Courtesy of M Group
David Lee Rodriquez has released his much-anticipated sophomore album, Mi Vida. The follow-up to his debut album, Así Me Enseñaron, which was nominated for Best Tejano Album at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2019, is a musical compilation reflecting the life of the singer and musician.
Rodriquez shared details on the album, saying, “The new CD is called Mi Vida, and we named it Mi Vida because music’s my life. I’ve done it since I was 12 (years old) professionally, touring with my dad’s band.”
The album was recorded with multiple Grammy-winning producer Gilbert Velazquez, who had previously worked with Rodriquez’s band, Algo Simple. “What’s funny is we recorded it with Gilbert Velazquez back then, and that’s how this whole thing started. Gilbert remembered we had the band, and he gave me a call, and then we started doing some more music,” Rodriquez explained.
The album features duets with Grammy winners Chente Barrera and Rebecca Valadez, a cumbia with Tejano Hall of Famer Shelly Lares, and a country tune written by Rodriquez and his son. It even includes a cover of a Juanes tune. “This kind of showcases everything that me and the band does. We go from, you know, of course, 100% Tejano all the way down to, you know, a Juanes tune, all the way down to a country tune,” said Rodriquez.
The album is a reflection of Rodriquez’s life, being born and raised in Hereford, Texas, with all the country music, and his dad, E.P. Rodriquez, being a backbone of Tejano music playing with legendary bands. “So, this is just kind of a little compilation of everything that I’ve been raised with, you know, my life,” he added.
Despite some creative differences with the initial record label and the delay caused by the COVID shutdown, the album is finally out under M Group Music. “Yes, it took a long time, but it’s finally out. And I think it’s the right time with the right label,” Rodriquez expressed.
With the release of Mi Vida, Rodriquez and his band, 411 (Cuatro Once), are ready to hit the road. “I’m hoping now that, you know, it’s out and now we can get more gigs, because we’re ready. The band is super ready to be on the road, to just play anywhere, for anything, for anyone,” he said.
“Mi Vida” is now available on all digital music platforms. As Rodriquez puts it, “I just can’t wait for people to hear this CD, because I’m so proud of this. And, it’s a great feeling, you know.”
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