Meet Christian Armanti | Founder + Director – Mariachi Nueva Fusión

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Armanti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a crucial part of both personal and professional growth. When faced with a potential risk, I first clearly define what it entails and evaluate both the positive and negative consequences. I consider the probability of different outcomes and assess my level of preparedness to handle them. For me, having a growth mindset is essential—I view risks as opportunities for learning, and stepping out of my comfort zone as necessary for progress. Even if things don’t go as planned, I believe that each experience, whether successful or not, provides valuable lessons and helps build resilience.
One significant example of a risk I took was founding the mariachi group itself. Like with many businesses, starting and setting up the group was a considerable risk because you don’t know if it’s going to work out or what the future holds for you and the business. More specifically, starting this group and in this genre was a major risk for several reasons.
First, although all the members of the group are extremely talented in music, many had not had much experience in the genre of mariachi. This lack of experience in a specific musical style meant we had to invest time and effort into mastering the genre, which was a risk in itself. We had to rely on our musical abilities and adaptability to learn and perform in a genre that was new to many of the members.
Secondly, compatibility was a significant risk I took in starting the group. Prior to starting the group, none of the members knew each other well. Although that may not seem like a huge risk, in this genre and in music in general, compatibility with one another is one of the key aspects of a successful music group. Building chemistry and understanding among group members is essential for creating harmonious and cohesive performances. We had to work on developing strong relationships and communication within the group, which was challenging at first but necessary for our success.
Another risk I took was spending all this money to start the group and getting everything ready when it wasn’t known for certain if it was even going to work out. The financial investment involved in purchasing outfits, and other necessary equipment was substantial. We also had to spend money on a lot of promotional materials to get our name out there. This monetary commitment was a significant gamble, given the uncertainty of our future success.
Additionally, knowing if everyone was actually ready for such a commitment was another uncertainty. Being part of a mariachi group requires a significant amount of time and dedication. We had to be sure that all members were willing to commit to regular rehearsals, performances, and the ongoing development of our musical skills. Ensuring that everyone was on the same page regarding the level of commitment needed was crucial for our group’s stability and success.
Furthermore, fitting into the conservative mariachi world and facing scrutiny from other musicians was a considerable risk. Mariachi is a traditional genre with deep cultural roots, and entering this space as newcomers meant we had to prove ourselves to the established community. We faced skepticism and scrutiny from other musicians who had been performing in this genre for years. Overcoming these external challenges required us to be confident in our abilities and dedicated to earning our place in the mariachi world.
Despite the risks, founding the mariachi group has been immensely rewarding, significantly aiding my personal and professional growth. Taking calculated risks has opened new opportunities, fostering innovation and creativity. These challenges have built my confidence, adaptability, and resilience, teaching me valuable lessons in team dynamics, financial management, and marketing. Even when outcomes weren’t as planned, each experience provided insights applicable to future endeavors. Embracing risks as steps toward my goals, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and stepping out of my comfort zone. Each risk has contributed to our group’s success and my ongoing development, making risk-taking integral to my journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has been my guiding force for as long as I can remember. I started in classical piano at the age of 3, I continued my progression by honing my skills as a singer, actor, pianist and trumpet player. Eventually, I started playing with various musical groups, while completing a Bachelor of Science. Here, I took multiple ensemble courses, and I got the chance to explore various musical genres. My exposure to all these different genres, opened my world to diverse sounds and styles. As I studied and practiced, I learned to master various instruments such as piano, vocals, trumpet, vihuela, and guitar. These experiences not only honed my musical skills but also enriched my understanding of different cultures and traditions.
I had some special moments in my musical career, but one of the most pivotal moments in my musical career was founding Mariachi Nueva Fusion. Leading this ensemble taught me invaluable lessons in creativity, teamwork, leadership, and cultural appreciation. Although, balancing academic demands with musical commitments poses challenges, the growth I experience as both an artist and leader is immensely rewarding. Collaborating with talented musicians and sharing our passion for mariachi music is an important cornerstone of my musical journey.
I have been lucky enough to have been the recipient of multiple awards in different categories and genres. However, winning national awards for my piano compositions stands as a testament to my dedication and artistic vision. Now, as I start my master’s program at ASU, at the age of 16, I continue to be wholeheartedly committed to furthering my musical prowess and sharing the transformative power of music with others. Whether through performances, compositions, or teaching, I strive to inspire and connect with audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the arts and its musical expression.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s what I would do!

Day 1:
• Papago Park for a scenic hike and sunset
• Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco
Day 2
• Breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast
• Heard Museum
• Lunch at The Arrogant Butcher
• Desert Botanical Garden
• Dinner at Postino Central
Day 3
• Brunch at Snooze
• Tempe Town Lake (kayaking/paddleboarding)
• Lunch at Culinary Dropout
• Tempe Marketplace
• Dinner at House of Tricks
Day 4
• Breakfast at Ncounter
• Mesa Arts Center
• Lunch at Republica Empanada
• Arizona Museum of Natural History
• Dinner at Worth Takeaway
Day 5
• Breakfast at The Breakfast Club
• Old Town Scottsdale
• Lunch at Olive & Ivy
• Joya Spa
• Dinner at Citizen Public House
Day 6
• Breakfast at O.H.S.O. Brewery
• Saguaro Lake (boat tour/kayaking)
• Lunch at Canyon Lake Marina
• Usery Mountain Regional Park
• Dinner at Rustler’s Rooste
Day 7
• Brunch at The Henry
• Phoenix Zoo
• Biltmore Fashion Park (souvenirs)
• Dinner at FnB Restaurant

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people have helped me along this journey in many different ways, and as such, it is hard to pinpoint just one specific person. From advice on what to do next, to someone that donated some trajes to us, each person has helped in their own unique way. Each mentor, friend, and family member has contributed to my growth and success in unique ways, and I am grateful for their support and encouragement!

Website: https://mariachinuevafusion.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariachinuevafusion/?next=%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariachinuevafusion/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mariachi-nueva-fusion-mesa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb4dairrYqk0mhNmzv2TSJA