Marco Antonio Solís has captured the hearts and ears of many, both as the charming frontman of Mexican grupera band Los Bukis, and as a prolific composer with a career spanning four decades of soulful soundtracks, successful tours and prestigious accolades – all in celebration of his innate ability to communicate through music.
Today, the Latin Recording Academy is set to honor Solis with its prestigious Personality of the Year award for his contributions to Latin music and culture. “He continues to break down generational barriers with his poignant words that move millions of people and inspire greater acceptance and understanding,” said Manuel Abboud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy in April. “For this, we are honored to award him the 2022 Medal of the Latin Academy.”
After a nearly 25-year hiatus, Los Bukis — who began releasing music in 1975 — have embarked on a reunion tour in 2021 that has marked the six-member band as one of the top touring acts in the US. – Outdoor shows at the new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (70,000 seats) with the first night selling out faster than the Rolling Stones (who showed up at the venue a month later). As a soloist, Solís has penned classics such as “Si No Te Hubieras Ido,” which appeared on the soundtrack to the Oscar-nominated film “Y Tu Mamá También,” and, elsewhere, he voiced the character Ernesto de la Cruz in the Spanish version of Disney/ Pixar “Coco”.
The winner of five Latin Grammy Awards will appear on stage at Latin music’s biggest night alongside Los Boques, who will treat the audience to a rendition of the band’s greatest hits. Solis will also perform his solo songs.
diverse Albuquer met before the 2022 Latin Grammy Award Person of the Year ceremony to discuss upcoming shows, touring, and the complexities of his four-decade career.
First, we have to talk about the anticipation surrounding Medley Bucks at the Latin Grammys this year. How did you decide on the song(s) and what was that process like?
We made sure to choose songs that we see people enjoying the most – I made the choices and when I presented them, everyone was really happy with the decision. Being on tour and reviving “Bocamania” was also in mind – and really, that audience was very eager to see us. Some have given up on seeing us and frankly, so have we. None of it had been mediated beforehand, and we had no idea a reunion was coming. It was the pandemic that gave us that time to get together again and start writing, all while at home, of course. It came from a place of gratitude for life, for the masses and just general joy that we can still do it.
Have you approached the idea of a series or movie focused on portraying the full true story?
We’ve thought a lot about this actually and I think it’s going to happen and it’s worth the work. Especially, with the tour in mind – we were able to connect with new fans who were seeing us for the first time ever and that makes me very happy. Being able to breathe in that newness is a gift.
If you had to choose: Who would you like to play young Marco in a movie about Los Bukis?
Well, it must definitely be someone who can pull off all the different looks I’ve owned through the decades [laughs] But I really like Diego Luna. He actually gave me an award in Miami once, and we were in an elevator together right after. I remember saying my thanks and in return, he told me that my music meant a lot to him and that was why he wanted to introduce him. She stuck with me, and he’s a great friend and a great actor.
It’s been a long time since I said the best songs are written the fastest – does that sentiment still linger?
yes! My process is still the same. The information that comes in quickly, it’s all from inspiration, and now that we have a recorder on our phone, I have those unfinished notes and I kind of go back and shape them. But I don’t sit down much to write, and that’s only because sometimes months go by, or for whatever reason… I’m either too distracted or the inspiration just isn’t there.
Many young singer-songwriters struggle financially to continue working in the field. As someone who has had to play to a lot of empty seats early in their career – what advice would you give them?
You cannot let your essence and inspiration be taken away from you. At the end of the day, people do this because they love it and real composers can’t focus on the money, unfortunately. The point of life is to enjoy it and when you enjoy what you do, it will fuel you. The money will come.
The Latin music scene has evolved time and time again, and I’ve been a close witness to several Latin “booms” in the past few years. What can you tell us about this development from your point of view?
The expression of Latin music has changed a lot. There are completely new, revolutionary genres and sounds. There are new lexicons from different languages, new rhythms and it’s all part of that movement that we’re seeing. The only thing I don’t agree with is the fact that some of today’s words are a bit harsh [laughs] But I think it’s part of the game. There will always be a space for music that will transcend time and generations.
I know your daughter recently released a reggaeton-influenced song, and there’s a lot of great music coming out of that area. What kind of new music do you listen to?
I’m always looking for new music because I need to be connected to what’s going on and more, everywhere I go I listen to reggaeton – it’s everywhere, I can’t escape it. Some of them I like, I’m going to dance and I love it, but after a while, I like to switch to something more substantial.
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