Julio Caesar began his musical journey at the age of 15, first experimenting with the guitar and accordion. It wasn’t long before he discovered his true passion in the bajo quinto, an instrument that would become central to his artistic identity.
At just 20 years old, Julio Caesar is redefining what it means to be a young artist in the world of Regional Mexican music. With over 75 million streams across platforms and a talent rooted in the rich traditions of banda and norteño, Julio brings a modern, heartfelt perspective to a genre he proudly calls home. Born in Pomona, California, with roots in Culiacán, Sinaloa, he represents a new generation of bicultural artists who honor their heritage while pushing musical boundaries.
With his newly released album Enero, viral bajo quinto covers, and a growing list of high-profile performances—from SXSW to opening for Gabito Ballesteros and Ivan Cornejo, he is just getting started. Julio shared his musical beginnings, the inspiration behind his latest work, and the stories that fuel his sound.
JULIO CAESAR’S ENERO IS THE SOUNDTRACK OF A YEAR’S EMOTIONS THROUGH THE EYES OF A YOUNG ARTIST
When did your love for music start?
JULIO CAESAR: I got into new Regional Mexican music movement because I grew up around music—there was always banda and norteño playing at home. But at first, I didn’t feel like that music was really for me, since it was mostly what my parents listened to. Everything changed when I discovered artists like Natanael Cano and Junior H. Suddenly, people my age were playing those songs on guitar at school, and it clicked for me. I went to a school where there weren’t many Mexican students, so that music made me feel connected—it felt like home. I started jamming with those friends, and that’s when I began digging deeper and discovering classic artists like Sergio Vega, Chalino Sánchez, and norteño legends like Los Cadetes de Linares and Los Titanes de Durango. Now, I listen to a bit of everything within Regional Mexican music.
Your new album “Enero” was released on May 1st with 12 tracks. What can you tell us about your new music?
JULIO CAESAR: The album is called “Enero” because, more than just a collection of songs, it tells a story arranged in chronological order. I feel like January often starts with a burst of motivation that fades, or sometimes we begin the month feeling down and gradually find inspiration. I kicked off the album with corridos, and as it progresses, the music reflects a range of emotions—like anger and frustration. By the end, it transitions into more melancholic, emotional tracks. It’s meant to be listened to from start to finish.
You’ll experience a bit of everything in this album—we even explore different genres in some songs.
You just released your new single Sirena, which will be part of your upcoming album. What can you tell us about this new single?
JULIO CAESAR: I wanted to write a song about love, because I feel like it’s something we’re really missing right now. Not many songs focus entirely on that pure feeling. So, I started thinking about all the old stories of mermaids — how sailors would throw themselves into the ocean just to catch a glimpse of one. That inspired me to create a modern version of that idea, where you dive headfirst into a relationship without hesitation. That’s really what the song is about: comparing a deep, all-in kind of love to the experience of seeing a legendary mermaid.
That’s what the song is about. It’s about diving deep into a relationship. Starting that love story and knowing your place in it. Knowing that it is where you belong, I don’t want to go anywhere and let’s disappear together.
You’ve also been sharing covers of Mexican favorites with your fans, such as Leon Larregui’s Brillas and Grupo Frontera’s Ojitos Rojos. How is it like to put your own touch to these songs?
JULIO CAESAR: I only upload songs that I like, different ones like boleros, songs from Los Cadetes de Linares, and newer songs from Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny. One of the songs I’ve uploaded on TikTok that’s doing quite well is “Kué?” by Rauw Alejandro. I try to post everything I’m able to play on the bajo quinto to TikTok.
If you could make one of these collaborations a reality, with any artist in the world, with who would that be?
JULIO CAESAR: If I could have a show with anyone that would have to be Junior H and Carin León. I love Carin’s style, it sounds a bit like country. As well as songwriters like Miguel Armenta who composed great hits like “Bebe Dame” for Fuerza Régida.
You have upcoming shows in California. What is something you will carry with you, a must have?
JULIO CAESAR: I never go anywhere without my headphones—I’m always listening to something. Whether I’m in the car, walking around, on a plane, or winding down in a hotel room before bed, they’re always with me. Without them, I just don’t feel centered.
JULIO CAESAR JOINS IVAN CORNEJO’S MIRADA TOUR, BRINGING ENERO TO LIFE
As Julio Caesar continues carving out his space in the new wave of Regional Mexican music, he’s bringing his first album directly to fans across North America. This June, he joins Ivan Cornejo’s highly anticipated Mirada tour, with stops in San Diego, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, giving audiences a chance to experience Enero and his newest tracks live. For tickets and more information, visit ivancornejoofficial.com and don’t miss the chance to witness one of the genre’s most exciting rising voices on stage.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ghazma PR & Management
Story by: Sahula Diaz-Castrejon
