Conversations with Miranda Ramos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Ramos.

Miranda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ll start with the slightly embarrassing moment that almost derailed everything.

My first public singing performance was in second grade at a school talent show audition. Full confidence, full commitment – I chose Reba McEntire’s “Does He Love You.” The performance itself went perfectly… and then the judges just stared at us in silence. Finally, one said, “I’m sorry, that song is far too adult for a kids’ talent show.” My little heart sank. I walked off crying, convinced I had messed up before I even started.

But that moment didn’t stop me for long.

By middle school and high school, I was involved in every musical production I could, eventually adding dance to the mix. When college came, though, I stepped away from performing entirely. I became the first in my family to graduate college – it took seven years while working full time, but I finished with almost no debt. Music stayed with me, but only through car speakers during long commutes to a demanding Fortune 500 corporate job that left little time for family or creativity.

Eventually, something had to give.

I left that job to focus on what mattered most and found my way back to music through a musician-matching website, where I joined a classic rock band called Hindsight as lead vocalist. Those weekly rehearsals felt like therapy. The band became family, and while the group eventually dissolved (as bands often do), it reignited something in me that I couldn’t ignore.

Next came a country cover band – and that’s where I found my true lane. Country music felt like home. But songwriting kept calling, and when that band chose to stay strictly covers, I stepped away to answer that call.

At the time, I thought I was just writing poems. A friend in the industry disagreed. He told me, “You’re a natural songstress,” and gifted me my first songwriting lessons. That moment changed everything. My first session with Ashley E. Norton resulted in my first song, “Whole,” and I left in happy tears, completely hooked. Songwriting quickly became part of my everyday life.

From there, I focused on building my own brand, performing as a duo in wineries, bars, and anywhere that would have us – yes, even nursing homes. Eventually, I missed the energy of a full band – the drums, the dancing, the big stages – so I took a leap and formed my own band under my name. I wondered if anyone would believe in my vision.

They did.

Today, we perform across the Southwest, blending crowd-favorite covers with original music, and my songs are available everywhere you stream music. In 2025, I was nominated for Country Song of the Year by the San Diego Music Awards for my song “Waste Your Time,” a milestone that still feels surreal.

From that second-grade talent show rejection to standing on big stages doing exactly what I love, every step – even the uncomfortable ones – led me here.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even close.

The road has been full of pivots, pauses, and moments where I questioned whether I was being practical or reckless. One of the biggest struggles was stepping away from music entirely for years to build a stable career. I did everything “right” on paper – corporate success, security, responsibility – but creatively, I was completely unfulfilled. Balancing ambition, family, and self-identity was a constant tug-of-war, and there were many moments where music felt like a luxury I couldn’t justify.

Coming back wasn’t easy either. Starting over as an adult meant rebuilding confidence, relearning vulnerability, and putting myself out there without the safety net of youth or unlimited time. I decided to pick up and try learning guitar just 3.5 years ago and that has been so difficult but rewarding. It was the catalyst that made me feel like a true musician (imposter syndrome is real y’all). Songwriting was especially intimidating. Sharing something that personal opens the door to rejection in a whole new way, and there were plenty of moments where I wondered if my stories were worth telling.

There were also practical struggles – still working full time, long nights, hauling gear, playing for small or distracted crowds, and betting on myself without knowing if the return will ever come. Building my own band meant learning to lead, trust, and take risks while carrying the weight of other people’s time and income.

Social Media is probably my biggest challenge. In today’s world we don’t get to just create the music and perform. We have to be social media, advertising, marketing, booking, and content creating geniuses. I met my best friend Jenn at a Priscilla Block concert, and she just happened to own Rise Up Media and Hospitality Co. She has believed in me since day 1 and has helped me so much in this area creating reels, shooting content from our shows, and growing my social media presence. I honestly couldn’t do this without her!

The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful. Each obstacle clarified why I do this and reminded me that growth rarely happens in comfort. Looking back, the detours weren’t setbacks at all – they were training grounds.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a modern country artist, songwriter, and bandleader. I specialize in high-energy, crowd-engaging live performances that blend familiar country favorites with original songs rooted in storytelling, heart, and a little edge. I’m known for creating shows that feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience – the kind where people are singing along, dancing, and staying until the lights come up.

What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up. From forming my own band to developing my brand, music, and live show, everything has been intentional. I didn’t come up through a traditional music-industry pipeline, so every milestone has been earned through consistency, grit, and genuine connection with audiences.

Songwriting is where my heart really lives. I write honest, relatable songs that sit comfortably between strength and vulnerability – especially stories about love, independence, resilience, and knowing your worth. Being nominated for Country Song of the Year by the San Diego Music Awards in 2025 for “Waste Your Time” was incredibly validating, not just because of the recognition, but because it affirmed that my voice and stories resonate.

What sets me apart is the balance I bring to everything I do. I combine professionalism and polish with authenticity and approachability. I lead with experience, but I still show up curious and open. I’m not chasing trends – I’m building longevity. Whether I’m playing a festival stage, a casino, or an intimate room, my goal is always the same: leave people feeling seen, energized, and connected. I want you to forget all of life’s worries even if just for a few hours!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve learned that mentorship and networking rarely happen through formal asks or perfectly timed introductions. Most of the meaningful relationships in my life came from simply showing up consistently, being curious, and doing the work.

What has worked best for me is approaching people with genuine respect for their experience, not with an agenda. I didn’t ask for a mentor – I asked questions, listened, and applied what I learned. Over time, those relationships naturally evolved into mentorships and more importantly friendships.

Supporting other artists has also been a huge part of my journey, especially women, who are still dramatically underrepresented in the music industry. I’m a firm believer that there is room for all of us and we rise together. Collaboration and encouragement create far more opportunity than competition ever will.

I am part of a Songwriting Sisters group, where female songwriters come together to share ideas, resources, experiences, and honest feedback. It’s a space built on trust, growth, and lifting each other up. Some of the best learning and mentorship happens in community.

Another lesson I’ve learned is to say yes before you feel ready. Many of my biggest opportunities came from stepping into rooms where I felt slightly out of place and trusting that I’d grow into them. Confidence often follows action, not the other way around.

At the end of the day, networking isn’t about collecting contacts – it’s about building relationships. When you lead with authenticity, generosity, and a willingness to support others, the right people tend to find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mirandaramosmusic.com/
• Instagram: @mirandaramosmusic
• Facebook: @mirandaramosmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzujpB9hO5ZPpde3g_ftPg

Image Credits
John Hancock, Jenn Lynette (Rise Up Media and Hospitality), Sarah Quinn, Richard Hobbs, The Cordova Bar,