Camila Fernández Talks Working With Same Writer as Her Late Grandfather on ‘Una Raya Más Al Tigre’: ‘I Told Him Through Tears That It Was an Honor’

Mexican singer Camila Fernández continues to honor her family legacy with Una Raya Más Al Tigre, her third album accompanied by mariachi, which will be released tonight (Sept. 10) under Universal/Fono.

With ranchera music running through her veins, the granddaughter of Vicente Fernández and daughter of Alejandro Fernández performs nine songs about love and heartbreak, including the title track, which holds a special place for her. The song was written by renowned composer Martín Urieta, who gave unforgettable hits like “Mujeres Divinas” and “Acá Entre Nos” to the family patriarch.

“From the very first moment I heard ‘Una Raya Más Al Tigre,’ I thought it was an incredible song,” says “La Fernández,” as the artist calls herself, to Billboard Español. “I was missing a song like this, a traditional mariachi piece. It wasn’t until after I recorded it that I was told who wrote it… I told him through tears that it was an honor for me to have him on the album.”

Produced by the Latin Grammy-nominated mariachi expert Fabián Rincón, the album maintains the traditional essence of Mexican music while incorporating modern arrangements aimed at bringing the genre to younger generations. Along with the set comes the focus track “La De Rogar,” a tune about self-love that represents the concept Fernández wants to showcase, elevating the role of women within regional Mexican music. Other tracks — such as the first single “Suéltame,” released in April, and “Ni Te Topo” — speak of breakups and moving on.

“There’s a lot of drama and a bit of romance in the songs on this album,” says the 28-year-old singer, who also reveals exclusively the tracklist for Una Raya Más Al Tigre ahead of its release at 8:00 p.m. ET.

How was the creative process for this new album?

Let me tell you, an angel of sorts came into my life — the songwriter Mónica Vélez, who is part of the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico. She gathered several songs especially for me. They were all so good that it was very difficult to choose which ones would make it onto the album. It took us about three days to decide.

Did you choose Martín Urieta’s song because he had written songs for your grandfather?

No. From the very first moment I heard “Una Raya Más Al Tigre,” I thought it was an incredible song. I was missing a song like this, a traditional mariachi piece. It wasn’t until after I recorded it that I was told who wrote it. In that moment, Mónica Vélez called him on the phone, and I spoke to him. I told him through tears that it was an honor for me to have him on the album and that I was naming it after his song.

What other song from the tracklist has deeply moved you?

I love all of them, but there’s another one, the focus track, called “La De Rogar.” What’s most beautiful is that it was written by Martín Urieta Jr. [Urieta’s son]! It’s about not begging anyone for anything. It’s exactly the twist I like to give mariachi songs — finding the balance between modernity and tradition to reach younger generations.

What can you tell us about the lyrics in the album?

Heartbreak and lost love predominate. For example, “Suéltame” is about a situation someone I know went through. I asked César Robles and Johan Sotelo to write about ending a toxic relationship, and they created something excellent. My daughter [Cayetana, 5 years old] loves it. Then there’s “Amarte Menos,” which is the only love song. It’s a very beautiful track that has a surprise effect because it changes your perception of love.

Is singing with mariachi a big responsibility for you?

Absolutely. My goal is to pass on our Mexican music to new generations. That’s why we add modern touches but always respect the traditional elements and lyrics. I want my daughter to listen to them and feel proud of me, for my songs to accompany her in some moment of her life.

You’re about to embark on a very special tour for your career. Tell us about it.

I think this is the last time I’ll be performing with my dad in Las Vegas for the Fiestas Patrias. I’ve done it for three consecutive years now, and I enjoy it so much; I love it. It was the place where I debuted, so it’s very special to me. On October 2, I’ll begin my tour in Mexico, starting in Guadalajara. Then I’ll go to Querétaro and Mexico City. From December 8 to 19, I’ll visit eight cities in the United States.

How would you define 2026, which is in its final stretch?

I think it’s been wonderful. It was the year that changed my career. Being on the reality show Juego de Voces helped me so much to gain confidence and show that I could sing in different genres — It was like revealing a part of myself that people didn’t know. And now, with the release of this album and my own tour, I can only feel happy and grateful.

Una Raya Más Al Tigre tracklist: