About Mars Salazar

Mars Salazar is an astute and dynamic music journalist deeply entrenched in the rhythmic heart of Austin, Texas. Born and raised in the Live Music Capital of the World, Mars brings a native's expertise and passion to her role as a Music Reporter at the Austin-American Statesman. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin, showcasing her solid academic foundation in media and communication.

Throughout her burgeoning career, Mars has distinguished herself as a prominent voice in the Austin music scene. Her extensive portfolio includes over 40 published articles in The Austin Chronicle, an alternative weekly print newspaper that caters to the city's eclectic tastes and underground vibes, where she got her start at the tender age of 19 years old.

“Music to me is an emotional conversation. Good music tells you all the things you can’t stand to tell yourself,” Salazar said in her August introduction article for the American-Statesman. “I’m not here to blow smoke up your guitar cables, rather to appreciate captivating performances with keen and discerning viewership. By no means am I the arbiter of taste in this city, but possessed by a love of music that bleeds into my writing.”

Mars excels in high-pressure, live event settings. She plays a vital role in covering major music festivals such as South By Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Fest, delivering both timely and evocative content. Her impressive portfolio of multimedia engagements include hosting the red carpet for a SXSW live taping in March 2022, which was featured on The CW Austin and KXAN News.

Mars’ dedication to journalism extends beyond traditional reportage. She was a featured speaker at the Texas Association for Journalism Educators Fall 2022 convention, sharing her insights on music journalism and emphasized the importance of authentic narrative creation to aspiring high school reporters.

In 2023, she was interviewed on KVRX 91.7, discussing her unique experiences reporting on Austin's underground music scene as a teenager. This early exposure to the industry shaped her journalistic approach and her ability to capture stories that resonate with both young and mature audiences.

Her technical skills are robust, with proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premier Pro, enabling her to create visually compelling media packages. She is trained in AP Style hard-news writing, ensuring her work is not only engaging but also adheres to the highest journalistic standards.

Looking ahead, Mars Salazar is driven by a fervent aspiration to further her education with a master's degree to expand her professional horizons. She aims to write for national magazines and host music programs on larger platforms, aiming to become a conduit for the stories that define and shape creative fields at both local and national levels.

With a career marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the arts, Mars Salazar continues to influence and inspire the next generation of journalists while contributing significantly to the cultural tapestry of Austin and beyond. For more about Mars Salazar and her projects, please visit her website and follow her on Instagram.