Though she is “happily married” today, Camila Fernández has also experienced disappointment.
“I had my time of heartbreak,” the 27-year-old Mexican singer confesses. “Plus, I grew up with divorced parents, and my mom only listened to heartbreak songs.” So it’s no surprise that her new album La Fernández, released on Thursday night (Aug. 14), is full of them.
In the follow-up to her 2023 album Camila Fernández, the heiress to one of Mexico’s greatest musical dynasties presents 10 ranchera songs with modern lyrics, from previously released singles “Se Cancela La Llorada,” “Pudimos Ser” and “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti” to the focus track “La Loca Era Yo” and “De Llorar Se Me Secaron Los Ojos.”
Produced by Orlando Aispuro — whom she recruited after noticing the twist he gave to Carín León’s music with “La primera cita” — La Fernández showcases a more mature side of the artist, with stronger themes blended with her personal style.
“We did a songwriting camp where I was fully involved, and although I’m in a stable relationship [with husband Francisco Barba,] it was truly enriching to talk about heartbreak because these songs are performed with more intensity, and you connect with the audience a lot,” Camila tells Billboard Español.
The daughter of Alejandro Fernández and granddaughter of Vicente Fernández is currently accompanying her father as the opening act on his De Rey a Rey tour, but she’s been pursuing her music career independently of her family ties for a while.
“When I started in this profession, I asked my dad for advice, and he was very clear. He told me there were two paths: He could put everything on a silver platter for me, or I could fight for it on my own and enjoy it much more. That’s what I’m doing because I want him to feel proud of me,” Camila says. “He even thought my pregnancy would hold me back, and now he realizes it didn’t. Today, I have an excellent relationship with him, and I’ve earned his respect.”
Determined, the mother of one adds: “I’m going to defend Mexican music fiercely because I want my daughter and future generations to keep singing my grandfather’s, my father’s, and my own songs. I want them to know about charrería and what it means to wear a charro suit with pride.”
Below, Camila Fernández breaks down five essential songs from her new album, La Fernández. Listen to the full set here.
“No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti”
The intro with violins is very special, almost dramatic, setting the stage for the soft mariachi sound with guitars and trumpets. It’s one of my favorites. It was written for my daughter. Songwriters El David Aguilar and Arath Herce perfectly captured my feelings when I have to work, leave her behind, be away on a tour, and miss her. The video recreates what I feel when I step off the stage after a concert — I always call my daughter and tell her that I’m running to her arms. When I have time, we go to new places to create memories together. The melody is a romantic ranchera with very specific accordion touches that make it sound even better.
“La Loca Era Yo”
This is a mariachi-pop song about realizing you were wrong and that you were with a narcissistic person who blamed you for everything. You then realize it wasn’t true — you weren’t the crazy one. Written by Marcela de la Garza, the song wasn’t originally intended for me, but when it was sent to me, I loved it and made it my own. It has beautiful arrangements, with strings that accentuate the mariachi sound I love so much. This is the focus track, written by Marcela de la Garza, Osiris del Carmen Preciado, and Raúl Jiménez.
“Lo Sabía”
This is the story many women have experienced: Going back to an ex, knowing deep down that the relationship won’t work. Musically, the song’s structure is very defined. There’s a beautiful a cappella section — that silence allows my voice to shine perfectly. In the final verse and chorus, the emotion runs deep due to the theme. Arath Herce knew exactly how to write the precise words for a story like this.
“Se Cancela La Llorada”
A ranchera to pair with tequila, where the mariachi resonates in all its glory, accompanied by accordion and subtle tumbado touches. It’s one of those heartfelt songs that blends traditional and modern elements, especially in its lyrics. Written by three women — Erika Vidrio, known for her direct and powerful lyrics, along with Marcela de la Garza and Flor Naomi Castelán — they achieved the goal of inviting women to feel the pain of a breakup or disappointment, go out partying, but not cry over a bad love.
“Pudimos Ser”
Sometimes cowardice prevents us from trying a relationship that could have been wonderful but never happened. This song has a line that says it all: “We stayed in the ‘could have been.’” It’s the story of a love left unfinished. I was part of the songwriting team along with Mauro Muñoz, Rocío Gómez, and Lourdes Eunice Herrera. We managed to capture the story clearly, and many people will surely relate to it. Musically, the mariachi sounds very rustic — pure and traditional. It has a catchy chorus, and the ending is filled with emotion.
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