The Latin Recording Academy is bringing the good vibes and good music straight to your screen with an exclusive performance from Latin GRAMMY nominee El Fantasma featuring by Latin GRAMMY winners Los Dos Carnales and Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee Lupita Infante.

The digital concert premiered today via the Latin Recording Academy's Facebook page, where it'll be available to view for 48 hours; afterward, the performances will also be available exclusively on the artists' Facebook pages for 90 days. The performance marks the launch of the Latin Recording Academy's 2022 Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions, presented in partnership with Meta.

Watch the acoustic performance in full below.

Filmed at the renowned Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral in Mexico City, one of the city's most architecturally significant venues, the digital concert mixes exclusive performances with unique storytelling. The 44-minute concert features renditions of songs chosen by the artists, never-before-heard collaborations and duets, and intimate conversations between all three artists, all set against a dramatic backdrop.

This performance puts the spotlight directly on the exploding Mexican Regional genre, which continues to grow online and around the world. El Fantasma, the vision of Mexican regional singer/songwriter Alexander Garcia, was noted as "part of the new wave of Mexillennials that you should really keep on your radar," Billboard reported in 2018. That same year, he and his group, y Su Equipo Armado, received their first-ever Latin GRAMMY nomination for Best Banda Album for En El Camino.

Los Dos Carnales is the Mexican norteño duo comprising brothers Imanol and Poncho Quezada. After exploding on the scene via their 2018 debut album Te Lo Dije, the group won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Norteño Music Album for Al Estilo Rancherón at the 2021 Latin GRAMMYs. Their most recent single "No Estaré Aquí" debuted earlier this year.

Mexican American singer/songwriter, Latin GRAMMY nominee, and GRAMMY nominee Lupita Infante is deeply versed in the traditional mariachi, ranchera and norteño traditions, which she has successfully adapted for the millennial and Gen Z generations. The granddaughter of iconic Mexican singer and actor Pedro Infante, she propels her family's musical legacy forward with her own esteemed career. In 2020, her single "Dejaré" was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY, and a year later, she received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Regional Mexican Album for La Serenata.

The Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions began six years ago as a series of in-person events for small audiences offering intimate musical experiences combined with storytelling. In addition to showcasing established performers, the series aims to promote the new generation of up-and-coming talent focusing on diversity and equity within each genre. Two years ago, the Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions added a global digital franchise, providing access to Latin musical excellence for all.

The next installment of the 2022 Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions, a digital concert shot in São Paulo, Brazil, will premiere later this year. Additional details, including the full lineup, will be announced soon.  

Latin Music's Next Era: How New Festivals & Big Billings Have Helped Bring Reggaeton, New Corridos & More To The Masses

Seven years ago, the Latin Recording Academy developed an initiative to honor and recognize professional and socially-conscious women within the arts and Latin entertainment fields. Today, the organization has announced its 2023 Leading Ladies Of Entertainment honorees, each of whom have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders. 

 This year's honorees are:

• Róndine Alcalá: Founder of RondenePR, a music and entertainment public relations firm

• Mon Laferte: Singer/songwriter, multiple Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY  nominee

• Simone Torres: GRAMMY-nominated engineer and vocal producer

• Ana Villacorta López: SVP Marketing and Promotion at Sony Music Entertainment Mexico

A private ceremony and luncheon celebrating the Leading Ladies' efforts will be held in Sevilla (Andalusia), Spain, on Monday, Nov. 13, as part of the marquee events for Latin GRAMMY Week 2023. 

"This diverse group of outstanding and successful women have made great contributions to Latin music," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said. "We are proud to celebrate them with this and other initiatives that seek to promote gender parity and honor the important role women play in the entertainment industry."  

El Corte Inglés, Viñas Familia Gil and Noteable by Spotify for Artists join the celebration as official sponsors; and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía, with co-financing from European Funds, joins as institutional partner. 

For the third year, Notable will be making another special scholarship donation to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation's Scholarship Fund in support of future Latin music makers.

Forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of the program, and Leading Ladies of Entertainment has partnered with  She Is The Music — a global nonprofit working to increase the number of women in music — and the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on a collaborative mentorship program. Past Leading Ladies honorees will be invited to mentor a She Is The Music mentee. The partnership will build on last year's  Leading Ladies Connect TogetHER Mentorship Program.

Applications for the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER Mentorship Program are now open through Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. E.T. Apply to the mentorship program now and read the guidelines. For any additional questions, email lgcf@grammy.com.  

Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees below:

Róndine Alcalá:

Róndine Alcalá, founder and owner of Rondene PR, started her career in public relations while working for international artist Luis Miguel in 1999 on his "Amarte Es Un Placer" world tour. Shortly after that she worked as senior publicist for a renowned PR firm in Los Angeles, where she developed and managed campaigns for superstars such as Alejandro Sanz, Shakira, Maná, Robi Draco Rosa, Enrique Iglesias, Ricardo Arjona, Sin Bandera, Alejandro Fernández and Julieta Venegas. Originally from Venezuela, Alcalá has contributed to the careers of global artists such as Ricky Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, Laura Pausini, Los Temerarios, Luis Fonsi, Soraya, Natalia Lafourcade, Pablo Alborán, Jesse & Joy and Camilo, as well as served corporate clients, at her own firm.

Mon Laferte:

Inside Norma Monserrat Bustamante Laferte also lives singer/songwriter and visual artist Mon Laferte. She began her career de ella performing popular songs in the streets of Viña del Mar, on the central Chilean coast, during her adolescence. This growth continued in Mexico, a country that welcomed her with open arms and where she was able to independently release her first two albums of hers, Desechable and Tornasol. A few years would pass before the arrival of the acclaimed Mon Laferte Vol.1 , an album with which she conquered not only an increasingly loyal, affectionate and large audience, but also several Latin GRAMMY nominations. New songs continued to appear over the years, until the 2021 release of the GRAMMY-nominated 1940 Carmen , her seventh album, as well as its predecessor Seis . Mon Laferte is an artist with a vision that goes beyond genres and ways of making music. This experimentation, overcoming the fear of trial and error, perseverance and, of course, her de ella talent, have made her one of the most beloved and influential Latin American female artists in the world.

Simone Torres:

GRAMMY and Diamond Award-nominated engineer and vocal producer Simone Torres has worked on records for artists like Cardi B, Camila Cabello, Becky G and Anitta. Some notable accomplishments include vocal producing Normani's "Motivation" and engineering Cardi B's "I Like It" and "Be Careful." Recently she's worked with Becky G on multiple records including her latest single "La Nena." She believes that her role de ella is to help bridge the gap between the technical and the creative aspects of making music. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Torres is known for her deft touch when it comes to vocal production. Beyond the studio, she works with organizations to create safe spaces that foster young women and gender expansive folks seeking music careers.
 
Ana Villacorta López:

Ana Villacorta López joined the music entertainment industry in 1981. After a brief stint at RCA, she worked for over a decade at EMI, primarily as Director of International Development in Spain. In 1993 she assumed the position of Regional Marketing Director at EMI and moved to Mexico. Five years later she joined BMG as Marketing Director of Ariola. After the merger with Sony, she took over as Marketing Director, and in 2015 she returned to Mexico as Senior Vice President. She has accompanied many artists in their careers, including Rocío Durcal, Julio Iglesias, Héroes del Silencio, Thalía, Fito Páez, Tony Bennett, Maná, One Direction, Vicente Fernández, Joaquín Sabina, Joan Manuel Serrat, Reik, Carlos Rivera and Camila.

About She Is The Music:

She Is The Music (SITM) is a global nonprofit working to increase the number of women in music and transform the gender landscape of the industry. Operating as a unifying network for the music business and beyond, SITM provides resources and support for female-focused initiatives, both through their own programs as well as external efforts worldwide. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, SITM is powered by industry-wide representation: creators, publishers, record labels, talent agencies, management companies, industry groups, think tanks, media companies, streaming services and more. Entertainment Industry Foundation serves as a partner. For more information, visit  sheisthemusic.org.

