Latin Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera has left an indelible mark on Latin music through his genre-bending versatility and mastery of multiple instruments. He’s become the most in-demand songwriter, with 23 song credits as a songwriter and 19 as a producer on the Billboard Hot 100. From his collaborations with Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera on “Tulum” to producing Becky G’s “Por el Contrario” featuring Ángela Aguilar and Leonardo Aguilar, and challenging Karol G to explore new musical territories, Barrera’s influence is undeniable. Keep watching to learn about his beginnings, his stories about working with Madonna and Shakira, his advice for other producers, and much more!
Edgar Barrera:
Karol is Selena’s number one fan. Number one fan. Shakira made me be a better producer because I’ve always said she’s really picky with her songs, her productions and everything. When I got to London, that morning he told me we had a session with Madonna. And I was like, “With Madonna, really?” And he said, “Yes, with Madonna.” Maluma and I worked for a while on the song and structured it, and when she came she said, “No, I want it to be this way.” I sent Peso… We sent him three options of songs. And that’s the one he chose. He chose “Tulum.” At the end, Becky told me she wanted to do a song with Ángela and Leonardo. “Why don’t we do it in mariachi?” First of all, I never thought of being here doing this, on this side of the window. I am always at the back, hidden and I try to have people not know too much about me. I like to be out of focus a bit. I’ve loved music since I was little because my dad is a musician. He has a band called Mister Chivo and I grew up listening to his music and the passion he feels for music, as well as… My mom is also passionate for music. There has been music playing all the time at home. I remember all those nights when, for example, I saw my dad with all the vinyl records listening and listening to music because the group recorded many covers.
