In an interview on video, Peso Pluma talks to Variety about the inspirations for ‘Exodo’s’ music that range from the style from Ric Flair to the harmonies that includes electric bass.

In his new album “ Éxodo ,” Peso Pluma reflects on his life before and after skyrocketing to fame. The young Mexican-American Grammy winner is boastful about leading música Mexicana ‘s inflated global reach, but he also grapples with that responsibility, unleashing darker subject material ( “I live a fast-paced lifestyle / The life of an artist / Drugs and women,” he sings in “Hollywood”) than in “Génesis,” his 2023 Billboard chart-topping debut.

By Thania Garcia

Jun 21, 2024 01:23 PM

“Its very different — ‘Exodo’ from ‘Genesis’ — I think I reached some maturity in my vocals and from everyday and every artist that I collaborate with,” Peso revealed to the publication Variety in an interview video. “I learn something new from all of them and I try to grab those little things and bring them to my music.”

Peso made a list of co-workers on “Exodo” from all parts of the genre scene He’s got Quavo singing on Spanish in “Pa No Pensar,” and Cardi B singing verses over the beat of a trumpet to “Put Em in the Fridge” as well as a plethora of Mexican superstars, such as Kenia Os, and Natanael Cano.

“‘Hollywood’ was written by [featured artist] Estevan Plazola, who I’ve known since we were 18 years old and he just signed to my label,” Peso stated. “The lyrics speak about our lives. The way our lives have changed through this cycle of becoming famous, earning money, obtaining what we’ve always wanted] since the time when we were children and how we see the present.”

In order to bring everything together, Peso worked with producer Ernesto Fernandez, a 2023 Variety Hitmaker Honoree who composed a large portion of the music on his debut album. The collaboration between the two on the album helped make the first half of “Exodo,” which is made up of Mexican corrido style of music which established the Peso career.

“If you are used to hearing Peso Pluma’s Mexican songs, [you would know] I always use tololoche,” Peso declares. “In [‘Solicitado’] we replaced it with an actual electric bass and the ones who truly know about these kinds of instruments is going to like it a lot.”

These bass notes that are prickly are the ones that Peso is proudly proclaiming as the “trademark sound.” He says, “This sound came when we were playing in the studio. I recall being with [Ernesto] and ]… the drummer] in the studio, vibing, and we were attempting to mix and master “Rosa Pastel”, a track from “Genesis” and trying to create a different sound. I imagined these kinds of angels back in the back of that song since it’s really beautiful… We began playing around with different effects, and different elements on the computer and finally we created this sound. From there, everyone wanted to play it.”

“Ice “Ice,” Peso pulls from his style of youthful years, and particularly his love for WWE and the sound of the flexing Ric Flair. Beautiful guitar melodies are introduced by delicately multi-layered vocals by Peso which build to extended high notes. This was one of the final songs that were included in the double album.

“Ric Flair was a big inspiration for me growing up, watching WWE and watching the drip that he had and the luxury things that he showed us,” Peso declares. “I included it in the song since this is what the song talks about. Everyone is trying to replicate what the song’s look like, but regardless of what they copy, or the amount they copy they’ll never become Peso Pluma.”

Check out the entire interview here.