Marisela Hernandez shares part of her life story with the release of a new single and official music video for “Quién Iba a Pensar.”
The former backup vocalist for Grupo Mazz teamed with legendary songwriter Humberto “Beto” Ramon and award-winning producer and internationally famous music producer, Hugo Guerrero, producer of many hits and well known for the hit “La Charanga”.
A conversation between Hernandez and Ramon about the story of how she met her husband became a song penned by the composer.
“This song is literally a song about my life,” Hernandez tells Tejano Nation. “I wish that I could say that my husband and I had one of those love at first sight type of romances, that is not the case.”
“He tried to pursue me for five years and I was just not interested and then all of sudden it was divine intervention,” she added. “I started to see him differently and got to know him. I fell in love with his person, his soul, and his heart.”
Marisela and her husband, award-winning drummer Johnny Hernandez, eventually married and had a daughter.
The visual for “Quién Iba a Pensar” was filmed by Lupe Moya and LM Media Solutions on the beaches of South Padre Island and features the family of Marisela, including scene of her husband and daughter playing the drums.
“I was so blessed to be able to include them in this project because the song is about them,” said Marisela.
The talented songstress is currently working on her debut solo album with plans to release it before the end of 2020.
Marisela also co-hosts a weekly live-streamed talk show with Chris Rodriguez of Tejano Highway 281 every Wednesday night at 8:30 pm CT at The Chris & Marisela Show Facebook page about current issues involving the Tejano music industry from the current COVID-19 pandemic to receiving to radio airplay and more.
Thomas Cruz, bandleader and spokesperson for Little Joe Y La Familia, shared the latest update on Little Joe’s health via social media on Tuesday (July 21). “It has not been an easy straight forward recovery,” said Cruz. “This virus does not have a simple pattern that everyone follows through recovery, it is different for each individual. This being said, Joe has had setbacks and improvements throughout this ordeal but is doing better as of today.”
Due to other staff members contracting COVID-19, the main office for Little Joe Y La Familia in Temple, Texas has shut down and asks for patience with any responses. Little Joe’s wife, his daughter, and his niece are also currently recovering from COVID-19, according to the statement.
“Any official information on Joe will ONLY be on our official Facebook page through Joe or myself,” added Cruz. “We had not posted anything on his status choosing to focus on getting him the rest and care he needs. Sadly, there has been a number of individual postings that have posted false hurtful information on him.”
Cruz was referring to false social media posts on the health of the 79-year-old singer during his recovery.
“We thank you as always for your support, it means a lot to know we have incredible people pulling for Joe,” said Cruz. “So please continue your prayers for him and I hope to have even better news in the near future as we all go forward in helping him to recover. Thanks from everyone at La Familia.”
Little Joe, known as the “King of The Brown Sound” and a career that spans more than half a century, released his eighth live concert albumBetter Than Ever on May 29 and a book about his life and over half a century legendary music career titled No Llore Chingon! An American Story: The life of Little Joe on May 13.
“Eres Tú” is the first brand new single from Tejano singer, songwriter, producer, and musician Miguel Hernandez, from his upcoming seventh studio-recorded album.
“I’m really excited about it, actually my wife helped me co-write this song,” Hernandez tells Tejano Nation. “It’s a really nice cumbia, it’s got a really, you know, upbeat and just kind of that summer feel. It’s a heartfelt song.”
“Eres Tú” features an exciting, rhythmic melody and is just in time for those warm summer nights, when love is thick in the air. The joyful sounds of the music and the romantic self-penned lyrics by Miguel and wife Amanda Hernandez touch a special place in your heart while being captured in the emotional vocal delivery.
Hernandez explained the process of writing the song with his wife. “I just got this melody in my head and I ended up writing it down and I was trying to put some lyrics to it and she started humming it…We kind of fed off each other and there it is.”
“Eres Tú” is released through R.A.W. Elements, Miguel’s recording music group founded in early 2019. The song will hit the charts and find its way as a summer anthem for years to come. It will be available at all digital music platforms soon.
Hernandez plans to release a full album titled Lucky No. 7 in early 2021.
Grupo Intocable postponed a Houston area drive-in concert for a second time due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement released by the GRAMMY-winning group on Wednesday (July 22).
“Due to the situation in Harris County and all over the world at this time we feel its in the best interest of our fans, band and staff that we postpone our Hockley, TX drive-in concert for August 20, 2020,” said the statement. “We hope our fans understand that it was a hard decision to make but we hope you understand.”
The drive-in concert was originally scheduled for July 9 at the Showboat Drive-In in Hockley, Texas near Houston with Intocable, Solido, and Oscar Ayala Y Su Sangre Brava scheduled to perform, but it was postponed earlier this month for July 30.
All tickets previously purchased will be valid for the new date, according to the statement.
Intocable announced last month that five members of the group tested positive for COVID-19 include drummer Rene Martinez, bassist Felix Salinas, percussionist Sergio Serna, bajo sexto player Johnny Lee Rosas, and Juan Hernandez, group motivator/rhythm.
The latest information on upcoming events for Intocable will be given on the group’s official social media platforms.
Garcia began in the music business as a young girl eventually recording music with legendary record label Hacienda Records at the beginning of her professional career. The singer and songwriter started Conjunto La Suerte de Sam Y Martina in 1993, later marrying accordionist Sam Garcia in 1995. The group continued after the passing of Sam and joined CHR Records. Martina recorded a total of nine Tejano and Country albums throughout her career.
Rick Garcia, President of CHR Records, released a statement via social media confirming the news. “It’s with much heartache that we share the passing of Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer, CHR Records recording artist and dear friend Martina Garcia of La Suerte Conjunto. As her friend and producer of over 20 years, our hearts are heavy with sadness. Martina was an amazing talent and such a genuine lady. We feel honored to have played a part in her musical career. The memories and the music will live forever. She brought comfort and happiness to countless fans throughout her career. Those of us who were lucky enough to know her personally are exceptionally blessed to have known the person behind the music. She was humble, genuine, and always a true friend. We pray that God will provide comfort and strength to her family and loved ones.”
Martina was a Tejano ROOTS Award winner as Female Vocalist of the Year in 2013 and was inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame in 2016.
A family-directed memorial service for Martina Garcia is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Shamrock, Texas. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm at the Shamrock Cemetery.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Thursday, July 23, and 9:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday at Robertson Funeral Home. Due to coronavirus concerns, only five people are allowed to enter the funeral home. If attending the service, be prepared to maintain social distancing practices.
In English and Spanish, from freestyle to Latin pop, for which he was nominated for a Grammy in 2013.
But as longtime fans know, Frankie J’s professional musical journey started with Tejano music, and the Kumbia Kings, in particular, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Now, with his latest album, Canciones Que Recuerdo, Frankie J dives even deeper into his musical roots and expands his repertoire with timeless Mexican standards from his childhood. The album includes such classics as “Sabor a Mi,” “El Rey,” “Amor Eterno,” “La Farsante,” and two duets – “Fue un Placer Conocerte,” featuring his talented daughter, Emily; and “Buenos Amigos,” first made famous by the iconic Selena and Alvaro Torres, and which Frankie J sings together with Lupita Infante, granddaughter of the legendary Pedro Infante.
And July 31, fans can see and hear Frankie J perform these vocal delights – and all of his other hits like “Obsesion (No Es Amor)” and “Don’t Wanna Try” – during his first virtual concert via the Sessions Live platform. The concert is at 7pm (PT). More details will come via Frankie J’s social media platforms as the concert date nears but fans will need to download an app to enjoy the show.
In an interview Thursday, Frankie J spoke exclusively with Tejano Nation about an array of topics including, the challenges and triumphs of his new album, what he’s working on now, and if he would ever record a Tejano album.
When asked how “Canciones Que Recuerdo,” which features rancheras, mariachi, and powerful ballads, challenged him as a vocalist, Frankie J said he overcame a few major obstacles.
