Five months after releasing the first single from what will be his next album, Mexican singer-songwriter Alfredo Olivas offers another preview with “Imaginación,” a norteño song with country elements that follows the same lines of “Asignatura Pendiente ” of which was released in February.
“That sound that has worked for us and that people like is something that already sets Alfredo Olivas' music apart — and this song couldn't be the exception,” says the artist Billboard Español. Announced as the centerpiece of his new LP, due soon on Fonovisa/Universal Music, “Imaginación” debuts Thursday (July 11) at 8 p.m. ET and will be available here.
A little over a decade into his career, Olivas has established himself as one of the most important singer-songwriters in the local Mexican music scene. The artist from Sonora, Mexico has a resume full of accomplishments, ranging from pioneering corridos alterados, which predate corridos tumbados and bélicos, to a score Advertising signRegional Mexican Airplay chart entries, including three No. 1s: “El Problema”, “Yo Todo Lo Doy” and “No”.
In 2023, the 30-year-old singer became the top-grossing artist in Mexico, with 71 sold out dates in palenques, arenas and, for the first time, stadiums for a solo artist. He recently renewed his contract with Fonovisa Records-Universal Music, the label that has seen him grow professionally.
“Huge legends of Mexican music have been lost in recent years,” he says Antonio Silva, managing director of Fonovisa-Disa USA & Mexico. “Which of the new phenoms will go on to establish long-term careers that will create a legacy? It is clear to me that Alfredo Olivas will achieve this transcendence. In my opinion, he has what it takes: a writer of all his hits, unique lyrics and a way of performing that has forged his unique style.”
This year, Alfredo Olivas embarked on a spectacular tour with banda-norteño star Julión Álvarez, Los Prófugos del Anexo and for the first time in his career he recorded a duet with Alejandro Fernández, “Cobijas Ajenas”, which went to the top. Advertising signof the Latin Airplay chart, giving Olivas his first overall Latin Radio chart leader.
Olivas is speaking below Billboard Español for that achievement and the big current moment of his career.
Your lyrics are generally about frustration — how do you get inspired if you're in a committed relationship?
Just observe what happens to many people. I express it in my style and luckily I have connected with my audience.
In 2023 you were the artist with the most dates in the most important venues in Mexico, including stadiums. What did that mean to you?
It was a great satisfaction, because one dreams of those moments. At the same time it is a commitment. I have fought hard to get to this point, so I have to be very careful about the quality of what I give to the public. I always dreamed of seeing myself on stage like the most important artists. I love seeing what's new in terms of production. Sometimes we have to spend a lot of money — but it doesn't matter if it's so that the local Mexican music is more colorful and of better quality, and people can see it that way.
Are you worried about the image of local Mexican music in the world?
Completely. Sometimes it's annoying to be mislabeled. there is a lot of talent and quality. In my case, I like to have everything in order, the sequences, the setlist — but without losing the essence of our genre, which is mischief and improvisation.
You are a pioneer of a generation that powered the runways about a decade ago. What do you think of the new stars?
I think it's great that there is so much talent. From my point of view, it is positive that they are joining the cause. These new discoveries are positive to continue the fight that started many years ago. When Grupo Firme started breaking protocols, we could see a new positive era coming for everyone.
You don't often record collaborations — how did the duet “Cobijas Ajenas” with Alejandro Fernández come about? Did you already know each other?
Of course, there was always a lot of admiration on my part. Two or three years ago, I had the chance to meet him — and even though it was my dream to have him record one of my songs, I never told him, I don't like to force things. Time passed, and now through the label (Universal Music), they offered it to me and of course I said yes. The song is by Maestro Espinoza Paz.
How did the idea of touring with Julión Álvarez come about if you are both so successful as solo artists?
There's a very special connection, and it shows on stage — we're great friends. He recorded one of my songs, 'Sin Memoria' and made it a big hit. People love us as a duo, the proof is that we have seven sold out shows so far in 2024.
You recently renewed your contract with Universal Music/Fonovisa Records, what makes you want to continue working with the label after a decade?
It's just like a marriage relationship – like keeping promises to each other, setting goals and achieving them, loving and respecting each other. I think it's very healthy to leave some things in the hands of the experts, like in this case, the record label. In this way, the artist is committed to focusing on making music.
Los Tigres del Norte said you are one of the young artists they respect because you keep the traditional style of local Mexican music. Would you work with them too?
My mind would be blown — I'll be the first to raise my hand. If they considered me it would be a huge achievement. And now that you mention it, of course we'll be looking for that opportunity.
Last year you recorded a song you didn't write for the first time, “Ni Con Labios Prestados” and it was a big hit on streaming platforms. Why did you decide to do it?
Songwriter Aarón “El Pantera” Martínez is one of my biggest admirers — and the truth is, we didn't know each other in person, only on Instagram. But he knew, as a good poet, to write me with the right words. I heard it and from the first moment I liked it. To this day it is one of the most requested songs on my show.
Have you considered recording more songs by other composers?
It happened with “Ni Con Labios Prestados” and now with Alejandro Fernández. But I'm not going to lie to you, I've set goals for myself, and one of them is to have my own catalog. I deeply admire Joan Sebastian, Juan Gabriel and Marco Antonio Solís, they are my role models to follow as singer-songwriters.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/alfredo-olivas-imaginacion-single-regional-mexican-1235728838/
