Mau y Ricky on Family, “Hotel Caracas,” & Returning to Venezuela | PopSugar

Mau y Ricky’s new album, “Hotel Caracas,” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a homecoming. The Venezuelan singer-songwriters, sons of Latine pop icon Ricardo Montaner, have returned to their roots both geographically and creatively with this project, marking their first album release on their own label, Why Club Records, in partnership with Warner Music Latina. The album, steeped in Venezuelan culture and swagger, represents a full-circle moment for the duo, who are also navigating new chapters in their personal lives as fathers and husbands.

A Family Affair

For Mau and Ricky, family isn’t just a theme in their music—it’s integral to their process. Growing up in Caracas, they witnessed their father’s success firsthand, watching him perform hits like “Tan Enamorados” and “Bésame” to sold-out crowds. Ricardo Montaner even brought them onstage to sing with him, fostering a love for music and performance. This familial support extended beyond performance; Ricardo once ran a record label with Venezuelan brothers Servando & Florentino, providing a glimpse into the possibilities of sibling collaboration in Latin music. Now, the tables have turned, with Mau and Ricky inviting their father to contribute to their work. On the hidden track “Muriendo de Miedo,” Ricardo’s voice harmonizes beautifully with his sons’, a gesture of gratitude and homage.

“It’s full circle,” Mau Montaner says. “I feel like he had to be in it. We’re so grateful for what he has meant to us as a father, obviously as support in the early years and as an influence. It’s like paying homage to him and musically thanking him for everything he has meant for us and honoring what he’s done.”

Beyond the Montaner Name

Despite the advantages of their lineage, Mau y Ricky have carved their own path in the industry. They didn’t simply rely on their father’s name; they honed their skills as songwriters, forming a collective with longtime collaborator JonTheProducer and, crucially, their future brother-in-law, Camilo. This collective proved remarkably successful, penning hits for other artists like Becky G and Natti Natasha’s “Sin Pijama,” Karol G’s “Pineapple,” and Ricky Martin and Maluma’s “Vente Pa’ Ca.” Their breakthrough hit, “Desconocidos,” served as a launching pad for Camilo’s own burgeoning pop career. The collaborative spirit continues on “Hotel Caracas,” with Camilo featured on the song “Karma,” and the duo having previously co-written a song on Camilo’s album “Cuatro.”

“It’s pretty crazy and wild to think back on what we were able to accomplish that started from being these fucking four hopeful kids that had big dreams to one day make it in music,” Ricky recalls, referring to himself, Mau, Camilo, and JonTheProducer. “We did it our way, and it was in a collective with people we love,” Mau adds. “Being able to get together and have these little moments of creative bonding is beautiful. We created some of my favorite music alongside Cami.”

A New Era: “Hotel Caracas” and Why Club Records

“Hotel Caracas” signifies a new chapter for Mau y Ricky, not only musically but also professionally. The album marks the inaugural release on their own label, Why Club Records, a partnership with Warner Music Latina. This move grants them greater creative control and ownership over their work. The timing also coincides with personal milestones for both brothers. Mau and his wife, Sara Escobar, welcomed their son, Apollo, in 2022, while Ricky married Argentine model Stefi Roitman. These personal experiences have infused the album with a newfound sense of vulnerability and honesty, exploring themes of romance, heartbreak, and intimacy.

“Being married and starting our own families has given us a sense of security,” Ricky explains. “At this point, my wife knows me exactly as I am, and I can share the stories I’m telling, and many of them speak of my past or Mau’s past. Before, we might have been like, ‘You’re not going to say that.’ With that sense of security, I’m like, ‘I’ve been through all this, and I got to say it because I recognize that it can assist somebody.'”

Reconnecting with Venezuela

The album’s title, “Hotel Caracas,” is more than just a catchy phrase; it represents a deliberate return to their homeland. After more than a decade away, Mau and Ricky felt a need to reconnect with their Venezuelan identity. All 15 music videos for the album were filmed in various cities across Venezuela, and a documentary capturing their experience is forthcoming. The project involved a crew of over 200 Venezuelan professionals, providing a significant economic boost to the local film industry. As reported by TV Azteca, the brothers described a feeling of needing to heal a sense of disconnect they felt from their country.

“We needed to reconnect,” Mau says. “We felt like we were going through this identity crisis or lack of feeling a part of somewhere. For the longest time, we felt that, and as you mature, you start noticing those little wounds that you have to heal. That was one of them. It was beautiful when we got to heal that [wound] when we went back to our country. It was three months of getting to know our country in the best way possible, plus filming the videos to represent the beauty of Venezuela.”

Lobby Bar Concerts and Touring Plans

To promote “Hotel Caracas,” Mau y Ricky are embarking on a series of intimate “Lobby Bar” concerts across the US and Latin America. These smaller, more personal performances allow them to connect with fans on a deeper level. They also plan to launch a full tour later this year. Mau acknowledges the challenges of balancing his burgeoning career with the responsibilities of fatherhood. Popsugar notes the brothers’ commitment to family.

“To be honest, it’s hard, but it’s also super fun,” he says. “Let’s say 60 years from now, I love knowing that those songs [on ‘Hotel Caracas’] are a part of his childhood. I love the idea that he learned to say certain words and that he learned to play pretend drums or pretend trumpets because he heard these songs. They’re a part of his development, and music has more of a development in kids’ brains than we even realize.”

The album’s success will likely be closely watched within the industry, particularly given the brothers’ independent label venture. Evaluna Montaner’s own rising profile, alongside her husband Camilo’s continued success, further solidifies the Montaner family’s influence in the Latine music landscape.

Tour dates and further details regarding the documentary are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.