Grupo Frontera Creates a New Regional Mexican Song Live

On the second day of Billboard’s 2024 Latin Music Week, Grupo Frontera amazed the audience by composing a brand-new track live on stage. In just 45 minutes, the Tejano band created an infectious cumbia track, showcasing their creative process and the power of collaboration.

Grupo Frontera’s Songwriting Process

Grupo Frontera, the Tejano band that rose to fame in 2022 with their hit cover of “No se va,” captivated the audience during the Making the Hit Live! Panel at Billboard’s Latin Music Week 2024. This annual event allows artists or groups to write and produce a new song from scratch, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Grupo Frontera took the opportunity to craft a new track, unofficially titled “Ya no,” which was completed in a mere 45 minutes.

The band, known for their signature cumbia sound, started partially from scratch this time. Their trusted producer and songwriter, Edgar Barrera, provided them with the lyrics ahead of time. From there, the band added their unique musical flair, transforming Barrera’s words into a song that makes hips move irresistibly. “Ya no” was born from a fusion of Barrera’s songwriting and Grupo Frontera’s distinct sound.

Payo, the band’s leader, shared with Billboard how things changed once they began working with Barrera. “Before we met Edgar, I used to write the songs for the group,” Payo revealed during the panel. “We released two songs I wrote, and I had four more ready, but then we met Edgar and thought, ‘Well, we’ve found what we need,'” he added with a laugh.

A Collaborative Process

Working with Barrera has elevated Grupo Frontera’s songwriting, but the band members still contribute their ideas while in the studio. Payo, Juan, and Beto all participate in the writing process, though Payo jokingly pointed out that his bandmates sometimes rely on luck for inspiration. “They’ll say one word and hope it sticks,” he said, laughing. “Once, one of them was obsessed with the word ‘gafas’ (glasses) and kept repeating it until I had to tell him to calm down.”

Regarding production, each of the five band members adds their touch to their respective instruments. The collaborative energy is vital to Grupo Frontera’s creative process, with each member contributing to the song’s final sound. Billboard noted how the group’s natural chemistry makes them stand out, with their ability to create catchy, danceable tracks in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Grupo Frontera’s knack for combining traditional Tejano sounds with modern cumbia influences has been a winning formula, as seen with their breakout success. The same magic was palpable during the live panel as they brought “Ya no” to life, a song that many in the audience believed had the potential to become a hit.

The Role of Social Media in Today’s Music

A solid online presence is essential to creating a great song in today’s music industry. For Grupo Frontera, social media plays a significant role in their success, with their songs and content going viral on platforms like TikTok. However, the band doesn’t intentionally craft songs to make them social media hits.

“We don’t create a song thinking it’ll go viral on TikTok,” Juan explained during the panel. Payo said, “When we record a song, we always think the chorus will go viral, but we’re always wrong. Then, we have to re-record all the social media content.”

The band’s humor and willingness to adapt are part of its charm, and this flexibility has helped it stay relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Its viral moments, whether through a dance video or a catchy lyric, have expanded its reach and allowed it to connect with new fans globally. Billboard credits its social media presence as one of the critical factors in its rise to stardom.

Grupo Frontera’s success on TikTok is a testament to the band’s relatability and infectious energy. Their fans love seeing behind-the-scenes moments, fun dances, and creative interpretations of their lyrics. The group’s ability to blend traditional music with modern trends has made it one of the most popular acts in the Latin music scene today.

A Humble Beginning: The Making of “No se va”

During the panel, Grupo Frontera shared the story behind their breakthrough hit, “No se va,” which catapulted them onto the Billboard charts for the first time. The band recorded the song under challenging conditions, showcasing their determination and resourcefulness.

“We didn’t have money to rent a recording studio. We didn’t have money for anything,” Beto recalled during the Billboard panel. “So when we recorded, we had to do it in one take. If we made a mistake, we left it in. We recorded ‘No se va’ in a friend’s apartment building. The neighbors didn’t mind us using the space, except for one lady who complained,” he added with a smile.

Despite these humble beginnings, “No se Va” became a significant hit, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The song’s success marked Grupo Frontera’s entry into the mainstream and remains a fan favorite. Their journey from recording in an apartment building to performing on significant stages reflects their dedication and passion for music.

While the band hasn’t decided whether to release “Ya no,” the track they created live during the panel, the audience at Billboard’s Latin Music Week could already sense its potential. With Grupo Frontera’s track record of turning raw, spontaneous moments into polished hits, it wouldn’t be surprising to see “Ya no” climbing the charts shortly.

Looking to the Future

As Grupo Frontera continues to evolve, its focus remains on creating music that resonates with its fans. Its ability to blend traditional Tejano and cumbia sounds with modern influences has set it apart, and its live performance at Billboard’s Latin Music Week only reinforced its status as a rising star in the Latin music industry.

The group’s openness about their creative process and challenges has endeared them to fans worldwide. Grupo Frontera’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and collaboration, from their early days recording on a shoestring budget to their current success.

As the music industry continues to shift, Grupo Frontera’s willingness to embrace new technologies and platforms, like TikTok, ensures they’ll stay at the forefront of the Latin music scene. With their infectious energy, sense of humor, and commitment to their craft, the band is poised for even greater success in the years to come.

Also read: Latin Music Reaches New Heights with Record Revenue in 2024

The live creation of “Ya no” during Billboard’s Latin Music Week was just a glimpse into the band’s creative genius, and fans eagerly await what Grupo Frontera will do next. Whether on stage, in the studio, or through a viral TikTok, one thing is clear: Grupo Frontera is here to stay.