Linea Personal Brings R&B Soul to Life in Their New Album ‘Todo ø Nada’
As the landscape of música Mexicana evolves, Linea Personal is paving a new path by blending R&B soul with traditional corridos tumbados. The Stockton-based band has dedicated the past three years to perfecting their sophomore album, “Todo ø Nada,” which features 13 tracks that merge melodic trap, R&B, blues, and the unique sounds of corridos.
“It’s slow music, the lyrics transmit good feeling and it’s moody,” said frontman Gustavo Raya Garcia, reflecting on the album’s release on March 26. He added that their R&B style stands apart from conventional corrido artists.
At its essence, “Todo ø Nada” captures a melancholic sierreño journey, amplified by the spirited elements of corrido tumbados, notably showcased in tracks like “Motorola” and “Tarot,” characterized by high-pitched strumming from a requinto and the deep plucks of tololoche.
Among the standout tracks is “Caperuzita,” which opens the album with an ethereal, pitch-shifting cry reminiscent of Future’s “Wait for U.” This track incorporates a banjo, creating a contemplative atmosphere. Similarly, the jazzy trumpet in the playful “Ülala” adds a unique flair, with its lyrics partly inspired by Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”
Raya Garcia emphasized the band’s intention to reintroduce their original R&B sound with a fresh twist. “We wanted it to have a little bit more feeling to it. That’s why we added new instruments,” he explained.
The creative process for “Todo ø Nada” involved a significant investment of time and planning. This journey included meticulous meetings at Street Mob Records, the label founded by Fuerza Regida’s Jesús “JOP” Ortiz Paz, who took the band under his wing in 2021.
Producer Edgar Lozoya Verduzco emphasized the importance of lyrical content during this selection process, acknowledging initial hesitance over the explicit track “P— Alcohol.” Drawing parallels to Lil Wayne’s 2008 hit “Lollipop,” he embraced the track’s bold themes, asserting, “We’re not scared to try something new.”
With the launch of “Todo ø Nada,” Linea Personal aims to sustain the momentum established by their Mexican American counterparts, including notable figures such as Natanael Cano and Fuerza Regida. According to Spotify, corridos comprised 77% of all música Mexicana streaming in 2023.
