekVinci, captures that essence perfectly, a modern bachata fusion that speaks to heartbreak, movement, and resilience. With more than 15 million streams and performances across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, J Salez continues to break barriers and inspire a new generation of Latin artists who believe in mixing heritage with heart.
In this exclusive LaMezcla.com Q&A, J Salez opens up about his creative process, his love for bachata, the story behind “Si Te Vas”, and the cultural pride that fuels his journey.
1. You’re a proud Mexican-American artist making waves in a genre traditionally led by Dominican voices. What inspired you to bring your Chicano identity into bachata?
I didn’t see anyone that looked like me doing it. Growing up in California & also Jalisco, Mexico during the summers, I was surrounded by hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Mexican music, but it was Bachata that made me feel something deeper. I fell in love with the rhythm, the raw emotion, and the dance style. As a proud Chicano, I knew I could bring something new, something honest. I didn’t want to imitate—I wanted to add to the genre. My background, my story, and my God given gifts.
2. Your parents were mariachi singers. How has that influenced your approach to bachata and your sound today?
My parents taught me that music is, above all, emotion. I saw them pour their hearts into the lyrics and harmonies night after night. That passion and pride run through my veins. Although I compose bachata, that mariachi soul never left me. You can hear it in how I sing, how I tell stories, and how I let my voice break if the emotion calls for it. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being authentic. I love bachata because it lets me express pure and sincere love.
3. You started your connection to bachata through dance. How did that transition from dancing to actually performing and producing music happen?
Dance was my first true language. Before singing a single bachata song, I was already dancing bachata all over the world. Bachata gave me a space to express myself when words weren’t enough and to connect with music in a special way. But over time, I started having visions of myself on stage singing and dancing bachata. That’s when I realized that I could no longer limit myself to being on the dance floor, but that I also needed to be behind the microphone. I met DerekVinci, who gave me the opportunity to do so.
4. Many fans see you as a cultural bridge bringing together Mexican and Dominican influences. How do you balance those worlds in your music and visuals?
I live on that bridge every day. My videos show the streets where I grew up, the colors of my culture, but the music and my movements convey that Caribbean rhythm. DerekVinci, my producer and manager, and I strive to collaborate with Dominican musicians while remaining true to who we are, that is, a Mexican-American guy from California. It’s a fusion, but a respectful one. I want Dominicans to listen to my music and say, “He gets it,” while my community says, “That’s our guy, doing something different.”
Many people have identified with me simply because I’m not Dominican, but I carry bachata with pride and passion.
5. Working with EQS Music was a turning point. How did that partnership help shape your vision and growth as an artist?
EQS Music believed in the vision before the rest of the world and even before I did. They provided me with the necessary tools and support, but most importantly, they gave me the creative freedom to be authentic. To Derek (CEO of EQS), I was more than just a name on a list: I was J Salez, with a clear mission. He was instrumental in refining my sound and amplifying my message without diluting it. Our collaboration, although only three years old, has seen significant progress, demonstrating our shared work ethic and commitment to moving forward without fear.
6. You’ve released more than 20 bachata singles and hit over 15 million streams. What’s been your proudest moment so far in your musical journey?
The moment I am most proud of was when I stepped on stage for the first time and gave it my all. It wasn’t perfect, far from it. I was out of tune for most of the show and ran out of breath. But none of that mattered, because in that moment, I finally started pursuing my dream. Now, neither embarrassment, fear, nor other people’s opinions can stop me. You have to give yourself permission to go through that complicated and uncomfortable phase in your career. That’s where growth lies. One thing I always remind myself is: “Champions aren’t born, they’re made.”
The numbers simply prove that this is the way forward, that the public likes it, and that gives me the energy to keep making music.
7. You’ve performed across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. How do international audiences connect with your version of bachata?
Music is universal, and bachata, in essence, is about feelings. I feel that being Mexican-American, foreign audiences identify with me because I perform bachata with so much love, passion, and respect that no matter where I am, whether in the United States, Canada, or Europe, people connect with that emotion. I bring my Chicano roots, my dance experience, and my energy to every performance. I sing with all my heart, I move around the stage as if it were my playground, and I do my best to connect with as many people in the audience as possible. Even if they don’t speak Spanish fluently, they feel that passion. And people always remember how you made them feel. That’s why I give them everything I have and make sure they know I appreciate them coming.
8. Bachata is full of emotion and storytelling. What themes or messages do you hope your fans feel when they hear your songs?
I want them to feel seen. Whether it’s love, heartbreak, or healing, my songs are meant to reflect real life. I sing for the ones who smile in public but cry in silence. For the dreamers, the lovers, the broken, and the ones trying to figure it all out.
