song in the Mazda CX-90 “Feel Alive” ad

There are car commercials that simply show you a vehicle, and then there are those that make you feel something. Mazda has long excelled at the latter, creating advertisements that feel more like short films than traditional spots. Their "Feel Alive" campaign for the CX-90 is a perfect example.

If you've watched these commercials and found yourself moved by the music, you're not alone. The soundtrack isn't just background noise—it's the emotional heart of the campaign. Here is your complete guide to the music in Mazda's "Feel Alive" ads, including the iconic track that defines the brand's message.

1. The Anthem: "Outro" by M83

Video: Mazda | "Feel Alive" Anthem (M83 - Outro)
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At the core of Mazda's "Feel Alive" campaign is a piece of music that has become almost as famous as the vehicles it accompanies: "Outro" by M83.

About M83

M83 is the project of French electronic musician Anthony Gonzalez, often collaborating with various other artists. Since forming in 2001, M83 has created some of the most cinematic, emotionally resonant music of the 21st century. The name comes from the spiral galaxy Messier 83, hinting at the expansive, cosmic quality of the sound.

M83's music is characterized by:

Sweeping synthscapes that feel both intimate and vast
Building crescendos that create powerful emotional arcs
Nostalgic undertones that evoke memories and longing
Cinematic scope that makes every song feel like a movie soundtrack

The Song: "Outro"

"Outro" is the final track on M83's 2011 double album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, which also includes the massive hit "Midnight City." While "Midnight City" got more radio play, "Outro" has become something of an anthem itself—used in countless films, trailers, and commercials for its powerful, uplifting quality.

The song builds slowly, beginning with gentle synthesizers before introducing a choir that sings the inspiring refrain:

"I'm the king of my own land
Facing tempests and dust
I'll fight until the end
And live to see the sunrise"

The choir swells, the music builds, and by the end, you feel like you can conquer anything. It's music designed to make you feel alive—which makes it absolutely perfect for Mazda's campaign.

Why This Song Works

Choosing "Outro" for the "Feel Alive" campaign is a brilliant piece of creative thinking:

Emotional Resonance: The song's building structure mirrors the emotional journey Mazda wants you to experience. It starts quietly, like the anticipation before a drive, and builds to a triumphant climax, like reaching a beautiful destination.

Universal Appeal: There are no lyrics in the traditional sense—just that powerful choir. This means the song works across cultures and languages, perfect for a global campaign.

Authenticity: M83 isn't a band that licenses its music to everyone. Using "Outro" signals that Mazda has taste, that they're serious about the artistic quality of their advertising.

Memorability: The song is instantly recognizable. When you hear those opening synths, you know exactly what's coming—and you feel that emotional connection immediately.

2. The Journey: "Memorias del camino"

Video: Mazda | "Memorias del camino" (Official Spot)
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This Mexican-market spot for the CX-90 takes the "Feel Alive" philosophy and applies it to a specific, beautiful narrative.

The Concept: Memories of the Road

"Memorias del camino" translates to "Memories of the Road." The commercial focuses on the emotional connection between driving and memory, between the journey and the people you share it with.

The spot shows the CX-90 in action, but more importantly, it shows the experiences the vehicle enables. Family trips, shared moments, beautiful landscapes—all made possible by the vehicle's capability and comfort.

The Music

While this spot may use different music than the M83 anthem (the video information doesn't specify), the emotional tone is consistent with the campaign's overall feel. The music here is likely:

Warm and inviting to match the family-focused imagery
Building in intensity as the journey progresses
Emotionally resonant to connect with viewers on a personal level

The #FeelAlive Connection

The hashtag #FeelAlive appears prominently, tying this specific spot to the broader campaign. Whether you're driving through beautiful countryside or simply running errands with family, the CX-90 is presented as the vehicle that helps you feel truly alive.

3. The Art: "The Perfect Scene" in Artisan Red

Video: Mazda USA | "The Perfect Scene" (Artisan Red)
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This stunning short spot takes a different visual approach, focusing on the CX-90's exclusive Artisan Red color. It's a masterclass in cinematography and design.

The Concept: Painting with Light

The commercial opens on what appears to be a blank canvas—a white, featureless scene. Then, slowly, beautifully, the CX-90 emerges in deep, flawless Artisan Red. It's as if the vehicle is being painted into existence by light itself.

This approach accomplishes several things:

Focus on Color: Artisan Red is the star. The commercial lets you appreciate its depth, its richness, its ability to change in different light.
Cinematic Quality: The production values are extraordinary. Every frame could be a photograph.
Brand Positioning: This is how a luxury brand presents itself—with artistry and restraint.

The Music

While the specific track for this spot isn't identified in the video information, the music likely shares the cinematic, emotional qualities of the M83 anthem. It's probably:

Subtle and atmospheric to let the visuals breathe
Building slowly as the vehicle emerges
Emotionally resonant to connect the beauty of the color with the feeling of driving

Artisan Red Explained

Artisan Red isn't just another paint option. It's a carefully developed color that represents Mazda's commitment to craftsmanship:

Deep, rich hue that reads as almost black in shadow, brilliant red in light
Complex formulation with multiple layers to create depth
Exclusive to Mazda—you can't get this color anywhere else
Premium positioning that signals this is a special vehicle

The commercial treats the color as the work of art it truly is.

The Bigger Picture: Mazda's Sonic and Visual Identity

Looking at these three videos together reveals a consistent, sophisticated approach to brand building.

The Three Pillars

VideoFocusMusical Approach

"Feel Alive" Anthem (M83)	Brand philosophy	Epic, building, emotional
"Memorias del camino"	Family journeys	Warm, narrative, connecting
"The Perfect Scene"	Design and color	Atmospheric, artistic, subtle

What They Share

Despite their different focuses, all three videos share core elements:

Emotional Depth: These aren't commercials that just list features. They're commercials that make you feel something.

Cinematic Quality: Every frame is beautiful. Mazda treats their advertising as an art form, and it shows.

Human Connection: Whether it's family memories or the simple pleasure of looking at something beautiful, these commercials connect with viewers on a human level.

The "Feel Alive" Philosophy: At the center of everything is the idea that driving should be more than transportation. It should be an experience that makes you feel truly alive.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90: What the Music Celebrates

Behind the beautiful music and cinematography is a vehicle worthy of the attention.

Design Philosophy

The CX-90 embodies Mazda's Kodo design language—"Soul of Motion." Every line, every surface is designed to suggest movement, even when the vehicle is standing still.

The proportions are classic rear-wheel-drive architecture: long hood, short overhangs, powerful stance. This isn't accidental—it's a deliberate choice to communicate performance and presence.

Artisan Red

The color featured in "The Perfect Scene" deserves special attention. Artisan Red is part of Mazda's Takuminuri series of paints, developed by master artisans who understand how light interacts with surface.

The paint uses:

Highly reflective pigments that create depth
Multiple layers for complexity
A clear coat that protects while enhancing

The result is a color that seems to change depending on how you look at it—sometimes deep burgundy, sometimes bright crimson, always beautiful.

Performance

The CX-90 is Mazda's largest vehicle, but it doesn't sacrifice driving dynamics:

Available turbocharged inline-six engine
Rear-biased all-wheel drive for sporty handling
Precise steering that communicates with the driver
Confident braking for peace of mind

This is a three-row SUV that actually drives like a Mazda—responsive, engaging, and fun.

Interior

Inside, the CX-90 offers:

Premium materials including available nappa leather
Japanese-inspired design with clean lines and thoughtful details
Generous space for up to eight passengers
Quiet cabin that makes conversation and music listening a pleasure

The Takeaway: Music That Makes You Feel Alive

Mazda's "Feel Alive" campaign demonstrates a profound understanding of music's power to shape emotion. By choosing M83's "Outro" as their anthem, they've selected a piece of music that:

Builds emotionally in the same way a great drive does
Connects universally without relying on language
Feels authentic because M83's artistry is respected
Stays with you long after the commercial ends

Whether it's the epic sweep of "Outro," the warm narrative of "Memorias del camino," or the artistic atmosphere of "The Perfect Scene," the music in these commercials makes you feel something. And feeling something is exactly what Mazda wants.

Because when you feel something, you remember. And when you remember, you're more likely to imagine yourself behind the wheel, driving toward your own perfect scene, creating your own memories of the road.

That's the power of great advertising. And that's the power of the Mazda CX-90.