The week of the Latin GRAMMYs in Las Vegas produced many memorable stories, but one of the most compelling was that of Kakalo, the artist from Sonora, Mexico. He celebrated his first nomination, made his debut performance on stage, and has now launched his new single, “Bien, ¿y tú?” (Well, and you?), a heartbreak song poised to be his next significant career milestone.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly en Español, Kakalo reflected on this period, describing it as a true blessing. He expressed his excitement about the ceremony, noting, “It’s my first time nominated, and I also get to perform.” With humor and genuine enthusiasm, he added that “the first time counts double,” a sentiment that encapsulates his approach to this new phase of his career.
This perspective is well-founded. His career took a decisive turn with “Tierra Trágame,” his debut solo single. That track earned him the Silver Seagull at the Viña del Mar Festival and secured his first Latin GRAMMY nomination. Kakalo acknowledges the song as a “watershed moment” in his life, even recalling recording a second version alongside fellow artist Carin León.
Kakalo’s artistic journey began modestly, tracing back to a small toy keyboard from his childhood. He spent hours playing it, even before learning to play properly. His parents noticed his burgeoning interest and provided support with instruments, lessons, and dedicated time. Kakalo refers to this as a “butterfly effect,” a series of small, interconnected events that steadily guided him to the Latin GRAMMYs stage. His stage name also originated in childhood; unable to pronounce “Juan Carlos,” he would say “Calo,” and the nickname stuck with his family. He embraced it professionally, feeling it had identified him since he was a child.
The artist also highlighted the crucial role Northern Mexico played in his development. He believes the region’s strong sense of solidarity explains why so many talents emerge from there. He shared how Carin León, while they worked together as composers, listened to his demos and offered his support. Kakalo recounted, “He liked how I sang and told me my concept fit well with what he wanted to do.” This push opened a door he remains grateful for today.
According to Kakalo, a prevalent belief in Hermosillo is that “if your friend does well, you do well too.” This collaborative mentality is one he now seeks to replicate as his own presence grows within the regional Mexican music scene.
The singer-songwriter also discussed his unique position within the new wave of Mexican music, expressing a desire to revive romantic and sensitive music, characterized by thoughtful lyrics and original melodies. He aims to “imprint more decency in the lyrics,” clarifying his goal to represent a more emotional dimension within the genre.
With characteristic honesty, Kakalo shared ambitious short- and medium-term goals. He hopes to return to the Latin GRAMMYs as a nominated artist, secure significant performances in the United States, and play on increasingly larger stages across Mexico, Latin America, the United States, and Europe. He also revealed that his new album is slated for release in 2026.
His new release, “Bien, ¿y tú?,” is a song about heartbreak built around a universal phrase. It captures that automatic response many send via message, even when their true feelings are entirely different. The track again showcases his talent for transforming everyday situations into musical narratives, a consistent hallmark of his work. This song is part of his forthcoming album and features his own compositions, alongside co-writes with prominent figures in Spanish-language music. With this launch, Kakalo reaffirms that his career is entering a mature, honest, and highly promising phase.