www.victoriacardona.com

Based out of South Florida, Victoria Cardona is a Cuban American singer/songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Her live looping performances are a sonic and visual experience that take the audience on a ride through the mind of a spontaneous improvisationalist. With the aid of the Boss RC-600 loop pedal, Victoria stacks intricate layers of guitar, bass, percussion, and vocal harmonies to create a backdrop for smokey, alto vocals and ripping lead guitar.

Victoria’s Cuban roots and familiarity with multicultural music genres provide the inspiration for the strong rhythmic undertone she delivers in conjunction with a harmonic counterpart that fuses elements of jazz, blues, soul, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, salsa, and rock ’n’ roll. Growing up in a traditional Cuban household, she was influenced by legends like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. ​ After studying jazz guitar in Florida and Minnesota, she developed her live looping, one-woman-band project. Victoria’s international tours took her across Europe, while her active Southeast U.S. performances sharpened her sound. 

Victoria released her debut studio album, Que Pasó, on June 27, 2025. Produced by Tim Goodman, the album sees Victoria with a full band for a collection of eight original and three creative cover songs. The album features legendary musicians Jimmy Haslip on bass, Jimmy Branley on drums, Justo Almario on horns, Bill Payne on piano, and Francisco Torres on trombone—blending Cuban rhythms with jazz, rock, and world influences, reflecting her personal history and cultural heritage.

5 Finger Review’s Elberton Cisnero writes, “Under the guidance of producer Tim Goodman, the album becomes a living room of intergenerational voices, each track a parlor where ancestors whisper and futures are imagined.” Que Pasó reached #1 Album on The Roots Music Report’s Top 50 World Album Chart.

Que Pasó Track-by-Track:

“En La Habana” explores the struggles faced by the Cuban people under communist rule, describing hardships like food shortages while offering a historical perspective on Cuba’s past. The song blends rhythmic Cuban percussion and brass, capturing the resilience of the Cuban people.

“Ghost” reflects on the haunting feeling of sensing a loved one’s presence long after their passing. Starting with a melancholic tone, it gradually becomes a heartfelt tribute, blending sorrow and celebration of the departed.

“George From Heaven” is a quirky tale based on a true encounter, where Victoria meets a mysterious calypso musician during a gig. The song’s lively Caribbean rhythms and playful storytelling bring the whimsical experience to life.

“Me Voy Pa La Playa (I’m Going to the Beach)” is an upbeat anthem about leaving behind the grind of everyday life to escape to an island paradise. The song features an infectious groove that celebrates freedom and the spirit of the Caribbean.

“Rhodes Royale” tells the story of Victoria’s experience as the only woman in a poker tournament in Greece, where her victory is met with resistance. The bold track captures her defiance through funky rhythms and a jazz fusion vibe.

“Camarena Baila” is a deeply personal song about Victoria’s family’s escape from Cuba. It tells the story of her grandparents’ resistance to government control and their eventual reunion in Florida. The song’s rhythm symbolizes the family’s resilience and the sweet taste of freedom.

“Tuesday Rain” captures the quiet excitement of seeing a crush through a rainy window. The track’s dreamy atmosphere and emotional build-up reflect the anticipation of meeting someone special in a moment of serendipity.

“Dos Gardenias,” a timeless bolero penned by Cuban composer Isolina Carrillo, receives a reverent yet personalized interpretation here—bridging its traditional roots with a refined Latin jazz sensibility.

“Slow Burn” describes a passionate yet doomed relationship. The song’s soulful instrumentation and reflective lyrics convey the slow realization that the relationship was always meant to end, portraying the emotional destruction of strong, reckless feelings.

“El Carretero” is a cover of a classic Cuban Guajira by Guillermo Portabales, honoring Victoria’s grandfather, a sugarcane carter. The song’s heartfelt lyrics about dedication to work and love for the countryside are brought to life with an authentic, traditional sound.

“Spanish Moon” is a Latin-infused cover of Little Feat’s classic, sung in Spanish. Victoria brings a fresh twist to the original, with vibrant rhythms and her own vocal interpretation, giving the song a new, danceable energy.