Rodrigo y Gabriela Add Vocals for First Time on New Album 'OurHome'

Rodrigo y Gabriela, the Mexican acoustic guitar duo known for their instrumental prowess over two decades, have ventured into new creative territory with the release of their latest album, OurHome. Marking a significant shift, the pair incorporate vocals and lyrics for the first time, expanding the emotional and thematic scope of their music.

The song "Somos Como Tú" stands out as their vocal debut, featuring lyrics sung entirely in Spanish. This track delves into complex themes such as migration, displacement, and the universal quest for dignity and a sense of belonging. These subjects resonate deeply with the duo’s own experiences and broader social realities, giving the album a reflective and poignant tone.

The genesis of "Somos Como Tú" dates back to 2015 in Paris when Rodrigo Sánchez initially wrote it. However, the duo struggled for years to find an arrangement that felt authentic to their sound. It wasn’t until the creation of OurHome that they revisited the song, developing a vocal interplay where Sánchez leads and Gabriela Quintero responds with fast-paced phrasing reminiscent of his earlier heavy metal influences. This dynamic, supported by hand percussion and communal backing vocals, enhances the song’s emotional weight.

OurHome as a whole is framed around the concept of home as an internal state rather than a physical place. The album reflects a meditation on connection, renewal, and self-acceptance, themes inspired by the artists’ time in Japan where the album was recorded and produced at NK Sound Tokyo. The duo express admiration for Japanese aesthetics and artistic sensibilities, which influenced the album’s atmosphere.

The project also features notable collaborations, including former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, cellist Hiyori Okuda, and guitarist-composer Yukihiro Atsumi, enriching the duo’s sound palette. The album’s production quality is further elevated by the involvement of acclaimed professionals such as Dave Sardy, a five-time Grammy-winning mixer, and mastering engineer Stephen Marcussen.

“OurHome” also includes the single “Monster,” which draws inspiration from the celebrated 1994 manga series of the same name by Naoki Urasawa. Unexpectedly, this connection led to a direct collaboration with Urasawa himself, who created the official music video for the track. This partnership underscores the duo’s deep cultural ties and artistic influences beyond music alone.

The album arrives roughly two decades after Rodrigo y Gabriela emerged on the international scene, initially gaining recognition in Ireland after relocating from Mexico. Their unique fusion of heavy metal energy and Latin rhythms executed on classical guitars has defied easy categorization and earned them a global following.

Following the release of OurHome, Rodrigo y Gabriela are embarking on an extensive U.S. tour beginning on September 30 in Dallas, Texas. The tour includes a significant stop in their native Mexico City at the Polyforum Siqueiros, a venue renowned for its connection to Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. The itinerary continues through major American cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

OurHome represents a milestone in Rodrigo y Gabriela’s evolving narrative, blending their instrumental roots with newfound vocal expression and socially conscious themes. It reflects a mature artistic vision that embraces both personal and collective identity, framed by a global cultural dialogue. Further details about the album’s full track list and stylistic nuances remain limited in current reports, but the duo’s commitment to innovation and authenticity remains clear.