Salvadoran singer-songwriter Mauricio Callejas, who has called Austin home since 2002, is set to release 4 new tracks. His upcoming EP, “Tropicos,” delves into Caribbean rhythms through the lens of singer-songwriter sensibilities.

The first single from this collection, “Solo en la ciudad” will be available to the public on Friday, August 9, 2024. This salsa track was co-produced by renowned Guatemalan engineer JP Berreondo at Asonic World Studios in Burbank, California. The song features veteran genre musicians, including Venezuelan percussionist Yonathan “Morocho” Gavidia, known for his work with Gilberto Santa Rosa and C4 Trio; Puerto Rican pianist Jonathan Montes (Luis Enrique, Jennifer Peña); and bassist Oskar Cartaya (Mark Anthony, Tito Puente). Joining from Argentina are trombonist Nahuel Ybarra and trumpeter Ninio Ollari.

“Solo en la ciudad” is a relatively new composition that Mauricio penned about a year ago during a visit to New York City, where he was preparing for a performance. The song captures the grandeur and diversity of the city, which can be both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Despite being surrounded by millions, one can still feel isolated and yearn to connect with others who share similar interests. The salsa genre was chosen to pay homage to New York, the birthplace of salsa music, with the production aiming to revive that classic sound.