“It challenged me a great deal because, for one, I had never sang rancheras,” he said. “For me, it was just a different atmosphere to dip into simply because some of the rhythms and following the songs. When it comes to the mariachi, I’ve never sang with a mariachi before so that was challenging.”
Once he worked towards perfecting his timing, the crooner then faced the unenviable task of recording songs for which well-known versions already existed and recorded by such vocal powerhouses as Juan Gabriel and Luis Miguel.
“On some of the songs, they were really strong,” Frankie J said. “I mean, obviously, the ones from Juan Gabriel, because he had a really, really strong vocal and a really high range. That right there was a challenge in itself. Although, I’ve always been able to reach high notes when it comes to my singing, but, with the mariachi, it was just a very different style. But I was able to get through the songs.”
Frankie J more than gets through the songs. He adds his own flavor and flourish to the classics as he extends notes with an impressive vocal endurance, experiments with the vocal gymnastics for which he is known, and expresses an obvious passion into the lyrics, which he said was not a struggle for him.
“As far as the feeling goes, I mean, for me, it comes natural because I’ve heard these songs all my life,” he said. “I’ve heard them since I was a kid from my grandparents and my parents so getting to get the groove of things was really, really easy for me on that aspect.”
He added: “These songs are just such classic songs I grew up with as a kid and that helped me a lot in the process of recording. That was a plus.”
When it came time to record the duet “Buenos Amigos,” Frankie J said he didn’t feel pressure to recreate the sound made by the unforgettable pairing of Selena and Torres.
“This is what I say to everyone,” he said. “When it comes to a remake, you always want to have your own original style to it. You want to add your own vibe and your own feel to it. Because if you try to duplicate what has already been done, it’s never going to be able to happen.”
Frankie J met Lupita Infante, the vocalist with whom he would sing “Buenos Amigos,” through a mutual friend and Infante selected the song. Frankie J presented the idea of instilling a ranchera sound into the song and Infante agreed. The result is a beautiful rendition of the duet.
“I wanted to add something really cool and distinctive to this particular album when I started putting it together,” Frankie J said. “And I was always trying to figure out who to do a song with. So, when we met, it was like the hand and the glove, and we just decided to put something together.”
Either one of the album’s two duets, “Buenos Amigos” with Infante, or “Fue un Placer Conocerte” performed with his daughter, Emily, will be the next single released from “Canciones Que Recuerdo.”
Frankie J is always working and despite the quarantine, this is still the case. He revealed that a collaboration with Tejano artist DJ Kane is currently in the works.
“I’m always working on songs, I’m always working on different music,” Frankie J said. “As a matter of fact, DJ Kane, my brother from the Kumbia Kings, is working on a project right now and he called me about a week ago to work on something on his project so I think we’re going to do that.”
Asked if he would ever record a Tejano album, Frankie J said the idea had actually come up with Tejano artist Bobby Pulido although nothing has yet been recorded.
“Me and Bobby, Bobby Pulido, Jr., were actually talking, playing around with the idea of maybe doing something together,” Frankie J said. “It’s never happened. We haven’t gotten together. We’re good friends. But we’ve never gone in the studio and decided to put something together… but hopefully, in the near future, it would be kind of cool to put something like that together with Bobby, or some of the Tejano artists, well-known artists that are out there.”
The idea between Pulido and Frankie J may have come following an impromptu performance two years ago in San Antonio when Pulido pulled Frankie J onstage to sing a Juan Gabriel cover.
“The crowd loved it,” Frankie J said. “The crowd enjoyed it so it might have sparked something there. But yeah, we’ll see.”
In the meantime, Frankie J, who lived in Texas for several years and still refers to it as his “second home,” thanks his Tejano fans, and has this message for them:
“It’s been an incredible journey for me, an incredible ride, and I just hope that they continue to show the love and support.”
Frankie J adds: “And I just want to tell them that I’m very fortunate to have all my Tejano fans still there supporting and stay tuned for new music because it’s coming!”
More is also coming on Frankie J’s July 31 virtual concert so stay tuned to Tejano Nation for all of the latest updates.
Shelly Lares performs at 39th annual Tejano Music Awards. Photo: Mariaelena Arocha
After 38 years in the music business, Tejano vocalist Shelly Lares still has surprises in store for her fans and her latest single is one of them.
“Salsipuedes,” a catchy, retro-sounding cumbia, kicks off with an innovative intro that feels like you’ve just lowered the arm of a record player onto a vinyl album, and then, after an introduction from a male announcer, “Little Miss Dynamite” sings the lyrics at a rapid pace before the brass section leads into the song.
The refreshing, danceable cumbia recalls the big band sound of Glenn Miller and the harmonies of the Andrews Sisters, and Lares is a fan of big band and orchestra music, that style was what she wanted from the song that was originally recorded in 1937 by a Colombian big band.
“That’s the music that I love to listen to and I always wanted to implement it in my music in some way,” Lares said. “I’m not writing the music. It’s been around for generations, but I just wanted to re-introduce it to people in my way.”
“Salsipuedes,” which has been recorded by such artists as Celia Cruz, transports listeners to a time before television and the sound rings reminiscent of the late 1930s/1940s big band era and rightfully so. Lares is backed by a nine-piece orchestra, including trumpet, saxophones and even, clarinet.
“I knew, aside from your Glenn Millers and your Andrews Sisters, I knew that in the 30s and 40s there were Latin orchestras that still sounded big band but were in Spanish and that did cumbias,” she said. “So, believe me, it was very hard to find exactly what I wanted. And this song was originally recorded in 1937.”
Another surprising musical element of “Salsipuedes” is the lack of drums and guitar.
“There’s no drums at all,” Lares said. “I didn’t want to use any drums. There’s no guitar. What’s carrying it is the brass and there’s a nine-piece orchestra behind me.”
Lares revealed the male announcer at the song’s start is radio, TV, and podcast host Mingo Mariano. She said recording even that short intro was an adventure as she had researched the announcers from the big band era who used their voices differently than modern-day disc jockeys do.
“You should have seen us,” Lares said. “It was hilarious. But I think that he nailed it.”
Staying true to the big band tradition, “Salsipuedes” includes background vocals from the horn players who, as Lares said they did in the past, would lean into the microphone to sing.
“Back in the day, that’s what they would do,” she said. “If you watch like Glenn Miller or Desi Arnaz, you know, those orchestras, you see the guys, they don’t have mics. One or two mics is picking them up. So, I wanted it to sound like they’re in the background like they’re just leaning into the mic. It’s really the horn players that are doing the back-up vocals, too.”
The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame singer focuses on all the details in her work and this song is no exception.
“I’m all about details when I do certain things,” she said. “You know, hence the photo that I’m using to promote the song, hence the old-looking film, and the record scratch.”
In the promotional photo in black-and-white, Lares is dressed in a retro-style belted outfit with her hair coifed in a 1940s style.
Courtesy of ShellShock3 Records
Lares said a video is in the works for “Salsipuedes,” which she will produce herself at her home due to the pandemic.
“I’m doing the video myself here at home because if I’m not going into the studio, then, I sure as heck am not going anywhere to shoot a video,” Lares said. “I already have my concept.”
Lares said this latest single represents a distinctive sound that sets the tone for her upcoming album and fans can expect a lot more of the brass on the upcoming album.
“The whole album is not going to be 30s geared, but the instrumentation, as far as the fact that all of the songs are going to include brass like I used to do when I was a little girl,” Lares said.
She got her start with an orchestra and will return to those roots with the album, LMD82, which stands for her moniker, Little Miss Dynamite, with the “82” representing the year her music career began. The album is due out before the end of the year.
“That’s the band I started with as a little girl so I’ve had a high amount of respect for that instrumentation that’s incorporated into Tejano music,” Lares said. “So, I’m doing it. You’ll hear that in “Salsipuedes.” And then, you may hear me do something way across the other spectrum. That’s just the beauty of Tejano music. We can do that.”
