Carín León is the latest Latin star to have his own “Tiny Desk” concert for NPR Music. The Mexican superstar shined in his set, which included a 16-piece band that helped bring to life “Ese vato no te queda”, “Lado frágil”, “El amor de mi herida” and “Por la suave”. León showed his Mexican pride with instruments such as charchetas, tololoche, tuba, trumpets and trombones, which give regional Mexican music its rich and nuanced sound. After opening with “Ese vato”, the singer expressed a few words: “Thank you for having us here, long live Mexican music,” he said.
The man of few words continued to serenade the audience that gathered to see him, showcasing his characteristic vocal ability and his musical palette, composed of a fusion of genres including R&B, country and pop. During the 15-minute set, he also premiered his new song “Por la suave”, which will be part of his upcoming album, Palabra de To’s – Seca, set to be released on May 22. This new album is a deluxe version of his 2024 album Palabra de To’s. Recently, the Sonora-born artist joined forces with his famous colleague from regional Mexican music, Alejandro Fernández, for “Me está doliendo”, an acoustic pop ballad with a touch of country. This collaboration will also be part of the new album.
Other artists who have recently performed concerts at Tiny Desk include Bad Bunny, Grupo Frontera and PJ Sin Suela, who became the first artist to incorporate a sign language interpreter as part of the performance. Watch Carín León’s Tiny Desk concert here:
The concert began with a lively performance of “Ese vato no te queda”, a song that showcases León’s powerful vocals and his band’s impressive musical skills. The audience couldn’t help but dance along to the infectious beat and catchy chorus. As the song ended, León took a moment to thank the audience and express his gratitude for being able to share his music with them.
Next up was “Lado frágil”, a heartfelt ballad that highlights León’s emotional range as a singer. The band’s accompaniment added depth and emotion to the song, making it a standout performance of the night. León’s ability to connect with the audience through his music was evident as he sang with passion and sincerity.
The third song of the set was “El amor de mi herida”, a fan favorite that had the audience singing along from the first note. The band’s energetic performance and León’s charismatic stage presence made this song a true crowd-pleaser. The fusion of traditional Mexican instruments with modern pop elements created a unique and captivating sound that had everyone on their feet.
Finally, León closed the concert with his latest single “Por la suave”. The audience was treated to a live performance of the song, which had just been released a few days prior. The band’s flawless execution and León’s smooth vocals made this performance a highlight of the night. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious rhythm had the audience singing and dancing along, ending the concert on a high note.
In addition to his impressive musical talent, León’s stage presence and charisma were undeniable throughout the entire concert. He effortlessly connected with the audience, making them feel like they were part of the show. His passion for his music and his Mexican roots was evident in every song, making for a truly unforgettable performance.
Overall, Carín León’s Tiny Desk concert was a testament to his talent and the power of regional Mexican music. He brought a unique and modern twist to traditional Mexican sounds, showcasing the diversity and richness of the genre. It’s no surprise that he has quickly become one of the biggest stars in Latin music, and his Tiny Desk concert is just another example of his undeniable talent and appeal.