Clave Especial draws inspiration from Mexican American roots on new EP 'AFTER AFTER'

The regional Mexican music scene continues to grow with young Mexican American artists drawing inspiration from their roots, and Clave Especial is among the groups gaining attention.

The group, based in Salinas, California, released a new EP titled "AFTER, AFTER."

The three members say their music reflects a blend of cultures shaped by family history, personal experiences and a shared love of Mexican music.

"We're born here in the U.S. but the Mexican roots run through our veins, and it's what we love to do, play Mexican music, represent our culture, our people," said lead singer Alejandro Ahumada Nuñez.

Clave Especial says honoring their families' journeys has helped shape both their lyrics and their motivation.

"Our parents came here from a rancho, from Mexico, they were immigrants when they first came to this country so I feel like to us, a big role for us was to make them proud," Ahumada Nuñez said.

All three members are college graduates who decided to pursue music full time, a decision that has begun to pay off.

The group has more than 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify, recently completed a tour across the United States and has been nominated for multiple music awards in both U.S. and Latin markets.

Bass player Rogelio Gonzalez said the growing recognition has been an adjustment.

"I think it's a trip because we went from playing gigs, backyard parties, and to now have people come up to you and say, oh sign my guitar, sign my hat ... it's like oh damn, it's something to take in," he said.

They say their new EP is meant to capture a specific energy.

Lead guitarist Leonardo Lomeli described the concept behind "AFTER, AFTER" as "basically the party after the party and it's basically the music that you hear at the after after."

"It's always lit music, the ambiance always loud, giving that summer anthem vibe you know," the group said.

From humble beginnings to performing for thousands of fans, the group hopes its journey can inspire others.

"We came from a very small town where making it in music was almost like an impossible fairytale," Ahumada Nuñez said. "We just put in the work ... we want to show our fans that if you put in the work and you put in the passion that things can show out for you,"

"We're just very blessed to be where we're at, and we're always striving for more," he added.

As Clave Especial continues to gain momentum, the group remains focused on representing its culture while pushing forward in the regional Mexican music genre.