Lares acknowledges that not all of her fans may appreciate the style of “Salsipuedes” but that she understands this and still puts her all into what she does.
“Even 38 years later, it still takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do what I do,” Lares said. “But I love it and it’s not what everybody’s playing, throwing out right now, but hey, that’s perfect.”
The single, “Salsipuedes,” is only available at shellylares.online, where “Shellians” can also check out the merchandise, including shirts, caps, koozies, and even music, more of which is on the way.
More news is coming soon from Lares only on Tejano Nation so check back often. Until then, enjoy the latest retro-cumbia from Little Miss Dynamite, “Salsipuedes.”
The second annual All-Star Music Awards handed out accolades to rising Tejano stars during a virtual ceremony via social media platforms on July 26.
The ceremony. originally scheduled for May 25 at the Arneson River Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, was postponed to July over coronavirus concerns. The All-Star Music Awards support and recognize local and international Tejano talent.
Aisha and Ray-Ray were the big winners taking home two awards each. Aisha, who released her debut album Mi Vida en Cancion in 2018, won Female Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for “Baby Baby.” Ray-Ray won Male Entertainer of the Year and Video of the Year for “Costumbres.”
Little Joe Y La Familia has rescheduled their upcoming August tour dates at Harrah’s Laughlin Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, to May 2021.
The announcement was made via a statement from the official Little Joe Y La Familia Facebook page on Tuesday (July 28). “Please note the Little Joe shows scheduled for August 28th and 29th at Harrah’s Laughlin have been rescheduled to May 7th and 8th, 2021,” read the statement.
Tickets for the original date will be valid for the rescheduled date. Refunds are available at the point of purchase for those ticket buyers unable to attend the new date.
Little Joe, known as the “King of The Brown Sound,” released his eighth live concert albumBetter Than Ever on May 29 and a book about his life and over half a century legendary music career titled No Llore Chingon! An American Story: The life of Little Joe on May 13.
Stefani Montiel talks music, life and more during an interview on the premiere episode of Season 7 of the Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind The Mic Podcast this week.
Montiel shared behind the scenes details on her current hits “Extraño Tu Amor” and “Vive,” the hit collaboration with Savannah Votion. The three-time GRAMMY nominee also spoke about the video of her daughter that went viral last November, her life during the current pandemic, current events around the country, and plans for new music after the success of her Amor Supernatural album released in December 2018.
Listen to the full interview with Stefani Montiel on the latest episode of the Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind The Mic Podcast below. Hear previous episodes and get more details at CruzControlWithACCruz.com.
Can’t hear the audio? Click here to listen via Libsyn.
Frankie J fans will be able to hear all of the crooner’s hits from the past and the latest from his new album, Canciones Que Recuerdo, during his first virtual, unplugged concert at 7 pm (PST)/9 pm (CST) this Friday (July 31).
The show streams to the world via the Sessions Live platform, which requires users to download the Sessions Live app. The first 100 fans will gain free admission, which at the time of this post had already been filled, but not to worry. Fans can still enjoy the show for a nominal fee of $2.99. For tickets, visit: https://sessionslive.com/FrankieJOfficial/profile.
“My very first virtual, unplugged concert will happen July 31,” Frankie J told Tejano Nation. “Basically, it’s a company called Sessions Live that is doing these kinds of shows with a lot of the major artists and because of the COVID-19 situation that we’re in, we can’t really travel to do concerts in front of physical fans, you know, so what we’re doing is these virtual shows.”
The virtual concert, which is a new experience for the longtime performer, will feature Frankie J acoustic style, on piano, and backed by guitar, as the GRAMMY nominee sings his fan favorites and newly-released singles from his album of Mexican standards, Canciones Que Recuerdo.
“It’s going to be a very different thing for me because I love performing in front of fans,” Frankie J said. “But in this case, it’s going to take place at a studio that I rented where I’m doing basically all the hits.”
