1 Mexican-American artist Adriel Favela recently released his tenth studio album, Origen. Through its lyrics, visuals, and overarching themes, this project takes listeners on a journey back to his roots. The sixteen-track album seamlessly blends corridos, traditional Mexican rhythms, and modern influences, capturing the essence of Favela’s distinctive sound within the regional Mexican music scene.
2 Origen marks Favela’s return to his roots, which he shares with CREMA, saying, “For me, this album was all about really connecting with myself, cada vez más.” Through this project, he felt he could offer listeners the familiar sound and essence they’ve come to expect from him while embracing the new wave shaping today’s music scene. Over the years, Favela has evolved both personally and musically, and he wanted this album to reflect that growth.
One of the first tracks introduced from the album, “Todo Es Rojo,” symbolizes family and the importance of belonging. Favela shares that the song emphasizes valuing life and appreciating its complexities. Red holds particular significance; he explains, “It’s my favorite color, my girlfriend’s favorite color, and her family’s too. Plus, the song is dedicated in part to my cuñado who passed away.” In this track, red transcends its role as merely a color; it becomes a powerful symbol of family and connection for Favela.
3 Favela’s Mexican-American identity hasn’t always been easy to navigate. “When I was starting out, being Mexican-American felt like the worst thing,” he admits. “In Mexico, I was too American. In the U.S., I was too Mexican. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere.” Despite these challenges, he persevered and found his place in the regional Mexican music scene. Favela notes that his style has always been distinct from those around him, recalling how he dressed in a football suit. His musical influences—from Mac Dre and Andre Nickatina to Valentín Elizalde—also set him apart. These days, he views his Mexican-American identity as a blessing. “It’s part of my essence; it’s what I am, what I represent, and what made me do different things within the genre.” For Favela, it’s the best of both worlds.
4 According to Favela, each song on Origen “has life by itself.” Furthermore, the collaborations played a significant role in shaping the album. From Tito Double P and Juanchito on “Lunetas” to Carin León on “Un 2×3,” every feature is personal to Favela. “They’re my friends more than anything, and I think that makes it even more special,” Favela says. Carin, for example, is one of his closest friends outside of music, and Favela greatly respects everything Carin is doing in the genre. Favela believes that each collaborator helped make Origen what it is, and he’s deeply grateful for their contributions.
5 Favela radiates positivity about his new album. “We’re not saints, and we’re definitely not perfect,” he says. “But we’re real. We mess up, learn, and get back up—just like everyone else.” The music he creates is meant to leave a legacy once we’re no longer in this world. With Origen, Adriel Favela isn’t just telling his own story—he’s also giving all of us permission to own ours.
