Colombian rocker Juanes marked the 25th anniversary of his solo debut album Fíjate Bien with the release of his 12th studio album, JuanesTeban, last month. In an interview with Billboard Español, he discussed his career milestones, personal growth, and the album's creation. The artist, now based in Miami, shared insights on family, mental health, and supporting new talent.
Juanes launched his solo career in 2000 after moving to Los Angeles in 1999 and signing with Gustavo Santaolalla’s Surco label. His debut Fíjate Bien paved the way for hits like “A Dios le Pido,” which topped Billboard charts in 2002 alongside the album Un Día Normal, and later smashes such as “La Camisa Negra” and “Me Enamora,” the latter leading Hot Latin Songs for 20 weeks in 2007. Over the years, he has earned 25 Latin Grammys, four Grammys, and more than 10 Billboard Latin Music Awards, while co-founding the Mi Sangre Foundation in 2006 to promote peace through humanitarian efforts. He also championed emerging artists, including introducing Rosalía to manager Rebeca León years ago and featuring Joaquina on his 2023 album Vida Cotidiana, echoing the support he received from Carlos Vives early on with his band Ekhymosis. Juanes described himself as in his 'best state,' fully connected to his essence and spirituality. The title JuanesTeban merges his given name Juan Esteban with his nickname, representing the multifaceted personalities within him—joy, sadness, anger, and more. He created the album's self-portrait cover art, a passion stemming from his industrial design studies at Pontifical Bolivarian University in Medellín, with help from designers Camilo Londoño and Sebas Londoño after his manager Rafa Restrepo spotted his sketches. A standout track, “Madre,” dedicated to his mother who passed away in September at age 95, blends Colombian folklore with Andean elements; she heard the final version and loved it, calling herself his No. 1 fan. On personal matters, Juanes opened up about battling depression since age 14 or 15, finding healing through vulnerability, sobriety, exercise, and family life with wife Cecilia, whom he met during his early LA days. He anticipates the JuanesTeban Tour will be 'the best tour of my life,' emphasizing presence and production. Looking ahead, he aims to keep creating, inspired by enduring artists like Juan Luis Guerra and Mick Jagger.