Expect to hear hit songs including, “Obsesion (No Es Amor),” “Don’t Wanna Try,” “More Than Words,” and “Daddy’s Little Girl,” along with classics from “Canciones Que Recuerdo,” such as “Sabor a Mi,” “La Farsante,” “El Rey,” and “Amor Eterno.”
“It’s going to be fun at the same time, because I’m going to be with my colleagues, you know, a couple of the musicians that I tour with, but it’s going to be very different at the same time,” Frankie J said.
The versatile performer has promoted the concert this week via his social media platforms and on his Instagram, Frankie J talked to his fans about the concert and how he has prepared for the unprecedented event.
“I’m going to be singing all of my hits on piano and acoustic guitar,” Frankie J said via Instagram. “This is my first time doing anything like this. This is literally a virtual concert – a virtual, acoustic, unplugged concert.”
Frankie J continued: “We’ve been rehearsing, my band, well partial of my band and I. And we’ve been really, really trying to follow through because I want to give you guys, I want to leave my heart on the floor with you guys. It’s a very special gather for myself and my guys. It’s going to be a really special show.”
Little Joe Y La Familia bandleader and spokesperson Thomas Cruz shared details on Little Joe’s recovery in a statement released via the band’s official Facebook page on Wednesday. “He continues to get better and for the first time came by the office for a brief moment yesterday to sign some books,” read the statement. “While he is feeling a lot better he still has some lingering lung discomfort caused by the virus. Time to heal is definitely still needed.”
The 79-year-old singer said he tested positive for coronavirus on July 5, even after following COVID-19 guidelines, and was recovering at home in self-quarantine. Little Joe Y La Familia rescheduled their upcoming August tour dates at Harrah’s Laughlin Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, to May 2021.
“We are so grateful for the prayers and well wishes,” said Cruz in the statement. “We thank you for your continued support and we hope to one day soon get back to entertaining you all!”
Little Joe, known as the “King of The Brown Sound,” released his eighth live concert albumBetter Than Ever on May 29 and a book about his life and over 50-year legendary music career titled No Llore Chingon! An American Story: The life of Little Joe on May 13.
Ilyssa Saenz is making a return to Tejano music after pursuing a career in education and the talented singer released the latest single, “Confía en Mí,” from her highly-anticipated comeback album.
“I’m super excited about it because it’s something I’ve never really done before, it’s a little bit out of my element,” she said. “I wanted to do something a little bit different for this new single.”
The previous singles from Ilyssa included “Ayer” featuring David Lee Garza, which had a traditional Tejano sound, and the following release was a Mariachi single titled “Hasta Cuando.”
“I fell in love with the tune,” Ilyssa said about her latest release. “I thought it had a little catchy tune, a little catchy groove. Once we added the electric guitar, it just took on this different kind of vibe just to do something different and something fun.”
The hot summer track features many talented Tejano musicians including drummer Joey Sanchez, bassist Julio Lugo, guitarist Steve Alvarez, percussionist Emanuel Escamilla, and keyboardist “Mr. Slackmonster” Severo “Sevy” Contreras, with background vocals from Joel Villarreal.
“Confía en Mí” will be available at all digital music platforms soon, but you can listen to a preview below. A full album from Ilyssa is expected to be released before the end of the summer.
José Luis Ayala, the legendary drummer for Los Bravos del Norte, died of complications associated with coronavirus, according to reports. His family, including his brother Ramón Ayala, confirmed the news of the talented musician’s passing on Thursday.
“My little brother Guero left us,” Ramón Ayala said in Spanish captioning a photo of his brother on Instagram. “We ask for your prayers for the comfort of our family! Rest In Peace Little Brother!!!”
According to reports, “Güero” Ayala died from complications of COVID-19 on July 30 after contracting the virus almost three weeks ago. His son, José Luis Ayala, Jr., reported that the musician was in intensive care on July 10.
“Normally I don’t like doing this type of publication but the power of prayer and the Faith of God is very great,” José Luis Ayala Jr. shared via Instagram. “My dad @joseluisayalabravo is in the hospital, it has been a very difficult few days, I imagine that for many of you tmb since this pandemic has affected many of us. Right now he is in intensive care “ER” and they still can’t give him a room because the hospitals are full. I ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR HIM SO THAT HE WILL RECOVER Take care of yourselves #quedateencasa #stayhome.”
