Adriel Favela Embraces Dual Heritage, Redefines Regional Mexican Music

Adriel Favela’s story is deeply shaped by his upbringing as a Mexican-American. “Obviously, growing up in the Bay Area, in San Francisco, California, I listened to a lot of rap and hip hop,” he recalls. The influence of artists like Mac Dre was undeniable, as was the impact of the traditional Mexican music introduced by his family—icons like Vicente Fernández and Jorge Negrete. These two worlds have blended into the unique sound that defines Favela’s music today. “I think it’s the best of both worlds,” he says, reflecting on the ways his background has shaped his artistry.

“I was a little bit too American for the Mexican culture, and too Mexican for the U.S. culture,” he shares.

The challenges of fitting in, moving frequently, and navigating life as a Mexican kid in an American school left a mark. “It gave me confidence. Later on, I understood it was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

The tough environment of the Bay Area also prepared him to handle the scrutiny that came with breaking traditional norms in his career. “Being that Mexican kid in an American school, not knowing English… it made everything worse in the moment, but as I grew up, I realized it made me stronger,” he reflects. This resilience has fueled his passion for music and his commitment to family. “Everything I do is for my family,” he emphasizes, even when those choices weren’t always easy to explain.

Favela’s recent releases highlight his growth as an artist and storyteller. His single Carolina Herrera, a duet with Said Norzagaray, is a glimpse of his upcoming album Origen, set to release January 23, 2025. The song combines traditional instrumentation with rich, layered arrangements, bringing together themes of opulence, faith, and loyalty. “Corridos are in my blood,” he explains. “It’s a way of living, something I deal with every day.”

He also released Todo Es Rojo, a song that captures the power of living passionately and staying loyal to family and community. “The song is about cherishing the present while working for your dreams,” Favela says. The accompanying music video, filmed in Mexico City, visually brings this story to life with stunning cinematography that highlights Mexico’s vibrant culture.

Despite the labels that have followed him, like “pocho,” often used negatively for Mexican Americans; Favela takes pride in his identity. “Being a pocho is not bad,” he says. His tattoos, fashion choices, and refusal to conform inspire others to embrace their individuality. “I think it was a breakthrough for a lot of other generations to be themselves and not be scared of looking different.”

For Favela, the key to everything is staying true to who you are. “You can’t hide who you are or who you want to become,” he says. His music, rooted in authenticity and family, serves as a reminder to stay grounded while pursuing dreams. “Being real with yourself and others is the most important thing,” he concludes.

Favela’s story is one of balancing two worlds, embracing individuality, and staying loyal to the values that guide him—family, heritage, and passion for his craft.