After releasing Vol. 1 in 2016 and Vol. 2 in 2018, El Fantasma wraps up 2020 with the release of Pa’ Los Recuerdos Vol. 3, a 10-set album that pays homage to some of Regional Mexican’s biggest names.
Honoring the different subcultures within Mexico, from the North to the South, the album contains classic songs by Los Huracanes del Norte (“La Hielera”), Los Herederos de Nuevo Leon (“Las Tres Vueltas”), and Chalino Sanchez (“Los Vergelitos”), to name a few, with an El Fantasma twist.
“These artists have been emblematic in different stages of my life. I grew up with them,” Fantasma tells Billboard.
In celebration of his new album, El Fantasma answers 20 questions below:
1. What word best describes your new album Pa’Los Recuerdos Vol. 3?
Happiness
2. What do these artists, who are honored on the album, mean to you?
These artists have been emblematic in different stages of my life. I grew up with them.
3. Which song on the album do you connect with the most and why?
“Rama Seca” because it has a lot of emotions, and I know that many people will connect with it.
4. What three essential tracks from Pa’Los Recuerdos Vol. 3 do you recommend?
“Rama Seca,” “Indita Mia,” and “Al Cortar Una Gardenia.”
5. What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
That my entire family continues to be healthy and to be able to get back on stage.
6. What’s the first piece of music that you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?
I bought my first cassette at the market and it was one of Jose Alfredo Jimenez with Banda el Recodo.
7. What was the first concert you saw?
It was an event by Mexican singer Valentin Elizalde.
8. What did your parents do for a living when you were a kid?
My dad was a truck driver and my mom was a stay-at-home mom.
9. Who made you realize you could be an artist full-time?
When I began playing at small venues and saw long lines of people outside of the location.
10. What’s at the top of your professional bucket list?
I want my music to reach more countries and for more people to learn about our Regional Mexican movement.
11. How did your hometown/city shape who you are?
I’m not from the city — I’m from the ranch. At the ranch, the laws are respect and loyalty.
12. What’s the last song you listened to?
My song with Los Dos Carnales, “Cabrón y Vago.”
13. If you could see any artist in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have loved to see Jose Alfredo Jimenez in concert.
14. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen happen in the crowd of one of your sets?
See people fighting after a couple of drinks
15. What’s your karaoke go-to?
Vicente Fernandez’s “El Rey”
16. What movie, or song, always makes you cry?
A song by Empresa Norteña called “Se Fue Barrera.”
17. What TV series have you watched all the way through multiple times?
The Last Kingdom
18. What’s one thing that even your most devoted fans don’t know about you?
In my free time, I study English and design my own outfits.
19. If you were not a musician, what would you be?
A barber.
20. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Money’s not everything in life. What’s important is the time you spend with your family.
