ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — For years, Thalia Pabón was content to stay out of the spotlight. The Puerto Rican–born Rochester business owner grew up in a musical family, but never imagined herself as a lead singer.
“I didn’t want to become a front-line singer,” she said. “That was my sister’s thing.”
Still, music found its way in. With her DJ father’s influence and encouragement from siblings, Pabón helped launch Sonidos Unidos, a Rochester-based crossover band, more than a decade ago. The group blended English rock staples with Latin rhythms — covering songs like Hotel California in bachata, and mixing salsa, merengue, and reggaetón into their sets.
That experience paved the way for Pabón to find her own voice. Now, she’s preparing to release her debut solo album, a collection she hopes will celebrate identity, migration, and the modern Latina experience.
Her sound blends Latin pop with acoustic soul, pulling from salsa, reggaetón, R&B, and traditional Puerto Rican folk. But for Pabón, the lyrics matter just as much as the rhythm. Her very first single, Yo Soy Latina, is designed as an anthem.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican — we’re all Latinas,” she said. “We carry that in our heart.”
Pabón admits the journey has been challenging. “There’s a difference between singing and stepping on the stage and becoming a performer,” she said. “That’s taken me a decade to master, and I’m still mastering to this day.”
For her, success isn’t measured in fame. “I just want to leave more of a legacy,” she said. “Even if it’s just for me, it’s something I’ve accomplished.”
Pabón’s debut solo album is still in the works, but fans will get a first listen at her album release concert on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Innovative Theatre.
Tickets are available online here. You can also purchase them in person at East Rochester’s Sunmed location or at Casa Campo Restaurant.
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