How Five Creatives 'Bridge the Gaps' Between Regional Mexican and Urbano at Billboard Latin Music Week 2024

Five figures from the música urbana and música mexicana landscape — including singer-songwriters, producers and rappers — shared insights into their creative processes and the paths they've navigated in the music industry during Billboard's Latin Music Week.

The How I Wrote That Song: The Urban and Música Mexicana Edition panel, presented by BMI, took place on Tuesday (October 15) and was moderated by Jesus Gonzalesvp creative, Latin at BMI. González is joined by the Corridos singer-songwriter Armendaproducer Caleb Calloway, Puerto Rican rapper/singer Alvaro Diaz, songwriter-songwriter Alexis Fierro “Chachito” and producer Albert Hype.

Below, find some of the best quotes from the panel:

Álvaro Díaz on his creative process: “Sayonara has truly been a great blessing. I fell in love with the sound, especially in Puerto Rico. Pursuing works that have their own identity, that sound like Álvaro Díaz and not like anyone else, is vital. At the end of the day, the artists who stand out are the ones who dare. Things are always changing. I always prefer to be alone, I like to go into the studio and flow with what we feel. Having the privilege of working with someone like Yandel or someone like Rauw, who started from scratch with us, makes it harder to compose on your own. The trick should always be to keep learning, never assume you know everything.”

Caleb Calloway on his first album Hayabusa: “It's exciting. It was a process. I always looked up to a lot of people in the industry and having my own record label The New Wave Group, we did it all ourselves. I always had the vision. Be yourself. With the money we have, we have to support these artists. She [Young Miko] she is now a superstar (for whom Calloway is producing from her foundations). Having an identity takes time. Keep projecting, keep searching for your identity. it will take you to another level.”

Chachito on his start to becoming a hitmaker: “At the age of 13 or 14, when I was a football player, I realized I could write songs and decided to learn to play the guitar. It became my passion. day and night, I couldn't put the guitar down. I work with Oscar Maydon, he gives me ideas and I execute them. What I enjoy most is starting from scratch with artists and watching them grow. In my work routine, I have a formula: in the evening, I clear my mind and start writing titles. Out of the 30 or so I choose two. For me, the important thing is the experiences. for example, the first time I saw a bottle of Dom Pérignon in a club with the words “Lady Gaga” inspired me to write “Lady Gaga” [by Peso Pluma].”

Armeda on his creative process: “Since I was 11 years old, I have been immersed in corridos, Mexican music influenced by figures such as Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian and Los Tucanes. [de Tijuana]. The transition to songwriter meant adapting to global styles. It is important to decide the space you want to be in. the intention of the melody, whether it's sad or happy, is crucial, although studying music theory can be a bit boring. But you have to understand it. The main tones make a melody make up 70% of a song's appeal. Grab hooks are a must. You have to accept that you won't always be the best, but life gives you talent and, with dedication and hard work, you can [stand out].”

Albert Hype on connecting local and urban music: “I started making beats in 2015 after playing in a bunch of punk bands. A lot of my style came from playing in rock bands, and now I'm doing the Latin scene, trying to incorporate rock into it. I met Ivan [Cornejo] on a Billboard [event]; it was already on my radar. The Mexican regional genre is now huge, reminiscent of the reggaetón of 2019, when there was a huge renaissance. This happens with the regional; helping to promote this genre. I feel like we're bridging the gaps that used to exist between regional and urban.”

Latin Music Week coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards airing at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 20, on Telemundo. It will be available simultaneously on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app and in Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.