Candice Horbacz
Colombian singer-songwriter Andrés Cepeda has officially relaunched his independent record label, Andrés Cepeda Música, marking a significant pivot in his illustrious three-decade career. The announcement, made exclusively to Billboard on August 5th, signifies Cepeda’s return to an independent path after extensive collaborations with major labels including Warner, Sony, and FM Entretenimiento. This strategic move is accompanied by the release of his latest project, the live album Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2, available now.
Cepeda, a five-time Latin Grammy winner, articulated his decision as a necessary evolution in response to the dynamic shifts within the music industry. "It’s one of those changes in the industry that we’ve been experiencing," Cepeda shared with Billboard. "I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and we’ve seen so many changes in the industry – from the way music is produced and consumed, to the way we present it, market it, and everything else. Everything has been changing a lot, and it has brought us to this moment."
The primary objective behind re-establishing Andrés Cepeda Música is to consolidate his team’s efforts and resources exclusively towards his own musical ventures. This decision stems from a perceived imbalance in the current industry landscape, where the traditional role of record labels has been significantly altered. Cepeda noted that the services once provided by major labels are now largely the responsibility of artists themselves, necessitating a more direct and independent approach to career management.
A Return to Independence: Navigating the Evolving Music Industry
Cepeda’s journey back to independence is a testament to his adaptability and foresight. Having navigated the traditional major label system for years, he has cultivated the internal infrastructure and expertise required to manage all facets of his artistic output. "I’m returning to being independent, or becoming independent, after making a major-label journey at a time when the industry has changed a lot," Cepeda explained. "The learning and experience I gained from working with these major labels forced me to build a team to provide everything the majors have stopped doing for artists. All those services that record labels used to provide now have to be handled by us."
He further elaborated on the financial and operational dynamics of the current record label partnerships. Cepeda perceives an imbalance where labels often demand significant contributions from artists without commensurate returns. "The record label becomes a partner that asks you for everything but doesn’t give you much," he stated. "It almost becomes a bank that you ask for a loan from in order to operate, so you’re simply shifting your financial muscle from one place to another. Now, you’re the one responsible for making those decisions." This perspective highlights a broader industry trend where artists are increasingly taking ownership of their careers, leveraging their established platforms and dedicated fan bases to self-manage and dictate their creative and commercial strategies.
"Big Band 2": A Celebration of Latin Music Heritage
The inaugural release under the revitalized Andrés Cepeda Música label is Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2, a live album that pays homage to the rich tapestry of Latin American music. This project serves as the second installment of a conceptual series that began in 2018 under Sony Music Colombia, showcasing Cepeda’s enduring fascination with the big band format and its historical integration into diverse Latin musical traditions.
The album was meticulously recorded live during a series of 12 concerts held in June 2025 at the esteemed Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Bogotá. Featuring a full orchestra, the recording captures 12 iconic songs that represent the breadth and depth of Latin music’s golden age. Among the featured classics are beloved tracks such as "El merecumbé," "Momposina," "Año viejo," and "Rayito."
Cepeda’s vision for Big Band 2 was to explore the evolution of the big band sound, tracing its origins from the United States to its profound influence and adaptation within Latin American musical genres. He articulated how the format seamlessly blended with local rhythms and styles across the region. "In Cuba, it encounters son and bolero; in Puerto Rico, bomba and plena; in Mexico, huapango; and in Colombia and Venezuela, cumbia, porro and gaita – generating some of the most beautiful songs of this golden age of Latin music," the artist explained. This cross-pollination of musical influences underscores the universal appeal and adaptability of the big band sound.
A Tribute to Legends: Featuring Celia Cruz and Benny Moré
A particularly poignant aspect of Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2 is the inclusion of a vocal performance by the legendary Celia Cruz on the track "Las pilanderas." Cepeda expressed his lifelong admiration for the Queen of Salsa, lamenting the missed opportunity to collaborate with her during her lifetime. The inclusion of Cruz’s powerful voice was made possible through the discovery of an original master tape, which underwent a careful restoration process, preserving her authentic performance without the use of artificial intelligence.
