The energy of the Latin GRAMMY 2025 week in Las Vegas vibrated with anticipation, and amidst the bustling hallways filled with artists and journalists, Mateo Sujatovic, the creative force behind ‘Conociendo Rusia,’ maintained his characteristic calm. Despite his humble insistence that the term “veteran” feels too grand, this marks his fourth appearance at the Latin GRAMMYs. This achievement speaks volumes about the profound impact he has made on music.
This year, Sujatovic holds nominations for ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Best Pop/Rock Song’ for “Desastres Fabulosos.” This track, co-written with the legendary Jorge Drexler, emerged from an intimate, almost accidental collaboration. It swiftly became a deeply emotive experience and one of the most cherished pieces in his repertoire, as he shared exclusively.
For Sujatovic, writing with Drexler was more than a musical encounter; it was a long-held dream realized. He openly recalled the experience, conveying the sincerity that defines him.
“When you get together to make songs with someone you admire, it’s always special. We had never composed together before,” Sujatovic explained. “There’s that tension of figuring out how to begin, and we ended up writing this song that was finished in three hours. We were both absolutely delighted.”
Drexler’s Madrid studio, affectionately known as “La Perra,” provided the perfect setting for the birth of “Desastres Fabulosos.” Amidst shared conversations over mate and reminiscences of the Río de la Plata, inspiration flowed freely. Sujatovic fondly remembered Drexler’s excitement. “He was celebrating his birthday the next day and told me, ‘This is the best birthday gift I could ask for, a new song with you.’ For me, it was beautiful.”
The song skillfully blends Sujatovic’s melodic sensibility with Drexler’s profound poetic depth. It explores themes of embracing human contradictions, finding beauty within emotional chaos, and understanding that even mistakes can be transformative and fabulous. This human, imperfect, yet luminous spirit resonated deeply with audiences, propelling the song to two of the night’s most significant categories.
Sujatovic discusses songwriting with the ease of breathing, yet with the discipline of an artist who understands the need for consistency. “I write a little every day to keep my hand warm,” he revealed. “I’m more inclined to write with an instrument in hand than to create standalone lyrics.” This approach highlights his philosophy: he does not seek a song; the song finds him. When it arrives, it emerges with his signature blend of Argentine melancholy, pop harmonies, and unmistakable honesty.
The sound of his childhood home is integral to understanding Conociendo Rusia. His household functioned as a sonic laboratory, where new records from his father’s work mingled with the traditional tango of his family and the Argentine rock that influenced a generation. “It was a mix of tango with a bit of The Beatles, a bit of Charly García, and also the music of the moment. Everything was listened to in my house.” These diverse sounds not only shaped him but became the emotional coordinates of his artistic identity. Even now, living in Madrid, nostalgia remains a pervasive element in his work.
When asked about the presence of nostalgia in his lyrics, Sujatovic admitted with a knowing smile, “Being from the Río de la Plata, there’s no choice but to have that characteristic. It’s something that has to do with me, with the comings and goings, with being far and near.” This sensitivity makes his music relatable and deeply intimate. His songs serve as emotional havens, transforming the everyday into poetry.
Few know that the young Sujatovic once attempted a career in professional football. “At 13, I tried out, but I had nothing professional about me,” he recounted with a laugh. “Things went much better with the guitar. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be at the Latin GRAMMYs. Plan B wasn’t bad at all.” This anecdote is telling. It reveals that his path was not always clear, but music found him at the opportune moment. It also underscores a truth many artists share. “I was always quite lazy,” he confessed. “Something about ‘Conociendo Rusia’ engaged me and made me more hardworking.”
Today, Sujatovic lives with his accolades, including his Gardel and Grammy awards, as if they are part of his home’s emotional ecosystem. “I keep them on top of the piano. They are part of the daily energy,” he explained. “It’s a tremendous recognition and a gift.” While he is grateful, he also recognizes that these awards represent significant effort, personal growth, and the embrace of a supportive musical community.
Although Drexler could not attend the Latin GRAMMY 2025 ceremony, Sujatovic carries his presence. “I am representing the team and Drexler,” he stated. “I’m happy to represent both of us.” The artistic connection between them required no more than a single song to leave an indelible mark.
Sujatovic’s immediate future is packed with commitments: interviews, concerts, collaborations, and travel. Despite the demanding pace, his smile remains constant. “Everything is really good. I am a very fortunate person,” he reflected. “Sometimes the difficult part is missing homemade food or being far away, but this life is very good.” After an intense period, a well-deserved break awaits him.
Amidst nostalgia, warm melodies, beautiful lyrics, and inspiring collaborations, Mateo Sujatovic has established himself as one of his generation’s most sensitive and respected composers. “Desastres Fabulosos” is just one unforgettable chapter in the story of a musician who writes as naturally as he breathes. He is moved as if seeing for the first time, and with every song, he invites his audience to know him a little better. At the Latin GRAMMY 2025, ‘Conociendo Rusia’ is not merely competing; it is deeply moving hearts.