The Force is with me

Happy Thursday! It’s hard to believe a month has already passed since I launched CDMX iykyk. I'd greatly appreciate your input on which sections to include in the newsletter. 

Please let me know your preferences by selecting your top choice below (you can include your second and third choices in the comment box).

As we wrap up each month, we'll introduce a special feature: exploring a current topic or trend influencing Mexico. The end-of-month piece will emphasize cultural and business impact rather than focusing on current news or political relevance. If there's a particular topic you're curious about, just hit reply to this newsletter and let me know.

Alright, let’s get into it!

TOP STORY

‘Regional’ Mexican Music Goes Global

In 2023, regional Mexican music took center stage on the global music scene, breaking records and captivating new audiences worldwide. Talk about main character energy!

Tell me more.

Regional Mexican music encompasses a diverse range of styles including mariachi, banda, corridos, norteño, and sierreño, characterized by live instrumental performances featuring guitars, tubas, trombones, accordions and trumpets. While its distinct sound may be an acquired taste for some, the genre has deep roots in central and northern Mexico and is popular among working class Mexican communities in the US.

But 2023 marked a breakthrough as regional Mexican music saw a 60% growth in the US market. On Spotify, Mexican music grew 600% in Mexico and 400% worldwide over the last five years. Notably, Peso Pluma surpassed Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny to become YouTube’s most streamed artist of 2023, while Billboard reported 35 Mexican Regional tracks making the U.S. Hot 100.

Let’s unpack this.

A new wave of musicians has revolutionized regional Mexican music by infusing elements of hip-hop, rap, trap and reggaeton, resonating strongly with Gen-Z consumers. This fusion, known as corridos tumbados or corridos bélicos, blends the swagger of modern urban music with the raw, emotive tones of traditional Mexican melodies.

Originally narrating the realities of rural life in 19th-century Mexico, corridos have evolved significantly. From narcocorridos in the 1980s, celebrating the exploits of drug traffickers, to today’s corridos bélicos pioneered by Natanael Cano, the genre has embraced a modern aesthetic. Young artists have ditched cowboy core and now dress akin to rappers, sporting limited-edition sneakers and diamond chains, marking a bold reinvention for regional Mexican music.

What does this mean?

Much like reggaeton, regional Mexican music has faced criticism and classist attitudes, often getting dismissed for glorifying violence and the association with lower socioeconomic groups. However, the opinions of wealthy individuals regarding regional Mexican music are becoming irrelevant, as its popularity among global listeners continues to soar. 

Reflecting its newfound prominence, there’s a growing movement within the genre to rebrand it simply as ‘Mexican music,’ shedding the 'regional' label that once confined it to a niche category. With its current trajectory, whether this global explosion is fleeting or the dawn of enduring success remains to be seen.

Above all, the international spotlight on Mexican music underscores the country’s rich cultural tapestry and storied history, inviting global audiences to appreciate its depth and diversity.

[Corridos bélicos artists starter kit: Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, Eslabon Armado, Junior H, Chino Pacas & many many more]

Other Stories: 

🥇 Sheinbaum receives symbolic ‘women’s baton of command.’

😲 Imagine thrifting a US $4 vase only to find out it’s an ancient Mayan artifact.

⚔️ Want to hone your lightsaber skills at the Mexico City Jedi academy? 

⚽ Start planning ahead and check out the 2026 world cup stadiums & dates.

If you are enjoying this newsletter consider forwarding it to a fellow expat / digital nomad using this link. Thanks for helping me spread the word :)

CULTURE & HAPPENINGS

• Thur, Jun 27: Hip hop & dancehall party 💽 

• Fri, Jun 28: Lago Algo’s Heat exhibit 🌡️  

• Sat, Jun 29: Mexico City Gay Pride Parade 🏳️‍🌈

• Sun, Jun 30: Beginner embroidery workshop 🧵

• Mon, Jul 1: Yin yoga, reiki & sound healing 🧘🏽‍♀️

• Wed, Jul 3: Meet & Speak language meetup 👋

ODE TO MEX

This section showcases my love of Mexican art, films and music. Each week, I'll offer a handpicked recommendation to deepen your connection with this magical country and its people. 

If you've been following this newsletter, you'll know my passion for music. Continuing with today's musical focus, I highly recommend watching the Netflix documentary on gay singer Chavela Vargas. It beautifully captures her journey to international acclaim for her unique interpretations of traditional Mexican music.

VIRAL VAULT

Welcome to our reel-y awesome corner, where memes reign supreme and giggles are guaranteed.

• The German-Mexican norteño & banda connection 

• Belinda reminding us we’re winning no matter what

• Mexico once had our version of the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance

Thank you for subscribing and reading CDMX if you know, you know – it's a labor of love fueled by curiosity, and now coffee! ☕️

This project is self-funded, and if you would like to support the newsletter, you can now buy me a coffee.

That’s it! And before you go, let us know: