Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaira Salgado.
Hi Zaira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Zaira Salgado. I grew up in Hermosa- a small predominantly hispanic neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side. Started playing trombone and singing in second grade. Played jazz trombone through college and sang in Chior most of my life. I graduated with a bachelors in vocal performance, an arts degree. However my life has been entrepreneurial at most parts, when I was 15, my parents opened a Bakery- it was a dream of my father to open his own business. I helped with everything from translating documents to deliveries to actually baking and decorating pastries. In 2026, My parents have two successful bakeries Chicago. I am the eldest of four daughters. I was recently admitted to Northwestern University in Chicago for a Masters Program. I lived in Nashville for about 4 years. During my time there, My partner Christopher Jordan and I opened a Venue. We are currently developing 3rd avenue in Chestnut Hill and looking to fill two commercial properties next to Cafe Babu.
Lulo soundroom was the name of our venue- an artist run dance venue with a live radio element attached to the patio, you can watch the sets on YouTube/ luloradio.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I come from a very humble family. My mother was 15 when she had me, my father was 17- they both dropped out of high school and immigrated to Chicago. My mother had me and three sisters, my father raised 5 women with three jobs.
He taught me to be fearless and to think critically. My mother taught me grace and unconditional love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a producer, singer, and composer. With over fifteen years in classical and theater music. in 2020, I journeyed from traditional classical performance into electronic sounds. Learned to use hardware machines like the Korg electribe Sampler, and the Korg EMX. Sound and frequency fascinate me- analog machines, retro sounds and a sense of wonder from the audience that is human, and grounded in connection. My family taught me to commune around music and dance all night, opening a nightclub/ venue with the love of my life was in the cards for me. We booked talent from across the world and in every corner of sound. We became so inspired that we decided to close in 2026 to pursue our individual music careers.
I was admitted to Northwestern University’s Sound Arts and Industries Master’s program and plan to continue my research in music connection and frequency healing. My body is my instrument and I use it to heal, tune into nature and my research will allow others to do the same.
I truy believe sound is the new medicine and. will help heal the new generations, from the constant bombardment of commercial advertisements and what they’re meant to do to our nervous system.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have spent half my life helping my friends and family open businesses. When I was 15, it was my parents. in my 2os, I helped my friends with their brands and collectives. I interned at studios in chicago, Music garage and Studio shapes, learning marketing and research.
growing up in chicago made me aware of musical influences that came up the Mississippi. I fell in love with Muddy Waters and blues at a young age, undoubtedly becoming aware of black voices in the music industry and their enormous contribution to American society- while noticing an unbalance of musical resources in Nashville for kids like we had growing up in chicago. Representation is a major part of who I am now. Black and Hispanic children in America deserve opportunities to become involved in their surroundings. This makes them equal parts important in society and decision making.
I was on the path to a double major at Benedictine University. Vocal performance and Business management, but dropped business in the last semester due to a busy schedule. I was on the dance team in college and grew up in performing arts, I aspire to land a role in a musical one day. I plan to make films and help other creatives connect. Life inspires me, simply being alive is a role I’m grateful for.
My mission is to make it possible for kids to look at a room of decision makers and at least one person in the room will look like them.
Pricing:
- I have two commercial properties I need to fill next to cafe babu
- contact Shapes Studio for a music collaboration
- my music is on band camp, zaira natili
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaira.sound/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchBLvx1Ebvg9Q7lR2GvZxg
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/t9okOCgUY1Bhb4IGee
- Other: https://zairanatili.bandcamp.com
