Mexican Institute of Sound and Meridian Brothers Launch Ambitious Tour with Collaborative Album ‘Ruido Tovar’
Mexican artist Camilo Lara, known for his work with the Mexican Institute of Sound (MIS), is set to return to the stage alongside the Colombian band Meridian Brothers. Following his role as a music producer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lara will perform songs from their collaborative album Ruido Tovar. The concert series will kick off on July 25 at the Calgary Folk Music Festival in Alberta, Canada.
A Unique Musical Collaboration
The Ruido Tovar tour promises to be a blend of diverse musical influences. Lara described it as a “clash of ideas and sounds,” noting the challenge of coordinating a nine-member ensemble on stage. The collaboration aims to create a postmodern cumbia-punk-rock orchestra, showcasing the innovative spirit of both groups.
The album, released digitally in May, features ten tracks rooted in the tropical music of Mexico from the late 1970s and early 1980s. It pays homage to Rigo Tovar, a pivotal figure in cumbia music who famously integrated a Moog synthesizer into his work. Tovar, hailing from Matamoros, was celebrated for his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
The Essence of Ruido Tovar
Lara emphasized Tovar’s significance in modern music, stating, “Rigo Tovar was the epitome of modernity. He was more modern than anyone who calls themselves modern today.” The album is characterized as a “futuristic” project, blending instrumental pieces with cumbias, classic tropical rhythms, psychedelic sounds, and experimental electronic music. It was produced in just one week at Lara’s studio in Mexico City.
The album reflects a transitional period in tropical music, moving from large ensembles to smaller groups. Lara noted that synthesizers were becoming more prevalent, changing the landscape of the genre. He highlighted Tovar’s role in this evolution.
Collaborations and Influences
The album also features contributions from notable artists, including Beck, who has deep ties to the Mexican community. Together, they recorded “Ritmo Babilonia,” a reimagined version of Tovar’s classic “El festival de mi pueblo.” Lara expressed his excitement about Beck’s involvement, stating that it evokes memories of Beck’s early work.
In addition to “Ritmo Babilonia,” the album includes “Cumbia Beckiana,” which draws on Beck’s unique style, merging hip-hop, electronic music, and psychedelia. Lara remarked on the natural synergy between their musical styles, noting how instantly recognizable Beck’s voice is.
Upcoming Tour Dates
The Ruido Tovar tour will feature several performances across North America, including:
- July 25 — Calgary Folk Music Festival, Alberta, Canada
- July 30 — Summer For The City @ Lincoln Center, New York
- August 1 — Pickathon, Happy Valley, Oregon
- August 4 — Quartyard, San Diego, California
- August 5 — The Regent, Los Angeles
- August 7 — La Maraka, Mexico City
- August 9 — LatiNxt Festival, Chicago
- October 14 — Psyched! Fest, San Francisco
Broader Contributions to Music
This year, MIS has also collaborated with David Byrne on a cover of “Who Is the Sky?” featuring Natalia Lafourcade. Lara has composed the score for the film Moscas, directed by Fernando Eimbcke, and has been commissioned by Disney Pixar for the sequel to Coco.
Lara reflected on his diverse career, stating, “I’ve been very fortunate to work at many different levels. One thing has nothing to do with the other, but I think it all revolves around the idea of working with my community and where I come from.”
For more details on the Ruido Tovar tour and the latest updates, visit Billboard.
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Published on 2026-07-23 19:24:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk