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Ahead of his performance at the palenque during the San Marcos Fair, Billboard cover star Carín León reflects on his pride in being Mexican, the significance of palenques to him, and his career trajectory — starting in a band and transitioning to a solo artist.

He also discusses collaborating with C. Tangana, how “The One” with Kane Brown came to life, the country musicians he’s working with on his new album, his acceptance within the country music community, and his collaborations with Maluma, Alejandro Fernández and more.

Leila Cobo:

Carín!

Carín León:

Hi!

Welcome to my hacienda in Aguascalientes.

Thank you, thank you for the invitation. I’m so happy to be here.

Aguascalientes is — for those who don’t know — we’re here because tonight you’re going to perform at el palenque at the fair in San Marcos.

That’s right. 

So what is the San Marcos fair?

The best Mexican music and Latin music is presented, too. So, it’s a huge party that I think, as you noticed yesterday, it’s a big party. The experience is worth living once in a lifetime.

And it’s music, music, music, and more music?

Music, shots, food. A lot of Mexico in one month. Too much Mexico that can cause havoc. 

So this is an experience that is natively Mexican?

It’s the most Mexican, I think, that you can see in music, a palenque. I always tell people, “You have to see your artist at a palenque to understand what the experience is to take it all the way.” And the artists, too, appreciate the format of the palenque, we love it. The majority of my colleagues love it because you have all the people super close.

Like on top of each other.

Yes.

So, you’re there on stage, and I’m at this distance here.

Yes, easily. You can just be there with the people and drink some shots, it’s beautiful, it’s a communion of public that’s really interesting compared to shows at tours.

Completely. I’m going to show you my gardens.

It’s really beautiful, honestly. 

Right?

Keep watching for more!