Santana Teams Up With Grupo Frontera for ‘Me Retiro’: ‘They Have So Much Joy and I Relate to That’

Carlos Santana, a living legend in global music, hardly needs an introduction. With nearly eight decades under his belt, his influence continues to ripple across generations of artists and fans alike.

Now, his artistry intertwines with Grupo Frontera in “Me Retiro,” a Tex-Mex rock collaboration that celebrates resilience and emotional rebirth, with Santana stepping in as both a musical sage and spiritual guide.

The song, produced and co-written by Edgar Barrera, tells the story of someone trying to move past the pain of a broken relationship while grappling with an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Musically, “Me Retiro” blends Santana’s unmistakable electric guitar melodies — dizzying and immersive — with Grupo Frontera’s signature tejano acoustic style, where, instead of the accordion, Santana’s guitar takes center stage. The “Black Magic Woman” artist uses his electrifying rock riffs to elevate the track to a more dynamic level, while Frontera’s Texan instrumentation grounds it in the cultural and emotional roots of norteño.

In a Zoom interview with Billboard Español, Santana reflects on the essence of the song and his connection to its message. “It’s about someone who doesn’t see themselves as a victim,” he said. “There are so many songs I didn’t like growing up, about people getting drunk and crying, like, ‘Oh, they left me, they’re gone.; That music is so depressing, and I don’t think that way — I’m a lion. If my woman leaves, let her go, I’ll find another queen with even more light. I have very strong faith, and I relate to Frontera’s lyrics because they’re basically saying, ‘I don’t give a damn.’

“I came into this world to transcend,” the musician concludes. “I’m a gardener, and my water is for all the flowers.”

Barrera was the bridge between the iconic guitarist and the Texan-Mexican group. For the producer and songwriter, this project marked a pivotal moment in his career. “It was a very special moment for me to be able to work with Santana because the first song I ever learned how to play on the guitar was ‘Samba Pa Ti’ and I played it in a talent show when I was 10 years old,” shares Barrera. “He is one of the main reasons I fell in love with music and he’s always been one of my idols so this was truly a full circle moment in my career and I’m honored that he agreed to collaborate with me.”

The creative process was just as meaningful for Grupo Frontera, whose members are still reflecting on the unforgettable opportunity to work with a musical legend. “It’s always a surreal moment when you get to collaborate with people you’ve looked up to your whole life,” said the band via email. “Edgar Barrera told us that Santana wanted to make a song together and we were shocked. Being in the same room as him, watching him work, we were speechless. We learned a lot from the experience.”

For Santana, the project felt authentic and aligned with his own musical style, creating a natural connection with Grupo Frontera. “They have so much energy and joy and I really relate to that,” Santana says. “If you break down where their music comes from, it’s African music. It’s blended with northern Texas and Mexican influences, but its foundation — just like Selena’s cumbia — is rooted in African music, and that’s something I can express very naturally.”

Despite his recent health challenges, 77-year-old Santana says he’s ready to keep sharing his magic with the world. “Thank God, I’m better than ever. I’m ready to go on tour and bring this strength and hope to people,” he says.

For him and his unmistakable guitar, the mission has always been clear: to inspire others with a “pinch of light.”

Listen to “Me Retiro” by Carlos Santana and Grupo Frontera below.