Cepeda shared a deeply personal anecdote about his experience working with Cruz. "For me, it was an unforgettable experience to watch her work, to see her singing and recording in the studio. That memory has always stayed with me," he recalled. "When I was making this album, I said, ‘That recording of Celia has to be somewhere. Let’s look for it; let’s find it.’ I eventually found the tape where she recorded it. Fortunately, it was in good condition, and I was able to do a small restoration." This discovery allowed Cepeda to fulfill a personal ambition, creating a posthumous duet with one of his most revered artists.
Building on this profound experience, Cepeda also managed to incorporate a recording by another Latin music titan, Benny Moré, on the song "Y hoy como ayer." This dual inclusion of legendary voices represents the culmination of two significant personal goals for Cepeda: "singing with two of the greatest voices in Latin music." The meticulous approach to sourcing and restoring these archival recordings highlights Cepeda’s commitment to authenticity and his deep respect for the artists who have shaped Latin music history.
Chronology of a Career Pivot
Andrés Cepeda’s musical career began in the early 1990s as a member of the popular Colombian group Poligamia. This early success laid the foundation for a solo career that would soon follow, marked by a series of critically acclaimed albums and a growing international fanbase.
- Early 1990s: Joins Poligamia, gaining initial fame and experience in the Colombian music scene.
- Mid-1990s: Embarks on a solo career, establishing himself as a prominent singer-songwriter.
- Late 1990s – 2010s: Collaborates with major record labels, including Warner, Sony, and FM Entretenimiento, releasing multiple successful albums and garnering critical recognition, including multiple Latin Grammy awards.
- 2018: Releases the first installment of the Big Band concept, Andrés Cepeda Big Band, under Sony Music Colombia, exploring orchestral arrangements and classic Latin American music.
- June 2025: Records the live performances for Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2 at Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Bogotá, featuring a full orchestra and classic Latin American repertoire.
- August 5, 2026: Relaunches his independent record label, Andrés Cepeda Música, signifying a strategic shift towards greater artistic and commercial autonomy.
- August 5, 2026: Releases Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2 as the first project under his newly independent label.
Broader Impact and Industry Implications
Andrés Cepeda’s decision to relaunch his independent label and release Big Band 2 has several implications for the broader music industry, particularly within the Latin music sphere.
Firstly, it reinforces the growing trend of established artists prioritizing independence. As digital distribution platforms and direct-to-fan engagement tools become more sophisticated, artists like Cepeda can build sustainable careers without relying solely on traditional label structures. This empowers artists with greater control over their intellectual property, creative direction, and revenue streams. The success of such independent ventures can inspire other artists to explore similar paths, potentially leading to a more diversified and artist-centric industry ecosystem.
Secondly, the Big Band 2 project itself serves as a cultural ambassador. By reinterpreting and celebrating classic Latin American songs with a sophisticated orchestral arrangement, Cepeda is not only showcasing his artistic versatility but also introducing a new generation of listeners to the rich heritage of genres like cumbia, son, bolero, and more. The inclusion of historical recordings by Celia Cruz and Benny Moré further solidifies the project’s role in preserving and honoring musical legacies. This approach can foster a deeper appreciation for the historical evolution of Latin music and its enduring influence.
Thirdly, Cepeda’s candid remarks about the evolving relationship between artists and record labels offer valuable insight into the current industry dynamics. His analysis suggests that while major labels still hold significant power and reach, their traditional value proposition is being challenged. Artists are increasingly demanding more equitable partnerships and are willing to invest in building their own operational capacities. This could push labels to adapt their business models further, focusing on specialized services and strategic collaborations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The relaunch of Andrés Cepeda Música and the release of Andrés Cepeda Big Band 2 represent a significant moment for the Colombian artist, marking a bold new chapter in his celebrated career. It is a testament to his artistic vision, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his deep commitment to celebrating and advancing the rich legacy of Latin music. As he navigates this independent path, his journey will undoubtedly be closely watched by artists and industry observers alike.
Eva Lovia
Julia Chirkova
Julia Prastini
Jia Lissa
admin
Raisa Andriana