The Latin Recording Academy Announces Its 2023 Special Merit Award Honorees: Alex Acuña, Arturo Sandoval, Soda Stereo, Simone & More

Today, the Latin Recording Academy announced that Carmen Linares, Mijares, Arturo Sandoval, Simone, Soda Stereo, and Ana Torroja will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of its annual Special Awards Presentation. In tandem, Alex Acuña, Gustavo Santaolalla and Wisón Torres will receive the Trustees Award.

"We are extremely honored for the opportunity to recognize these great figures of Ibero-America, whose musical legacy continues to inspire new generations," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said of the 2023 honorees. "We look forward to celebrating their virtuoso careers during Latin GRAMMY Week in Sevilla this coming November."

Read More: Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud On The Global Expansion Of The Latin GRAMMYs: "It Is Our Responsibility To Support Our Artists In Their Quest To Go Global"

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made works of excellence within the Latin musical sphere. The Trustees Award is presented to those who have made tremendous contributions to Latin music outside of performance. Both distinctions are voted on by the Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees.

The honorees will be celebrated during a private event as part of Latin GRAMMY Week 2023 on Sunday, Nov. 12, in the Teatro Lope de Vega in Sevilla, Spain. 

This news follows the recent announcement of Laura Pausini as the 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

This November, the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 24th Latin GRAMMY Awards, will take place in Sevilla, Spain, marking the award show’s first-ever international telecast. This year, the Latin GRAMMYs will introduce several new Latin GRAMMY Award categories, including Best Songwriter Of The Year, Best Singer-Songwriter Song and Best Portuguese-Language Urban Performance, among other changes. 

Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award honorees below:

Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs Explained: 4 Reasons To Be Excited About The New Categories & Changes

Carmen Linares (Spain)

One of the most gifted, passionate and knowledgeable cantaoras in the history of flamenco, Carmen Linares stands alongside Spanish legends such as Camarón de la Isla, Paco de Lucía and Enrique Morente. Born in the city of Linares, Andalucía, in 1951, she learned the musical codes of flamenco at a young age guided by her father's guitar. In 1971, the release of her first album showcased a deep understanding of traditional Spanish styles. It was the beginning of a dazzling career that found her recording the works of Spanish poets like Federico García Lorca, Juan Ramón Jiménez and Miguel Hernández – as well as showcasing the splendor of flamenco artistry in concert halls around the world. Antología De La Mujer En El Cante (1996) is considered one of the essential records in the history of flamenco, and in 2020, she celebrated her career with the tour Cantaora: 40 Años De Flamenco. Linares has performed with symphony orchestras, directed her own shows and recorded songs for film and television soundtracks. In 2022 she received the Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts for a lifetime of dedication and devotion to flamenco.

Mijares (Mexico)

Throughout his distinguished musical career, Mijares has produced a wide variety of records and sold millions of them along the way. Manuel Mijares was born in 1958 in Mexico City, where he began his artistic career with groups Sentido and Los Continentales, and was part of Emmanuel's chorus. His solo debut, Soñador, in 1986, included the international smash "Bella". In 1989 he enjoyed a pinnacle of popularity with the LP Un Hombre Discreto, backed by the torrid ballad "Para Amarnos Más". With hits like "Uno Entre Mil" and "No Se Murió el Amor," in the summer of 2009 he released Vivir Así, an album of balada favorites. After countless international performances, in 2016 he celebrated three decades of uninterrupted career with a concert at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

Arturo Sandoval (Cuba/U.S.)

