Daniel Meza (38) speaks to The Asunción Times as band Tierra Adentro shares its latest album “Koʼág̃a” (Now, in Guaraní) and begins a 2026 national tour. The Paraguayan singer reflects on his influences, the band’s origins, and their international milestones. He also explains why Guaraní, gastronomy, and tradition shape their artistic mission. Above all, he speaks about gratitude and the present moment.
“Paraguayan music would open doors for me everywhere.”
Off stage, Meza keeps things simple. “I am family-oriented… very calm, cheerful,” he says, before laughing. “It is difficult to talk about oneself.” However, when he speaks about music, his words flow easily.
His father, a musician, shapes his earliest path. “He was the one who influenced me in everything related to folklore and love for Paraguayan music.” As a child, he watched him sing with his group or perform solo. From those years, one phrase stays with him. “He always told me that Paraguayan music would open doors for me everywhere.”
That message proves true. Meza recalls walking into a music shop in Hamburg and seeing records by Paraguayan artist Luis Alberto del Paraná on sale. “For me, he is a cornerstone of influence.” He also honours Quemil Yambay and Emiliano R. Fernández. “It is difficult to name just a few, but they were among the most influential.”
The Birth of Tierra Adentro
The Paraguayan band Tierra Adentro, formed in 2014, blends traditional folk with modern sounds. Its members, Dani Meza (vocals, guitar), Rodrigo Pereira (vocals, accordion, keyboards), Luis Duarte (vocals, guitar), Beto Barrios (drums), and Ariel Escurra (vocals, guitar, bass) create rich harmonies and energetic rhythms. Meza joined a year after the band’s formation, as returning founding members began performing at social events and festivals, opening new opportunities.
In 2015, the band needed a singer after one member received an offer to work in the United States. “They contacted me, and I began rehearsing with them.” Since then, the group has consolidated its line-up and built a strong national presence. Although some members later leave, he stresses that friendship remains. “The friendship continues. Only the professional link changes.”
“Love for what I do drives me.”
For him, every day begins with purpose. “Today I want to compose a song, rehearse a song, sing a song.” He believes passion must come first. “If you add passion, discipline, and determination, you can overcome obstacles.”
Still, he recognises the challenges. “The path is not easy. There will be setbacks and falls.” In difficult moments, he relies on conviction. “Love for what you do is what drives you,” he insists. Then he adds, “The audience is sacred to me.”
A decisive turning point comes with the song “Viajando Voy”. “It was a turning point for us. It was the first original song we shared, and the response was incredible.” The track, which celebrates landscapes and emotions, helps define their identity.
“Guaraní forms part of our DNA.”
Language stands at the centre of their mission. “Guaraní forms part of our DNA as Paraguayans; even those who do not speak it daily still understand its presence. Bilingualism is natural and inherent to us.”
Therefore, singing in Guaraní feels essential. “As artists, we have a tacit commitment to keep our culture alive.” He notes that around 85% of Paraguay’s population speaks the language every day. When travelling abroad, curiosity follows. “People are always asking about it. You end up speaking for 15 or 20 minutes just about Guaraní.”
Beyond language, the band highlights gastronomy and traditions. Meza mentions vori vori, sopa paraguaya, and chipa apó (making of chipa) during Holy Week. He also celebrates tereré, made from Ilex paraguariensis, as part of everyday life. One tradition he especially values is tupanói, the custom of asking for a blessing from elders. “It is a very beautiful habit that we Paraguayans still practise,” noting that it reflects respect, humility, and strong family bonds.
When asked about future projects that could bring Paraguayan music closer to the world, Meza confesses: “Collaborations can help, but the key is to keep working sincerely and honestly. As Berta Rojas says, ‘the secret is to keep making music with commitment and authenticity, not focusing only on awards.'”
International milestones and the present moment
International recognition strengthens their commitment. Meza recalls the nomination to the Latin Grammy Awards in 2020 as a defining moment. “It was unforgettable,” he says, remembering the strict pandemic measures and uncertainty. The band traveled to Miami under health restrictions and participated in a largely virtual ceremony. “We did not know what was going to happen, but we made it there.”
In 2023, however, the experience felt different. The band attended the ceremony in Seville and met artists, producers, and industry figures. Another highlight took place in Dubai, where the band represented Paraguay at the World Expo. While performing “Lucerito Alba”, they noticed something unexpected in the crowd. “When we were playing, the Arabs started dancing with us. We were surprised.” For him, that spontaneous reaction proves that music crosses borders without translation. “I think it happens because of the joy that Paraguayan music carries,” he explains.
Now, Tierra Adentro presents “Ko’ág̃a”, its latest album. The title reflects a conscious pause after more than a decade together. “After nearly 12 years as a band, we feel we are in a serene moment.” Instead of rushing forward, they choose to appreciate the present.
The album explores joy, resilience, longing, reflection, and celebration across five songs. Moreover, the band designs the tracks with the stage in mind. Tierra Adentro wants songs that feel alive in concert and connect instantly with audiences. As the 2026 tour continues across Paraguay, Meza looks ahead with gratitude and optimism. “We feel fortunate to keep making music together,” he concludes.
For more information about the band’s future shows, follow Tierra Adentro on social media.
