How a Remote Icelandic Town and Pink Skies Inspired Humbe’s New Album

Humbe believes a pink sunset has the power to transform even the most challenging days. Growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, the singer-songwriter found solace in the unique shapes of the sky and the way light interacted with the clouds, which inspired both comfort and creativity. As he finalized his latest album, “Dueño del Cielo,” released on Saturday, he sought inspiration from one of the few places where the sun never completely sets: Iceland during the summer months.

“I envision this album as this planet of ashes. So, I wanted to go into that state, be lonely and create the inner dialogue heard on the album,” Humbe explained regarding his sixth studio effort.

Although he has been passionate about music from a young age, Humbe gained widespread recognition during the pandemic, sharing glimpses of his creative process online. His debut album, “Entropía,” released in 2021, garnered him a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist, and he has since become known for his 2023 single, “Fantasmas,” which honors his late grandfather during Día de los Muertos and often goes viral each year.

“Dueño del Cielo” serves as the concluding chapter in a trilogy, following “Esencia” and the upcoming “Armagedón.” The majority of tracks on the new album explore themes of transformation, both in lyrical content and musical style. The opening track, “Luz de Luna,” conveys yearning through a poignant piano ballad that melds punky guitar riffs with unexpected 808 rhythms. Meanwhile, songs like “Harry Stamper” and “Sábanas” incorporate whimsical synthesizers and rhythmic vocal patterns to craft a mystical soundscape.

During a recent promotional trip to Los Angeles, De Los caught up with Humbe just days before the album’s release. The 25-year-old artist will launch his first U.S. tour next year, performing at the Wiltern on April 9.

In an excerpt from the interview, Humbe reflected on the impending release of “Dueño del Cielo.” “It’s surreal. I’ve been working on it for five years, so I can’t believe it,” he remarked. “I started writing it at the beginning of the pandemic. The first song was the title track, which embodied so much within me. It represents rebirth and personal growth. Essentially, ‘Dueño del Cielo’ signifies resurrection.”

Humbe elaborated on the trilogy’s development, stating, “It feels like the universe spoke it into existence in a way. I realized all three albums were meant to be a trilogy because they celebrate life.” He explained that “Esencia” celebrates self-identity, while “Armagedón” explores how relationships and addictions can alter one’s essence, culminating in “Dueño del Cielo,” which signifies the journey of finding oneself anew from the ashes.

When asked about his life circumstances during the completion of this series, Humbe expressed, “I’ve been searching for inner happiness. I can’t pinpoint a specific event; it’s a myriad of factors that fill one’s glass. I felt overwhelmed and found myself in a depressive state.” This led him to the realization that life is about continual reinvention, a theme that permeates his work.

Part of the album was recorded in a remote town in Iceland. Humbe described how the trip materialized after a casual conversation at a sushi bar in Mexico City with his brother and his brother’s girlfriend. They decided to take advantage of their youth and the summer sun in Iceland, purchasing tickets spontaneously and spending a month and a half creating music in a land bathed in constant daylight.

“Living there was so poetic and beautiful,” he noted. “I wanted to create the inner dialogue heard on the album. The perspective shifted immensely during that time.”

Reflecting on his development as a musician during this trip, Humbe shared, “I became more sensitive toward everything. I gained perspective on how live instruments change a song.” The album’s final touches were recorded in Miami, where Humbe noted the intense care he took even up until the final moments before release. “I uploaded the album on my way to sound check, and even on the day of my listening party in Mexico, I was still making changes,” he said. “That’s when my mom and the mixing engineer told me it was time to let it go.”

“Dueño del Cielo” features 22 tracks, making it his longest project to date. Humbe expressed a longstanding desire to create a comprehensive, concept-driven album, akin to those produced by iconic bands like Aerosmith and Queen. “I’m inviting them to the sky,” he explained, emphasizing his lifelong fascination with the heavens. “There have been days when everything felt terrible, but a beautiful sunset could completely change your mood.”

When questioning whether specific sunsets influenced the album’s sonic direction, Humbe recounted a foggy day in Iceland while writing the song “Murallas.” A sudden clear sky revealed a stunning sunset that lasted for hours, prompting him and his team to step outside and appreciate the beauty rather than dwell on the melancholy of the song.

Looking back over his three-album journey, he reflected on its impact on him as an artist. “I’m a more excited person about everything now,” he stated. “I’ve rediscovered a childlike wonder I thought I had lost. It’s clear to me now that everything changes all the time. This album taught me that I’m ready for anything.”