Lesly Martinez-Alvarez is a distinguished professional in the music and entertainment industry. She currently serves as the as the Business Manager at AUL Worldwide. Her journey with the company began in August 2022 as an intern and tour logistics coordinator, and thanks to her talent and dedication, she quickly became Business Manager for the company. In this role, she has supported logistics and business management for renowned urban artists such as Jay Wheeler and Tokischa, ensuring success of each performance.
In her current role at AUL, Lesly oversees event logistics across North America and handles tour budget planning. One of the most significant milestones in her career was her involvement in organizing the RUMBAZO festival in Las Vegas, cementing her reputation as a key leader in large-scale event production.
INTERVIEW WITH LESLY MARTINEZ-ALVAREZ
In an interview with Visión Music Magazine, Lesly shared her strategic vision for maintaining a detailed approach to tour and event execution, along with advice for women in the music industry on making a difference in the entertainment business.
How did your journey in the music industry begin?
My professional journey in the music industry began at a law firm specializing in entertainment, where I had the opportunity to assist hundreds of artists in obtaining their work visas for the entertainment industry. It was incredibly rewarding to see how artists from my culture could bring their talent and art to the United States, opening new doors to share their creativity on a global level.
When did your passion for music begin?
My first job at 18 was selling T-shirts at Coachella. When I saw the main stage for the first time, the magnitude of the event and the happiness of the people made me realize that I had to be part of this experience. The energy and culture of music were something incredible.
What has been your greatest satisfaction while supporting Latino talent?
There have been many rewarding moments, such as when I was able to bring Latino artists to the United States for the first time by assisting them with the immigration process. I also take pride in having facilitated the inclusion of Latino artists in festivals and shows where they historically weren’t part of the lineup. One moment I remember was seeing El Alfa deeply connect with the audience at a Rolling Loud show that I helped organize logistically. At that moment, I knew that when a Latino artist succeeds, they truly pave the way for the entire community to shine.
How do you feel about the current music landscape?
Latin music continues to gain more relevance on a global scale, which excites me. As a business manager, I am in a constant learning process about new markets and how to support artists globally. At the agency, we handle booking, while my role, from a financial perspective, is to ensure that each artist has the resources and information necessary to navigate the specific rules and regulations of each country.
How has it been working with Latino artists and seeing venues filled with fans excited to hear them live?
At the end of the day, what drives the industry is passionate people, and we do this for the fans. We know that live music experiences are a fundamental part of culture, and providing that goes beyond just a job—it’s being part of something much bigger. Seeing Latino artists connect with their audience and fill venues with energy is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job.
What is a phrase or piece of advice you’ve received that you keep in mind when facing challenges?
A piece of advice I always carry with me is, “You belong in the room.” Sometimes, when I face challenges or feel out of place, this phrase reminds me that I deserve to be where I am, that my skills and voice have a purpose. It’s a constant reminder to trust myself, take up space, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
What advice would you give to women who want to start a career in the music industry?
The first thing I’d tell them is that there is space for everyone. The industry isn’t just open to musicians; there’s room for talent in areas like IT, graphic design, finance, and much more. You don’t need musical skills to contribute. What matters is passion, because it’s true that the industry can be overwhelming. And although it’s an often-repeated piece of advice, I’d say: just go for it. I believe the music industry is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced spaces for growth, as there’s more flexibility in the rules and a lot of room for creativity.
Why is it necessary to have more female voices in the industry?
At the end of the day, female talent depends on us. Without women in leadership roles, who will advocate for them in festival lineups, for fair pay, for greater representation? We know that women build up other women, so it’s crucial to have more female voices in positions of power. Only then can we ensure that future generations of women in music have the same opportunities to shine.
With a strategic vision and a strong commitment to Latino representation in music, Lesly continues to make a difference in the entertainment industry. Her work not only impacts the logistics and finances of tours but also opens doors for more Latino artists to gain visibility on global stages. Through her work at AUL Worldwide, she has demonstrated that passion and knowledge can transform the industry from within, ensuring that Latino talent receives the opportunities and recognition it deserves.