:quality(85):upscale()/2024/06/11/837/n/1922283/b11255726668a01aba7ac6.33300677_.jpg "Mau y Ricky on Their Musical Legacy and New Album Hotel Caracas")
Mau y Ricky on Their Musical Legacy and New Album Hotel Caracas
Venezuelan singer-songwriters Mau y Ricky have released their latest album, Hotel Caracas, marking their first return to their home country in over a decade. The project, released under their own label, Why Club Records, in partnership with Warner Music Latina, features 15 music videos filmed across Venezuela and includes contributions from their father, pop icon Ricardo Montaner, as well as their sister, Evaluna Montaner, and brother-in-law, Camilo.
A Return to Venezuelan Roots
The creation of Hotel Caracas served as a personal reconciliation for the duo. According to Mau Montaner, the brothers experienced an identity crisis and felt a lack of belonging before deciding to return to Venezuela. The project involved a three-month stay and collaboration with over 200 local crew members to capture the country’s landscape. The album incorporates local slang and regional influences, acting as a medium for the brothers to address what Mau describes as “little wounds” regarding their connection to their homeland.
Mau y Ricky’s father, Ricardo Montaner, previously operated a record label with Venezuelan duo Servando & Florentino, which provided the brothers with an early example of how a sibling duo could succeed in the Latin music industry.
Building a Musical Collective
While the Montaner family name is prominent in the industry, the brothers emphasize that their success was built through independent efforts. Before their current fame, the duo formed a songwriting collective with collaborator JonTheProducer and Camilo. This group was responsible for penning tracks for artists including Becky G, Natti Natasha, Karol G, and Ricky Martin. The collective dynamic allowed the artists to develop their sound through “creative bonding,” which Ricky Montaner identifies as a foundational element of their career trajectory.
The transition of Mau y Ricky from songwriting for industry heavyweights to launching their own label, Why Club Records, illustrates a broader trend among Latin pop artists seeking greater creative autonomy. By pivoting to more personal storytelling on Hotel Caracas, the duo is leveraging their established industry credibility to secure the artistic freedom necessary to explore themes like romance and heartbreak.
What Comes Next
Following the album release, Mau y Ricky are currently hosting intimate “Lobby Bar” concerts across the United States and Latin America. The duo has announced plans for a larger tour scheduled for the end of the year. Additionally, an upcoming documentary is expected to provide further insight into the three-month production process in Venezuela. As the brothers balance their professional commitments with their roles as fathers, Mau has noted that the songs on this album are intended to serve as a lasting part of their children’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is featured on the new album “Hotel Caracas”?
The album features contributions from the brothers’ father, Ricardo Montaner, as well as their sister, Evaluna Montaner, and their brother-in-law, Camilo.
Why did the brothers return to Venezuela for this project?
According to Mau Montaner, the return was a necessary step to heal from an identity crisis and reconnect with their roots after more than a decade away from the country.
What label released “Hotel Caracas”?
The album is the first release from the brothers’ own label, Why Club Records, in partnership with Warner Music Latina.
How do you think the inclusion of personal family history in modern music influences the way fans connect with pop stars?