Q&A: Thalía Finally Returns

Thalía is back. The 38-year-old singer may have taken some time off to be a mom but she never forgot her fans. Her upcoming acoustic CD/DVD, Primera Fila, shows a different, more casual side to the Mexican pop star. And if you’re wondering if her voice can stand up to the new material, listen to “Equivocada,” the first release from the record and decide for yourself (song is below). I recently caught up with artist to talk about her work:

How is the new album different from your previous work?
 

This album was entirely recorded and filmed live. The intention was to make the audience feel like they were in “Primera Fila,” in a setting in which they could feel and relate to the intimacy of the interpretation of each of the songs. It is a project that made me prove myself in many different aspects; it has been one of the biggest challenges of my career.



Do you have a favorite new song? What is it about?
 

All of them, of course, are incredible and special to me! But, if I have to choose my favorite, then, that would be “Como.” I wrote it with Leonel, of Sin Bandera. In its lyrics I talk about a moment in my life in which I was feeling disconnected from myself and I did not know how to get in touch with my heart and my soul. That is how I think of the song when I sing it, but in reality, it totally is a romantic song that depicts a love story.  


What covers are you doing? How did you choose them?
 

I chose to do covers of songs that I have always loved, such as “Que Será De Ti,” which I heard for the first time coming out [from] the great voice of Roberto Carlos and “Cuando Te Beso,” of Juan Luis Guerra, amongst others. All of the chosen covers were included in the recording because of the substance of their lyrics, and because they really reverberate within my soul, not only as an interpreter, but also as a listener.

Why did you decide to record/film a live album? 
 

There was always a need for me to do it, but I never had the right backup to be able to plan it well. It just so happened that almost two years ago I found the perfect companions to join me on this adventure. Since then, we have been working on the selection of songs that represent me musically and as an artist…songs that allowed me to break through all of the stigmas and stereotypes and also allowed me to start fresh and revitalized.

Will it include your duet with Joan Sebastian? How was it working with him?
 

Yes, of course it will be included! The duet with Joan Sebastian was one of the best surprises for me. When Joan found out about my project, he appeared with all of his heavy cavalry, and wrote a song for me to sing with him. The song is so sticky and guapachosa that is impossible to take your mind off it!

How did you enjoy reconnecting with fans during the live taping?
 

I was really nervous! Each and every bone in my body was trembling! I spent several years away from the stage, because of a personal decision to dedicate myself to being a mom, the grandest blessing in my life. I also took time off due to health reasons, to combat a complex illness. Therefore, when I returned to the stage, all prepared, ready and loving this new project, I was nervous, happy nervous. I was so excited to see all of those fans that came from all over the US and from different parts of the world!