A founding member of innovative Cuban group Irakere, Arturo Sandoval has excelled as a Latin jazz musician, pianist, classical composer and trumpet virtuoso. Born in Artemisa, Cuba, in 1949, Sandoval formed Irakere in 1973 with keyboardist Chucho Valdés and saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera. Together, they pioneered a bold fusion of experimental jazz, funky rock'n'roll and rousing Afro-Cuban patterns. Sandoval left the band in 1981, and later moved to the U.S. with the assistance of his mentor Dizzy Gillespie. He then assembled his own band and began touring the world. Sandoval is equally comfortable performing as a classical trumpet soloist with symphony orchestras across the globe, and has also composed two Concertos for Trumpet and Orchestra. He's the recipient of multiple Latin GRAMMYs and GRAMMYs, and won an Emmy for composing the score of For Love or Country—an emotionally stirring HBO biopic based on his life and starring Andy García. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2013.

Simone (Brazil)

Simone's prolific and massively successful discography sums up the allure of the MPB movement and a samba-fueled revelry of life and romance. Born Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira in Salvador, Bahia, in 1949, the singer released her debut LP in 1973 followed by Quatro Paredes in 1974 and Gotas D'Água a year later. Featuring an ethereal reading of "Proposta" by Roberto Carlos and a soaring rendition of Milton Nascimento's "Idolatrada", respectively, the songbooks of both composers would continue to inspire Simone throughout her career. Simone made a deep imprint in Brazilian popular culture by recording the theme songs of many television soap operas, and also through her powerful live performances. Brilliantly combining a refined artistic palette with pop culture appeal, she is still at the top of her game both in the recording studio and concert stages around the world.

Soda Stereo (Argentina)

The Buenos Aires power trio Soda Stereo was formed in 1982 by Gustavo Cerati, Zeta Bosio and Charly Alberti. Initially influenced by British new wave, Soda's early hits like "Cuando Pase El Temblor" and "Nada Personal," connected with a young generation of fans pining for a rock band that offered a distinct South American perspective. As Soda enjoyed success outside of Argentina, its sound became more sophisticated, and yielded albums like Doble Vida (1988) with classics like "En La Ciudad De La Furia," while Canción Animal (1990) included "De Música Ligera," Soda's biggest hit. The band broke up in 1995, two years after their last studio album, Sueño Stereo, and celebrated their trajectory with the epic double live album El Último Concierto – only to return in 2007 for the final Me Verás Volver tour. Despite Cerati's unexpected death in 2014, Soda Stereo's music continues to live on in the hearts of their fans.

Ana Torroja (Spain)

Ana Torroja became an international pop star in the 1980s as the charismatic voice of the Spanish pop trio Mecano. The iconic group achieved unprecedented levels of success, selling more than 25 million records worldwide. In 1997 Torroja embarked on a solo career with the successful release of Puntos Cardinales, and following the band's definitive breakup a year later, she blossomed as a sophisticated singer/songwriter experimenting with exhilarating mosaic of styles. In 1999 Torroja surprised her fans again with her second album, Pasajes De Un Sueño, which abandoned the radio-friendly hits of the past in favor of a more cosmopolitan sound, with songs like "Ya No Te Quiero" and "Dentro De Mí." She toured the world with Girados (2000), a joint concert with her friend, the legendary Miguel Bosé, with whom she would later record "Corazones." She continues to be active in the recording studio and the concert halls of Europe and the Americas, always committed to both her loyal audience and to the genre she has been masterfully defending for more than four decades. 

2023 Trustees Award Honorees:

Alex Acuña (Peru)

A drummer and percussionist of remarkable technique, Alex Acuña is also a revered jazz and fusion bandleader. Born in Pativilca, Peru, in 1944, he was enlisted by mambo king Pérez Prado at age 18 after moving to Lima. Acuña later worked in Las Vegas with the legendary Elvis Presley and Diana Ross, and joined jazz-rock supergroup Weather Report in the mid-'70s, where he contributed progressive polyrhythms to two of the band's most iconic albums, Black Market (1976) and Heavy Weather (1977). Following his departure from the band, Acuña amassed a prolific discography as a session sideman, working with Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Plácido Domingo, U2 and many others. In the '80s, he flexed his creative muscles with the Christian jazz-funk collective Koinonia, and also paid tribute to his Afro-Peruvian roots with the mystically tinged songs of Los Hijos del Sol. In recent years, he contributed his marvelous percussive skills to the soundtracks of such high-profile films as Coco, Moana, West Side Story and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Gustavo Santaolalla (U.S./Argentina)

