In the music world of singer-songwriter Ivan Cornejo, regional Mexican music encompasses pop, ballads, and melancholic lyrics. His latest album, “Mirada,” a fusion of various styles, reflects his affinity for modern corridos and somber sierreño music. Hailing from California at 20 years old, Cornejo’s upbringing in a musical environment, with his maternal grandfather’s influence, led him to self-teach guitar and songwriting through online tutorials.
Reaching back to his childhood, memories of weekends spent listening to artists like Los Bukis and romantic tunes such as Emmanuel’s “Quiero Dormir Cansado” motivated Cornejo’s musical journey. His roots in Michoacán, Mexico, from his parents, drives his desire to connect more with the Spanish language.
Initiating his music career at 15 by sharing corridos on social media, Cornejo released his debut album “Alma Vacía” at 17, crafted with the assistance of his cousin. Family plays a significant role in his life, with his sister managing his affairs and his brother also part of his team. His Mexican heritage deeply influences his music, which he describes as a blend of modern corrido, pop, and alternative genres.
Cornejo penned most of the songs on “Mirada” and collaborated with Mexican artists Arath Herce and Édgar Barrera on some tracks, with the album primarily recorded in California. The album’s title track features a music video where Cornejo paints an orange canvas, reflecting the album’s vibrant and nostalgic essence.
“Mirada” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts upon its July release, even making its way into the Billboard 200 chart. Cornejo’s intentional sequencing of songs creates a seamless transition between regional Mexican sounds and alternative melodies throughout the album.
Preparing meticulously for each song, Cornejo’s dedication is evident in tracks like “Aquí Te Espero,” which accumulated millions of views and streams. His upcoming tour, starting in August and including cities like Tampa and San Antonio, will showcase his new songs and evoke excitement from his fans.
