Are corridos progresivos and el movimiento alterado coming back? Tracing back to the early 2000s, the nostalgic corrido trends are making waves on social media, signaling a possible resurgence led by the subgenre’s pioneers like Gerardo Ortiz, Alfredo “El Komander” Rios, and Régulo Caro.
Like corridos tumbados, corridos progresivos and el movimiento alterado had a mainstream moment in the música mexicana industry back between late 2000s and early 2010s. Though the two subgenres are often coupled, a corrido progresivo has a more progressive rock component, with lyrics that are often narrated first-hand, while alterados tend to be more aggressive.
The buzz started picking up steam last week (June 25), when El Komander posted a photo on his Instagram wearing an outfit that called back to the corridos progresivos days – Ed Hardy and all. Fans were thrilled when El Komander called out all of the genre’s favorite artists like Régulo Caro, Ortiz, and Edén Muñoz, in the post’s caption.
Then on June 27, El Komander and Régulo chatted on an Instagram live about how thankful they are for fans still appreciating the progresivo and alterado movement, which is ultimately reconnecting colleagues. El Komander said his colleagues are now brainstorming comeback music in that style. Caro also gave a shout-out to Ortiz, another leading exponent of the progresivo subgenre and the artist often credited with coining the term. Caro also reiterated that it’s not a competition but a comeback, and they shouted out newer names like Peso Pluma and Luis R. Conriquez, who are currently popular in música mexicana.
A few days later (June 29), Ortiz posted a TikTok with the words, “Did somebody say corridos progresivos?” He soundtracked it with one of his own popular corrido progresivo called “Aquiles Afirmo,” as he showed a “Regulo” calling his phone, presumed to refer to Caro. At the end of the TikTok, he answers the call.
Though there’s no confirmation of any new collaborations between the three artists, fans are hyped about the upcoming music. Over on TikTok, fans are posting videos of throwback outfits featuring Ed Hardy and bedazzled high heels with Ortiz’s “Cara A La Muerte” song in anticipation.
Other artists who also left their mark in both subgenres include Calibre 50, Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, Noel Torres, Alfredo Olivas, and the late Tito Torbellino.