Argentine composer, singer/songwriter and producer Gustavo Santaolalla—winner of multiple Latin GRAMMYs and GRAMMYs— has single-handedly changed the course of Latin music throughout a tireless career that spans multiple fields, decades and genres. Santaolalla became a rock star in his teens as co-founder of pioneering folk-rock supergroup Arco Iris. After moving to Los Angeles in the late '70s and establishing an artistic partnership with keyboardist Aníbal Kerpel, he became the one of the most influential producers in Latin rock history, helming a series of masterful albums by the likes of Café Tacvba, Maldita Vecindad, Julieta Venegas, Juanes and many others. The 1998 release of Ronroco paved the way for a new chapter as a soulful and inventive composer of soundtracks. His haunting scores for Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Alejandro González Iñárritu's Babel (2006) won Academy Awards for Best Original Score. Concurrently, he has toured the world as a founding member of the genre-defying Bajofondo, a Rio de la Plata contemporary music group, and has collaborated with a wide array of artists – from Eric Clapton to the Kronos Quartet and classical composer Osvaldo Golijov. In recent years, he has gained acclaim writing the music for the two installments of the video game The Last of Us, as well as its subsequent and highly successful television adaptation, for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Wisón Torres (U.S/Puerto Rico) 

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1934, Wisón Torres started playing guitar at just seven years of age, and made his first professional appearance on Puerto Rican radio with Los Sultanes—a group he created and directed—at 14. Then, in 1951, he was given the task of forming and directing Los Hispanos de Puerto Rico, a quartet composed of members of different trios who joined together for special performances throughout the island. Inspired by the progressive arrangements of American jazz quartets, Torres fused their harmonies with a Latin American sensibility, and created a distinct sound for Los Hispanos with his unique ability to arrange and harmonize vocal quartets. The group's refined, distinctive sound led to extensive tours in Latin America and the United States. In the mid-sixties, Tito Rodríguez produced a series of albums with Los Hispanos the transposed their sound to the pop music of the time. Over the years they also recorded with Tito Puente's orchestra, toured England and continued with recording projects. With a career spanning more than 75 years, Torres still creates music to this day.

The Latin Recording Academy and the Recording Academy congratulate the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award honorees. Watch this space for more information about the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs!

Clarissa, Giulia Be & Maria Rita Performed At The Best New Artist Showcase In São Paulo: See Images & Watch Videos

The Latin Recording Academy presented its second Best New Artist Showcase featuring Latin GRAMMY winners and previous nominees in the Best New Artist category, Matisse.

The event took place last night at Priceless with Estoril restaurant in Mexico City, which is also launching its second season inspired by music.

“The Best New Artist category is fundamental for us because it gives us the opportunity to recognize artists who are just beginning their careers,” Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said. “Today we celebrate the Latin GRAMMY journey with Matisse — who were nominated in this category in 2015 and winners last year — providing inspiration to the next generation of music creators.”

The Best New Artist Showcase tour of Latin America kicked off last November during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas, and the series is the centerpiece of the partnership between Mastercard and the Latin Recording Academy.

The next Best New Artist Showcase will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, in July, and the Latin Recording Academy will share more details soon.

Meet The Latest Wave Of Rising Latin LGBTQIA+ Stars: Ana Macho, Nicole Zignago, Bruses & More

Since Lupita Infante started making music in 2018, she has dedicated her career to carrying her family's storied legacy. The granddaughter of Mexican icon Pedro Infante, the singer has put her own spin on traditional mariachi music while evoking the nostalgia of her grandfather's legendary music and movie career — and that's especially true on her second album, Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes.

