With his latest releases, “Mi Nena” and “Solo en Miami,” Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fer Villanueva, is becoming one of the most promising new voices in Central American pop urbano, The artist showcases his signature blend that reflects his roots, versatility, and heartfelt storytelling. “Mi Nena,” a collaboration with Italian artist Gabriele and Colombian producer Tornay, tells the story of a romantic summer love. Meanwhile, “Solo en Miami,” produced by David Botero (La Reina del Flow) and Eduardo Del Toro, offers a more intimate, emotional look at long-distance love and the loneliness that often hides behind the city’s bright lights.
Representing Guatemala with pride, Fer blends the warmth of his Central American roots with the vibrant energy of his Mexican heritage, his mother is from Monterrey, creating a cross-cultural identity that shines through his music.
After performing at Guatemala’s Premios Estela, where “Solo en Miami” received an enthusiastic reception, Fer is now preparing to release the song’s official video, directed by Mexican-American filmmaker Tate Kuelling.
FER VILLANUEVA FINDS HIS VOICE BETWEEN HEARTACHE, HERITAGE, AND URBAN BEATS
THERE’S ROOM FOR MORE BREAKUP SONGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO MOVE EVEN AFTER SAYING GOODBYE. YOUR LATEST SINGLE, “SOLO EN MIAMI,” DOES JUST THAT. WHAT INSPIRED THIS UNIQUE CONTRAST?
“Solo en Miami” talks about a real story that happened to me. I had a long-distance relationship for four years. Even though I was here pursuing my music, chasing my dreams, and trying to grow as an artist, I often felt alone. To this day, I still feel that way sometimes, though not as much now, because after studio sessions, meetings, or events, everyone would go home to their partners, and no one was waiting for me. That feeling inspired “Solo en Miami.” Everyone said I disappeared for six months, and it was because, despite everything happening around me, I just felt lonely. All I wanted was to be with that person, but in the end, those are just life moments.
WE NOTICE A STRONG BLEND OF SOUTH AMERICAN ELEMENTS IN YOUR MUSIC. WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION ON THE CREATION OF “MI NENA” AND OTHER NEW SINGLES?
This project gave me the freedom to explore more sounds. You can hear in “Solo en Miami” that the guitar feels more “American pop” than Latin pop. There are also upcoming songs like “Trending Tópico,” which has a drum and bass vibe, plus others with ‘80s-style synths and rock guitars. We tried to include sounds that personally inspire me, music I grew up with, that I loved, or that others introduced me to. Every artist draws from something, and that’s where my direction came from.
“Mi Nena” was one of those projects that came together spontaneously. I have a very good friend in music named Gabriel, an Italian artist who lived in Colombia for a long time. We met and became great friends. One day he came to Miami and said, “Fer, we have to make a song together.” We added a little rock influence and some afrobeat touches with a producer named Tornay. He sent us the beat for “Mi Nena,” and we loved it. We wanted the song to feel tropical but different from the typical Miami sound. For the music video, we decided to shoot the video in Los Angeles, on a beautiful beach north of the city. I thought it was cool because we wanted to avoid the common Miami visuals. We even filmed at a National Park, which was an incredible experience.
YOU CELEBRATE YOUR ROOTS WITH TRADITIONAL GUATEMALAN SOUNDS AND MEXICAN RHYTHMS. ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR GENRES YOU’RE EXCITED TO EXPLORE NEXT?
I grew up in Guatemala until I was 18 and have only lived in the U.S. for about four years. I’ve always wanted to bring that Central American sound wherever I go. In the music industry, people often forget that between Guatemala and Costa Rica, there are several countries with their own sounds and influences. With all due respect to everyone and my Puerto Rican friends, my biggest inspiration in urban music has always been Colombian music, because it was the most present during my artistic growth and closest geographically. Early reggaeton had a tropi-pop influence, it was a mix, like Alkilados or Mike Bahía, and later evolved into Latin pop with artists like Piso 21, Manuel Turizo, and Sebastián Yatra, followed by urban acts like J Balvin and Maluma. I worked with Panamanian producers, which gave my sound a unique fusion.
YOUR UPCOMING ALBUM BLENDS EMOTIONAL STORYTELLING WITH A DANCEABLE URBAN PRODUCTION. WHAT THEMES OR CREATIVE DIRECTIONS DID YOU EXPLORE?
This album was produced mainly by two Colombian producers: David Botero, who created most of the music for the Colombian TV series La Reina del Flow (by Caracol), and Eduardo del Toro, a singer and songwriter of regional Colombian music. The album was born when we realized that, even though I love urban music and reggaeton, it wasn’t entirely me. We were releasing songs, but it felt like there wasn’t a clear identity. So for this album, we wanted people to truly get to know Fer through my music.
All these songs come from my real-life experiences. That’s why we went to Guatemala. I want this album to show who I am, that my musical identity goes beyond Latin sounds. Even though Latin music has shaped me, I’ve also been influenced by other genres: Mexican music, English pop, rap, trap, even electronic music. I’ve gone through different musical phases in my life, and I think that diversity has given me the freedom to explore. This album reflects that range. Songs like “Solo en Miami” have a more American pop sound, while others like “Trending Tópico” bring drum and bass elements, ‘80s synths, and rock guitars. We incorporated all those influences that shaped my musical taste and growth.
GETTING TO KNOW FER VILLANUEVA’S MUSICAL IDENTITY
INSTRUMENT WITH A SENTIMENTAL VALUE: The first time I ever wrote a song was with my vocal coach and an electro-acoustic guitar—that’s where it all began.
DREAM COLLAB: J Balvin, Maluma, Miranda, and Ricardo Arjona. And in English, Dua Lipa.
GO-TO STUDIO SNACK: Chocolate. And I’m not kidding—one day I felt really sick and couldn’t record, but chocolate literally saved me. That’s why I always say: you have to bring chocolate, and always carry a straw—it helps!
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE VENUE: Arena Monterrey in Mexico and Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT FER VILLANUEVA: That I’m extremely shy in small groups.
STAY TUNED: FER VILLANUEVA’S NEXT ERA ARRIVES WITH “TRENDING TÓPICO” IN 2026
Looking ahead, Fer continues to push boundaries with new sounds and collaborations. Among his upcoming releases is “Trending Tópico,” a vibrant fusion of techno and house that’s set to drop in January 2026 as a preview of his next album. Balancing melancholic ballads tinged with Mexican guitars and modern urban beats.
Fer’s work reflects his constant drive to experiment and evolve. “Every trip back to Guatemala recharges me,” he says. “It reminds me why I do this—to keep growing, to make a difference by doing things differently.” With talent, discipline, and unwavering passion, Fer Villanueva is carving his place in Latin music, one heartfelt, genre-bending song at a time.
