‘It Represents a Rebirth’: Mario Bautista on New Música Mexicana Album ‘Fénix’

Mario Bautista has unleashed his new studio album Fénix — one that he began working on almost two years ago and added its final touches just hours before its release on Thursday (June 13). 

Home to 14 tracks, the set showcases Bautista’s evolution from boy-next-door pop star to a mature young adult who’s embracing life to the fullest. It also marks his new Música Mexicana era.

“I created this album thanks to the success I had with ‘Brindo’ because it was like the light at the end of the tunnel,” he tells Billboard during an Instagram Live interview. “It was something very revealing to be able to transmit a message through regional [Mexican] music. I fell in love with that because I didn’t think it was possible. Up to that moment, I had only created music to party and have fun. When ‘Brindo’ was born, it felt like I was planting something positive in the listeners’ heads, and that’s my purpose in life.” 

“Brindo”—a feel-good mariachi with positive lyrics about been grateful for everyone and everything around you—was released in the fall of 2021 but it was its Banda El Recodo de Cruz de Lizárrga-assisted remix that earned Bautista his first No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay Chart in 2022. 

“That’s how Fénix was born — it’s fully Regional Mexican, and it carries messages that I feel are very important for humanity to listen to,” he adds. 

In addition to empowered tunes, such as “Cábron Yo Puedo” and “Mejor Así,” in collaboration with Adriel Favela, Bautista dedicates heartfelt tunes to his loved ones (“Flores” and “Pa’l Viejo”) and even tracks for independent women (“15 de Septiembre” and “Mujer Maravilla”). 

But Fénix goes far beyond just optimistic lyrics and a tribute to his Mexican roots. It represents an awakening. 

“Eleven years have gone by in my career and it’s been a wild ride,” he explains. “With ‘Baby Girl’ (the urban-pop song that put him on the map in 2018), I felt that it was my peak but at the same time, it was the time that I was most confused and lost with my personality. It took me years to return to Mario Alberto (his real name) and give him the wheel. Nowadays, that brings me joy and peace, and ‘Fénix’ represents this new stage, this rebirth.”

Listen to Fénix below.