Infante's latest LP is steeped in rich mariachi music. The Mexican vihuela, guitarrón, and cinematic strings conjure the music in grandfather's movies, but she makes the sound her own with bold confidence and powerful vocals. All of the songs are like vignettes in her soundtrack to love in all its forms: the dreamy "Besarte Así" describes a beautiful romance that feels lifted out of a script; on the flipside, Infante takes the power back in the heart-wrenching "Ya No Vuelvas," which sees a woman freeing herself from a toxic relationship.

Though Lupita has the Infante last name, following in her family's legacy was a journey she had to figure out on her own. Pedro Infante died in a tragic plane crash in 1957; her father, Pedro Infante, Jr. (who also was a famous actor), passed away in 2009. As she tells GRAMMY.com, Infante has been a student of her grandfather's: "From his work ethic, all the films that he left, and all the music, for me, that's been my school — listening to all of his recordings and interviews."

After years of gigging with various bands and honing her own style of mariachi music, she appeared on La Voz, a Latin spin-off of The Voice, in 2017. Two years later, she released her debut album, La Serenata, which earned Infante her first GRAMMY nomination for Best Regional Mexican Album in 2021. She's proven to continue making her mark, too, as she signed with Sony Music Latin last year.

"It's been a long road," Infante recalls. "I've had to find my own path. Even when I had started in my journey, my dad had already passed away, so I've been having all kinds of experiences from the beginning — good ones, bad ones — but luckily, I found a team of people who are incredible to work with, who have taught me so much, and have gotten me to this point today."

Infante is creating her own legacy in mariachi music and manifesting that through her songs. Before releasing Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes, she talked with GRAMMY.com about the stories behind some of the new songs, how she is paying homage to her family's history, and her future ahead.

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How have your grandfather and father inspired your music?

Having a last name like Infante, I think it's opened a lot of doors for me to get in front of the right people or to get certain opportunities. At the same time, it's something that I can't take myself away from. Just growing in the career, I've always had in my mind and my heart that part of who I am, even with my performances and my recordings, it's always going to be some kind of tribute to my family. I'm just really proud and even blessed that I can do that, pay tribute to them in a way that also shares a little bit of my story too — but always, of course, giving the credit to how it all started for my grandfather and for my father too.

How are you putting your own stamp on the traditional mariachi music sound?

I feel like the sound of mariachi, it hasn't really changed a whole lot as far as arrangements and instrumentation goes. It's a very classic sound. On my new album, we did try to add certain instruments from music that's more commercial — adding the accordion or the sierreño guitar or requinto guitar.

There's even a song, "Quién No Ha Llorado Por Amor," where we added tuba instead of the guitarrón, just to change it up a little bit and give it different flavors of Mexican music. That song — which was produced by Luciano Luna and written by Omar Tarazón and myself in Mazatlán — I feel like that song has a very Sinaloa inspiration to it.

What was the inspiration for your new album Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes?

The title translates to "Love Like In the Old Time Movies." It's definitely inspired by this imagery of the collection of films that my grandfather has left us all. A friend of mine, Pedro Dabdoub, wrote this song called "Besarte Así." There's a line in there that says in Spanish: "In the old time movies, I saw this kind of love before."

Going through every song, going through every lyric, and trying to piece it together, that was a line that really spoke to me. You get all kinds of imagery from that line. I was really inspired by that and we kind of just ran with that.

Every song on the album is a love song. Some are about heartbreak. One is a love song about a car ["Mi Carrito"]. Some are talking about the perfect love. I wrote a lot of these songs before I was signed with Sony Music. I was just writing really because I wanted to talk about my feelings, and just share what I had inside. You're going to hear really personal stories.

In Regional Mexican music, historically women were presented before as damsels in distress. In your album and songs like "Ya No Vuelvas," you're showing all facets to a woman's perspective in the genre.

