Yetzirah Vargas is carving her own path in the music scene through her pioneering genre “Corridos ALT” (Alternative Corridos). The Mexican-American artist is challenging the notion that corridos must be confined to one sound or lyrical theme. Instead, she invites a new generation of artists and listeners to explore the rich instrumental and emotional possibilities of Corridos without the usual tropes of violence narratives.
INTERVIEW WITH YETZIRAH VARGAS, A YOUNG MUSICAL VISIONARY RESHAPING THE SOUND OF MODERN CORRIDOS.
Tell us more about Corridos ALT, the new genre you’re bringing to the scene:
YETZIRAH: I’m introducing a new sound called Corridos ALT, or Alternative Corridos, to shine a light on a new type of sound for artists who love Regional Mexican music but want to experiment with new sounds and fusions. My goal is to show that corridos aren’t limited to one style or narrative. You can bring your own touch to the genre, explore its rich instrumentation and storytelling without relying on the usual violent themes. Corridos can tell stories about everyday heartbreaks — like falling for the same guy at a local bar, dealing with betrayal, or even celebrating lighter, more upbeat moments.
I’m so excited about this genre and being able to find my own sound. If you listen to my older songs you will hear that I was exploring different rhythms and breaking musical barriers before finding my own.
Where does your inspiration come from?
YETZIRAH: A lot of my inspiration comes from personal experiences and from the music I used to listen to as a kid. I have a lot of musical references and a multi-generational musical library thanks to my family. My brothers’ musical taste also left a mark with Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rihanna, Britney Spears and Daft Punk, while my parents used to listen to Spanish rock and Latin pop, including albums from our heavenly father, Luis Miguel and icons like Ana Gabriel.
Personally, I love Erykah Badu and Tina Turner, but the first artist who inspired me was saxophonist Kenny G, whose songs motivated me to study music in a more formal way.
What should people know about your newest music?
YETZIRAH: I recently released Diciembre a modern villancico, and last year 11:22 Un Funkcito Tumbado came out. This is a song that has “polemic beats” for the Regional Mexican genre, but for me it was a great opportunity to continue exploring these sounds together: funk, sierreño and corridos.
My latest single Vienes y vas is a collaboration with another emerging artist in Mexico City, Yus Acosta. I’m pioneering Alternative Corridos while he is launching Corridos Fluidos, which is a music that blends traditional corridos with smooth, flowing vibes. We have a digital relationship because we have never met in person, but we both love funk and wanted to try to make music together. This particular song talks about heartbreak and the loss of love with a funk twist.
How was the experience of getting hands-on with the production?
YETZIRAH: Besides composing Vienes y vas, it was also the first song that I touched as a producer and something really cool came out, a very fresh concept. It has Spanish rock references and melodic beats from 90s pop. Additionally, my goal was for the lyrics to have a strong satirical tone, but still easy to understand. It has a narrative structure that unfolds chronologically, much like traditional corridos, although funk gives it a contagious sound.
I decided to believe that I could really get involved in the production process, and in the end, it turned out great. I’m super happy with the whole vision of the track — even down to the color palette we chose. I’m the type of person who asks “What kind of color do you see when you hear this sound?, so even picking the visual for the cover of the single was a blast.
Do you see yourself collaborating with other artists in the future?
YETZIRAH:. Ayra Starr would be my dream collaboration. I love Afrobeats, and producing something with an artist so deeply connected to that sound feels like the perfect opportunity to craft something fresh, vibrant, and rich in texture and rhythm. I also have an upcoming collaboration of afrobeats with Taiana, an artist from Puerto Rico, and a second collab with independent artist LOUU, that I describe as an electro-sierreño-corridos.
What personal item is always by your side during studio sessions?
YETZIRAH: This notebook holds it all — my thoughts, drawings, song lyrics. After an unfortunate experience with digital notes, I’ve learned to trust pen and paper. Now, this little journal has become my creative safe space.
What’s in the near future for Yetzirah Vargas?
YETZIRAH: In 2024, I took some time off from releasing my own music and focused on ghostwriting and composing for other artists. But this year, I’m excited to return with a lot of new music on the way. I’ll be releasing an EP titled ‘Para y por amor’, which includes three songs that really showcase my ALT sound. The project blends rhythms like salsa, bolero, and banda with my fresh twist. Additionally, each track comes with its own storybook and artwork, so listeners can experience the songs in a more immersive, visual way — beyond just the sound.
I’m especially proud of how this project celebrates traditional Mexican culture, from the rhythms to the visuals. That’s why I made sure to incorporate traditional Mexican outfits and cultural fashion into the visuals, which is something I’m really passionate about.
LOOKING AHEAD: NEW MUSIC, MORE HEART, FRESH SOUNDS
Beyond her innovative sound, Yetzirah is a true hands-on artist. Whether it’s diving into production for the first time, curating visual concepts inspired by color and emotion, or collaborating with emerging talents, she approaches every project with intention and authenticity and continues to blur genre lines while staying grounded in her cultural identity.
Looking ahead, Yetzirah is set to release her upcoming EP “Para y por amor”, a collection of songs blending salsa, bolero, and banda rhythms, each accompanied by its own storybook and artwork. You can keep up with Yetzirah’s new music and presentations by following her on Instagram or Spotify.
