Meet Queen of Hearts: Melbourne’s All-Women Mariachi Band Shaking Up Tradition
We get to know Melbourne’s one and only all-women mariachi band, who are bringing the spice to Rolling Stone X Cholula’s Cinco Sounds this May.
In partnership with Cholula
This May, Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Cholula are teaming up to bring Mexico’s heat, beats and flavour with Cinco Sounds—a one-off FREE fiesta popping up at Yarraville’s Hotel Mexico on May 3rd from 4pm until 11pm.
Aussie indie-electro pop duo Client Liaison will headline the gig, along with alt-rock triple j Unearthed finalist Lotte Gallagher, and Queen of Hearts – Melbourne’s trailblazing all-women mariachi band. While the acts will bring the heat to Cinco Sounds, they’ve also inspired signature dishes that combine the sights, sounds and flavours of Mexico:
- Totopos tortilla served with Cholula Original Salsa | Cholula
- eLotte – grilled corn with mayo, queso cotija, spices (Cholula Original Recipe Mix | Cholula)
- Liaison empanada served with Cholula Salsa Verde | Cholula
- Queen of Pollo Loco – marinated chicken taco – shredded lettuce, chipotle mayo & Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce | Cholula
With only a few weeks left until the big fiesta, we get to know Melbourne’s one and only all-women mariachi band, who are bringing the spice to Rolling Stone X Cholula’s Cinco Sounds this May.
When we hear the words “mariachi band”, images of joyous musicians with wide-brimmed sombreros, embroidered jackets, and big, grinning moustaches instantly spring to mind. But the thing is, these images are all of… well, men.
Mariachi is a powerfully emotive form of traditional Mexican music, entrenched in storytelling. But for centuries, the classic mariachi music we recognise and celebrate has been predominantly male-dominated—until now.
Here to shake things up by empowering women and sharing Mexican folklore from a female gaze—while simultaneously continuing to spread the joy of mariachi to the masses—is Melbourne-based all-women mariachi band, Queen of Hearts.
In 2019, founder Elizabeth Obando, a Colombian musician, composer, and singer based in Melbourne, envisioned creating a band that would unite powerful female musicians in an industry that historically prioritised men. Shortly after, she teamed up with Australian singer-songwriter and composer Bonnie Smith to help shape and co-manage Queen of Heart’s creative direction and vision, bringing together a talented and eclectic mariachi ensemble including Rose Kavanagh (songwriter, vocals and violin), Sarah Camm (trumpet and backing vocals), and Vanessa Estrada (percussion, vocals and vihuela).
Drawing from their diverse roots across Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Australia, the band takes a fresh, multicultural approach to mariachi, fusing contemporary elements like jazz, pop and rock while honouring mariachi tradition.
With a second album set to be released later this year and a string of gigs on the horizon, it’s becoming evident that Queen of Hearts are not the only ones enchanted by the magic of mariachi. One noteworthy gig in May is Cinco Sounds, Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Cholula’s Cinco de Mayo-inspired rooftop celebration at Hotel Mexico in Yarraville. Playing alongside headliners Client Liaison and new generation alt-rock triple j Unearthed finalist Lotte Gallagher, Queen of Hearts will bring the authentic Mexican energy with their heartfelt mariachi renditions.
Ahead of their performance, Elizabeth took five to answer a few of our questions.
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How would you describe mariachi to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?
Mariachi is a powerful and emotional form of traditional Mexican music, deeply rooted in storytelling. It combines vibrant instrumentation—typically including trumpets, violins, and guitars—with rich vocal harmonies that convey themes of love, loss, and celebration. It’s energetic, passionate, and deeply soulful—music that speaks directly to the heart.
How did each of you first get into music, and what drew you to mariachi specifically?
Each of us has a unique musical journey. Some of us grew up immersed in Latin American folk traditions, while others explored various genres before discovering mariachi. What drew us all to this style was its powerful storytelling, rich cultural history, and the deep emotional connection it evokes—especially when performed live.
In what ways does Queen of Hearts blend traditional Mexican mariachi with a contemporary twist?
While we honor the heart and soul of traditional mariachi, we love infusing it with contemporary influences. Each member of Queen of Hearts brings her own unique musical background, which allows us to blend a variety of genres into our sound. Our music draws from pop, rock, cumbia, Latin music, jazz, blues, and folk, creating a fresh and dynamic interpretation of mariachi. This diverse fusion allows us to connect with a wide range of audiences while staying true to the emotional depth and storytelling that define mariachi.
How does your cultural background influence your music and performance style?
Our diverse backgrounds shape our sound in unique ways. Drawing from our roots in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Australia, we bring a multicultural perspective to our music. This blend allows us to honor traditional mariachi while adding our own creative touch, making it accessible to audiences from all walks of life.
Storytelling is embedded with traditional folk music and mariachi, what themes do you like exploring and sharing through songwriting?
Our original songs explore themes of heartache, empowerment, liberation, and romance. We’re drawn to powerful narratives that celebrate resilience and identity, often weaving personal stories into our music to create an emotional connection with our audience.
You have an exciting second album on the way, what can people expect?
Our upcoming album combines original compositions with fresh takes on traditional mariachi classics. Listeners can expect heartfelt storytelling, powerful harmonies, and energetic instrumentals that bridge tradition with contemporary influences. The album reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and freedom—stories we know will resonate with many.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of musicians, especially women in mariachi?
We want to show young women that they have a place in mariachi and the broader music industry. By sharing our journey, we hope to encourage aspiring female musicians to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Representation matters, and we believe that seeing women confidently owing this space can empower others to do the same.
What can people expect when they see you perform live?
Our live performances are dynamic, emotional, and full of energy. We love connecting with the audience, encouraging singalongs, and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels uplifted. Expect powerful vocals, passionate instrumentals, and plenty of heart.
