Emerging from the vibrant streets of Santiago, Chile, Vanessa Estrada has found a home in Melbourne’s rich and diverse music scene. A songwriter, singer, percussionist and composer, she has spent over a decade captivating audiences at major Australian festivals, including the National Multicultural Festival, Newstead Live, and most recently the 2025 National Folk Festival.

In July 2025, Vanessa launched her debut EP ¿Dónde están mis montañas? to a sold-out audience. This intimate collection of five Latin indie-folk songs explores migration, loneliness, love and injustice, drawing on themes of nature, healing and connection. Inspired by artists such as Violeta Parra, her music bridges tradition and innovation with a distinct, contemporary voice.

Vanessa leads a powerhouse six-piece band of Melbourne-based Latin musicians, taking audiences on a sonic journey through South America — from Chile and the Andes to the Caribbean. Their high-energy performances blend cumbia rhythms and Andean instrumentation with rock, psychedelic and modern influences.

She is also ammember of SunSeeds, a four-piece project merging folk traditions with electronic elements and released their debut album Sur on September 28, 2025. Additionally, Vanessa is a member of Queen of Hearts, a collective of Latin American and Australian women artists inspired by mariachi traditions and reimagined through contemporary original works.

Her artistry has been supported by initiatives such as Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Ahead of the Curve. She was nominated for a Music Victoria Award in 2022 and named a finalist at the Australian Folk Music Awards in 2025. More than a performance, Vanessa Estrada’s live show is a powerful, heartfelt cultural experience.