Daniel, Me Estás Matando: Mixing Old-School Boleros with Modern Glam
By Angelica Ruiz
Boleros have a way of pulling you into another world. The slow, heart-aching sway, the lyrics that sink deep into your soul, and the timeless, romantic nostalgia they bring. It’s music that wraps around you like a familiar, bittersweet memory, making you feel every moment of love, longing, and loss. If you’ve ever found yourself listening to a bolero and feeling like you’re the main character of some black-and-white film, you’re not alone. For Mexicans and all Latinos, boleros are more than just a genre; they’re the language of emotion, passed down through generations.
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Bolero is a romantic music genre that originated in late 19th-century Cuba, blending Spanish guitar traditions with Afro-Cuban rhythms. It’s easily recognized by its slow tempo, poetic lyrics, and themes of love and heartbreak. By the early 20th century, the genre made its way to Mexico during the Golden Age of Cinema, where it became a cultural staple. In Mexico, bolero took on its own identity, deeply rooted in the nation's love for dramatic, emotional storytelling, making it a beloved part of its musical heritage.
Let me introduce you to a band that has taken the art of boleros and given it a new twist: Daniel, Me Estás Matando. They call their style "boleroglam", and honestly, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a glamorous, quirky, and modern spin on the classic bolero. If the spirit of boleros is a smoky lounge where heartbreak and devotion are served neat, then Daniel, Me Estás Matando have splashed in some glitter, vintage synths, and a dash of retro-ness. And let me tell you, it is incredible.
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Who Are Daniel, Me Estás Matando?
This dynamic Mexican duo, composed of Daniel Zepeda and Iván de la Rioja, is genuinely masters of their craft. They’re not just reviving boleros for a new generation—they’re redefining what boleros can be.
With influences ranging from classic icons like Los Panchos to more unexpected sources, Daniel, Me Estás Matando breathe new life into this old-school genre, creating music that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
What’s incredible is how this duo maintains the essence of boleros—romantic anguish, poetic lyrics, and lush harmonies—while giving it a modern sheen with synths, bass, and a glamorous aesthetic that feels fresh and cheeky.
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My Highly Recommended
Let me get personal for a second. Boleros have always been that genre I reach for when I’m feeling extra dramatic or extremely nostalgic, but Daniel, Me Estás Matando? They’ve added whole new layers to my emotional playlist. Here are a few songs I’m obsessed with:
“Hay Cosas” — If quiet love had a theme song, it’d be this song. The soft melodies, poetic lyrics, and the way it captures those sacred, unspoken moments? It’s pure magic.
“Lo Hice, Te Deje” — the anthem of letting go. The heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody tell the story of a love that was once cherished but became too heavy to hold onto.
“Somos Algo” — the perfect ode to cosmic connection and fleeting moments.
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Tiny Desk Appearance
Recently, Daniel, Me Estas Matando, made a special appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk stage in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This performance was simply incredible and genuinely representative of the bolero genre.
Source: NPR Music
It was intimate, funny, and effortlessly cool. With their signature boleroglam style in full display, they balanced the tenderness of boleros with that glitzy, quirky energy that only they can bring.
They performed four songs, including “Lo Hice, Te Deje,” and every note was tinged with the melodrama we’ve come to love from them.
Daniel, Me Estas Matando is a movement. By reimagining bolero for a new generation, they’ve managed to keep this beautiful bolero genre alive, not in a museum of nostalgia but on the dance floors, stages, and playlists of people who didn’t even know they needed the sweet sounds of boleroglam.