[We were] looking for some clips from movies from the '40s and '50s that we [could] tie in [with the music video]. Even looking at the way women are portrayed, it's very dramatic. It's like a damsel in distress, or she's mad, or she's in love. She's so emotional and kind of crazy.

It's fun to play around with those sentiments, but at the same time, it's really important to have that agency and control over what you want to express as a woman. [Like] with "Ya No Vuelvas," she's fed up with the guy's crap and she's going to let him know, and kick him out of here.

"Ya No Vuelvas" is one of your most raw vocal performances on the album. What you're feeling in that song comes through in your powerful vocals.

That's one of the songs, and "Quien No Ha Llorado Por Amor." They're songs that you go to this certain place in your heart and your soul and your Mexicanness, and you just pour it out and bring it out. It was probably one of the easiest songs to record with the least amount of takes. It was like, "Let me just get this feeling out," and that's how it came out.

"Mi Carrito" has a bit of a country music influence with it. Was that your way of bringing together the sounds of your Mexican and American backgrounds?

I definitely am. We wrote it in the pandemic, and we went to this cabin in the mountains. I think it just kind of sounded like the way it would sound if you're up there in the mountains and driving your car, because that was the only thing you could do.

Being in L.A., it's such a big car culture city. I think there's this big affinity that we have towards our cars, especially during that time — it was my only escape. ["Mi Carrito"] definitely has that country feel with the slide guitar and the fiddle, so it gives that mood.

"Pa Dentro" is a song that you wrote with another woman, Erika Vidrio. What does it mean to you to bring more women into the Regional Mexican music space?

I think it's important for women, in a sense, to form alliances and really support each other, and lift each other up. Even over the summer, Erika Vidrio, BMI and Amazon did a whole songwriter camp called Las Compositoras, and it was all women. It was just so much fun working with all different types of women — everyone coming from a different background and point-of-view. Maybe some women will be more rough and want to talk about real-life experiences and what they've been through. There's other girls who are more soft and gentle, and they want to talk more about love or hurt.

Even learning from every single person and their personalities and their writing styles, that's a lot of fun. Being part of events like that, and for us to create events like that, it's really important, especially for the future songwriters that are coming through as well. I think it's going to keep happening more and more. It's working, and it's good for us.

Throughout your career, you've shown support for the LGBTQIA+ community, who have historically been excluded from the Regional Mexican music scene. Why is it important for you to support that community?

At UCLA, I took a class about music in the LGBTQIA+ community. You had to pick an event to go to and write about it. Always appreciating mariachi, I was like, "I'm going to watch Mariachi Arcoiris at Tempo and I'm going to interview Natalia [Melendez], and see her experience and see what that's all about."

I [took] my mom with me to club Tempo. I didn't know what to expect. They would do this karaoke night back then, and people would come up and they're singing these songs that I've heard for years, but they're taking the meaning and making it mean something very specific to them, that speaks to them.

Honestly, it really transformed the way I see music and the way I saw the LGBTQIA+ community. Like the song "Vámonos" [by José Alfredo Jiménez], when I heard it being sung in that space, it had such a strong meaning for the person singing it. At the end of the day, we're all just people, and we all have feelings, and we just want to love and be loved, and I really got to see that and it was beautiful. I hope that if there is a song of mine that speaks to the LGBTQIA+ community that they would make it their own.

What can we expect from you this year?

We have a couple of live events going on throughout the year. I'm already starting on the next album. A lot of these songs [on Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes] were written quite a while ago, 2020 and 2021, so I'm looking to the future.

Nowadays music is just so instant. I think there's a certain magic about writing a song and producing it right away. I'm kind of channeling that energy for the next album. I'm just excited to keep making music.

What do you want to accomplish next with your music?

Part of it is just expression of self and culture. Another part of it, just keep making good quality music that stands the test of time. For it to become part of that mariachi repertoire.

That's always been my goal — I want to write music and create music that stays in the mariachi repertoire. When you have the mariachi come over and you say "play this song," hopefully it's one of mine.

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