Mau y Ricky on Family, Music & Returning to Venezuela with “Hotel Caracas”

For Mau y Ricky, music has always been a family affair. The Venezuelan duo, sons of Latin pop icon Ricardo Montaner, are releasing music that feels deeply personal, a homecoming in more ways than one. Their latest album, “Hotel Caracas,” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a vibrant ode to their roots, a celebration of family bonds, and a testament to the power of creative collaboration. The album marks a new chapter for the brothers, signaling a return to their Venezuelan heritage and a willingness to explore more intimate themes in their songwriting.

The Montaner family’s musical legacy is undeniable. Ricardo Montaner’s decades-long career, filled with hits like “Tan Enamorados” and “Bésame,” laid the foundation for his children’s artistic pursuits. But the talent doesn’t stop there. Mau y Ricky’s sister, Evaluna Montaner, is a successful singer herself, and her husband, Camilo, has turn into a global pop sensation. This interconnectedness isn’t a coincidence; it’s a deliberate nurturing of creativity within the family unit. “There’s no hiding the obvious,” Ricky Montaner told sources. “I’m proud as a family that we’ve been able to lift each other up, inspire each other, and connect with people in this way. It’s attractive and special.”

A Full-Circle Moment: Ricardo Montaner Joins the Next Generation

Growing up in Caracas, Mau and Ricky were immersed in music, often watching their father perform to sold-out crowds. Ricardo Montaner even brought them onstage to sing with him, fostering a love for performance from a young age. He also co-founded a record label with Servando & Florentino, further exposing his sons to the inner workings of the music industry. Now, the roles have reversed, with Mau y Ricky inviting their father to contribute to their work. A hidden feature on the song “Muriendo de Miedo” showcases Ricardo Montaner’s voice harmonizing beautifully with his sons, a poignant moment of artistic exchange.

“It’s full circle,” Mau Montaner explained. “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.” This collaboration isn’t just a sentimental gesture; it represents a passing of the torch, a recognition of the foundation upon which their careers were built.

From Songwriting Collective to Global Success

Despite their famous lineage, Mau y Ricky understood the importance of forging their own path. They didn’t simply rely on their father’s name to open doors. Instead, they honed their skills as songwriters, forming a collective with longtime collaborator JonTheProducer and, eventually, Camilo. This collective proved remarkably successful, penning hits for some of the biggest names in Latin music, including 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. They continued their collaborative efforts, co-writing a song on Camilo’s album “Cuatro” and featuring him on their track “Karma.”

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

“Hotel Caracas”: A Return to Roots and a New Era

“Hotel Caracas” represents a significant evolution for Mau y Ricky. It’s their first album released on their own label, Why Club Records, in partnership with Warner Music Latina. The album also coincides with personal milestones for both brothers: Mau welcomed his first child, Apollo, in 2022 with his wife Sara Escobar, and Ricky married Argentine model Stefi Roitman. This newfound stability and personal fulfillment have allowed them to explore more vulnerable and honest themes in their music, tackling topics like romance, heartbreak, and intimacy.

The album’s title itself is symbolic. “Hotel Caracas” isn’t a literal hotel, but rather a metaphor for a return to their homeland and a reconnection with their identity. All 15 music videos for the album were filmed in various cities across Venezuela, and an accompanying documentary captures their experience of rediscovering their country. The project involved over 200 Venezuelan crew members, providing a significant economic boost to the local film industry. “We needed to reconnect,” Mau explained. “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.”

Balancing Fatherhood, Music, and the Future

Mau admits that juggling the demands of fatherhood with his music career is challenging, but ultimately rewarding. “To be honest, it’s hard, but it’s also super fun,” he said. “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.”

Mau y Ricky are currently promoting “Hotel Caracas” with intimate “Lobby Bar” concerts across the US and Latin America, and plan to embark on a larger tour later this year. The album’s success signals a promising future for the duo, one built on a foundation of family, collaboration, and a deep connection to their Venezuelan heritage. As they continue to evolve as artists and individuals, their commitment to authenticity and their willingness to embrace their roots will undoubtedly remain at the heart of their music.

The brothers are currently focused on finalizing dates for their upcoming tour, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated on tour information and future releases through their official website and social media channels.

What are your thoughts on Mau y Ricky’s new album? Share your favorite tracks and what the music means to you in the comments below!