9. As a Mexican-American artist in a Dominican-born genre, what message do you want to send to other artists who want to experiment beyond their culture?
Do it with love. Do it with respect. And most importantly, do it the only way YOU can do it & be resilient. Culture isn’t a costume—it’s a responsibility. If you come into a genre, honor its roots, but don’t be afraid to plant your own.
10. What can fans expect next from J Salez’s new music, collaborations, or perhaps a full album?
Let’s just say I’m cooking up something special. I truly believe that next year is going to be a big one for DerekVinci and me. We’re working on a project called “El Bachatero Mexicano,” a piece that’s dripping with tropical music but shows my whole self. It’s not just about the sound, but everything I bring to the genre: my voice, my moves, my performance, my story. This project is my love letter to bachata and tropical music, told through my unique lens.
In 2026, the public will witness a masterful evolution of J Salez. We are working with a lot of love, passion, and enthusiasm because a beautiful project is coming.
11. When you’re not performing or recording, what’s your favorite way to unwind? Do you hit the dance floor, chill with family, or explore new spots in L.A.?
When I hear “relax,” the first thing that comes to mind is a nice glass of wine, good company, deep conversation, an incredible view, and delicious food.
That’s my happy place, my calm zone. Give me that any day of the week, and I’ll be happy.
12. As a Mexican-American artist, what’s your go-to comfort food: tacos, enchiladas, or something straight from your mom’s kitchen?
This is the hardest question yet… You can never go wrong with some chicken enchiladas, double queso, and GREEN sauce, none of that red stuff or pizza.
13. If you could invite any artist, past or present, to record a bachata with you, who would it be and why?
Romeo Santos without a doubt. He was the first bachatero I ever heard, and to this day, he’s still my favorite. Collaborating with him would mean the world to me. He broke barriers, redefined the genre, and became the pioneer of modern bachata, the very sound I fell in love with. To create a song with the King of Bachata wouldn’t just be a dream come true, it would be a privilege, an honor, and a rite of passage.
14. Every artist has a playlist outside their genre. What’s something unexpected you listen to that fans might not guess?
That’s true, I’m very versatile when it comes to listening to music, and I love classic R&B: artists like Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Timberlake are always on my playlist. But something fans might not expect is that I also listen to a lot of gospel music, especially from my church choir, Transformation Worship. There’s something about that soul and spirit that connects me to the earth and lifts me up at the same time.
15. What city gives you the best vibes to perform in, and what makes that crowd special?
I’ve been to many cities in incredible countries, but personally, CHICAGO. They don’t just watch, they cheer you on! The energy there has been unmatched. They are full of love!
They are pure dynamite.
16. What’s one thing fans don’t know about you that would surprise them?
Well, I don’t know if you already know me, but I am the founder and CEO of a company called Team Ganas LA, a personal training company dedicated to helping the Latino community get stronger through health and fitness. I have been an entrepreneur practically my entire life; without a doubt, I am passionate about the business world.
That’s what I devote my time to when I’m not producing music or on tour.
17. If you weren’t doing music, what do you think J Salez would be doing right now?
If I weren’t doing music, I’d be building Team Ganas LA into a global movement gym in every major Latin city around the world. My purest mission on this earth is to serve with the gifts God gave me and the knowledge I’ve gained. Whether it’s through music or fitness, my purpose is to uplift and help transform lives.
18. What’s your dream venue or event to perform at anywhere in the world?
The Hollywood Bowl, without question. It’s iconic, it’s in my city, and it would mean bringing bachata to a stage that has hosted legends. I’ve driven past that venue almost every day for the last two years, dreaming of the moment I’d see my name on that marquee. That would be a full-circle moment and one hell of a story to tell.
19. When you first heard the demo for “Si Te Vas,” what was your immediate feeling or image? What made you say, “Yes, this is the song”?
When I heard the demo, my heart was simply overflowing with emotion and melancholy. That song is a declaration of love, asking not to separate. When I heard what DerekVinci had done, I knew without a doubt that people would connect with this song. It took a while to come out because of insecurity, but when we decided to release it together with my visual producer, we decided to make a calm and conceptual video clip. Without a doubt, everything fit together perfectly, and the audience made it more theirs than mine. When I’ve sung it live, it fills me with emotion to see how they sing and dance with such passion.
20. Finally, describe J Salez in three words, the person, not just the artist.
Uff.
Juan Chavez, the person, not the artist.
I would definitely describe him as a person.
Humble, hardworking, and undoubtedly authentic.