Emerging from the vibrant streets of Santiago, Chile, Vanessa Estrada has found a new 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 festivals across Australia — including The National Multicultural Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Newstead Live, and most recently, the 2025 National Folk Festival — with her various projects.

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In July 2025, Vanessa launched her debut EP ¿Dónde están mis montañas? to a sold-out audience. This intimate and honest collection of five Latin indie-folk songs explores themes of migration, loneliness, love, and injustice. Rooted in nature, healing, and connection, and drawing inspiration from legends like Violeta Parra, Vanessa’s music carries a unique voice that bridges tradition and innovation.

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Vanessa leads a powerhouse six-piece band of some of Melbourne’s finest Latin musicians, taking audiences on a journey through South America — from the soul of Chile to the heights of the Andes and into the Caribbean. Their high-energy performances blend cumbia rhythms and Andean instruments with contemporary sounds, rock, and psychedelic touches.

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She is also the bandleader of SunSeeds, a four-piece collective blending folk traditions with electronic sounds. SunSeeds are set to release their much-anticipated debut album Sur on September 28, 2025.

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In addition, Vanessa is a member of Queen of Hearts, a vibrant collective of Latin American and Australian women artists inspired by mariachi traditions and reimagined through original contemporary works.

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Her artistry has been supported by initiatives such as Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Ahead of the Curve. Her commitment to cultural diversity and innovation earned her a 2022 Music Victoria Award nomination, and in 2025 she was named a finalist at the Australian Folk Music Awards. More than a performance, Vanessa Estrada’s live show is a cultural experience — powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.