José Luis Ayala was considered one of the best drummers of his genre, influencing many of today’s best Tejano drummers.
“We’ve lost an absolute legend in our genre today,” wrote Lalo Reyna, bandleader and drummer for Elida Reyna Y Avante, on social media. “Not only did he create a style we’ll always remember him for but he was always so gracious and humble…Our hearts go out to the Ayala family!! RIP Jose Luis! #TheKing#norteno#Legend.”
Joey “JMZ” Jimenez, the drummer for Masizzo, captioned a photo of himself with Ayala, “RIP to the (G.O.A.T.) of Norteño Drumming. Because of you, I started using 2 Bottom Hi-Hat Cymbals.”
Together with his son, he gave advice on the Ayala Drummers platform, which in turn functions as an online store where items related to the instrument, such as cases and drumsticks, are offered.
José Luis Ayala also served as producer and musical director of Los Bravos del Norte, a group he joined in 1978 and was a part of many successful albums and songs earning multiple GRAMMY Awards.
Jimencio is an emerging artist in Tejano and the singer teamed with another talented vocalist for “Acuérdate de Mí,” a collaboration with Destiny Navaira released this week.
Jimencio shared details with Tejano Nation on why the duo chose this song to record. “We chose this one, mainly because of the story,” he said. “A lot of people can kind of relate to the story, especially in these times where people are kind of having to deal with separation and things like that and you know like unexpected separation during these times. Of course, we recorded this song even before this time.”
The singer added that the work ethic and powerful voice of Navaira inspired him while recording the collaboration.
“She just brought in a fire, she brought in her strength, she brought in her ability to sing and she just really, really laid it out, which inspired me to be even better on this song,” said Jimencio.
“The song turned out great,” he added. “I would never have done it with anybody else. I mean, she did just a fantastic job.”
“Acuérdate de Mí” was produced by Latin GRAMMY winner Lorenzo “Papo” Banda and mixed and mastered by Mariano Herrera at Legends Sound Studios of Freddie Records in Corpus Christi, Texas. The song is available at all digital music platforms and Jimencio plans to release a full album before the end of the year.
Sonja De La Paz released her solo debut single, “Contigo,” in May and the song has quickly risen to the top of the Tejano music charts, as well as heating up radio station playlists for the current backup vocalist for Pete Astudillo Y Teknomex.
The talented vocalist shared details on the success of her current single, upcoming next single, highly-anticipated solo debut album and much more with the Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind The Mic Podcast.
De La Paz said she was excited about the achievement of “Contigo” reaching the top of Rudy Trevino’sTejano Gold Countdown for two consecutive weeks, for the weeks of July 25 and August 1.
“Contigo” was produced by Sonja’s husband, Diego Garcia, and the duo are teaming up with a former member of Los Dinos and current member of Tekno Mex, Joe Ojeda, for her next single and plans to release her full album.
Listen to the full interview with Sonja De La Paz on the latest episode of the Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind The Mic Podcast below. Hear previous episodes and get more details at CruzControlWithACCruz.com.
Can’t hear the audio? Click here to listen via Libsyn.
DJ Kane performs at 39th annual Tejano Music Awards. | Photo: Mariaelena Arocha
DJ Kane is set to drop a new album on his own record label with an international company.
He has signed with Faro Latino, a company based in Argentina, that includes a record label, distribution, publishing, legal services, and more. The company made the announcement via social media.
“Happy to start working alongside DJ Kane, lead singer of The Kumbia Kings,” read the announcement. “Some of his achievements include having ranked No. 2 on the Billboard Charts and 2 Latin Grammy nominations as Best Urban Album and Producer of the Year. Welcome to FaroLatino!”
DJ Kane shared the news in a statement of his own on his official Facebook page. “Well let’s get this motor running once again, I’m hella excited,” he said. “It’s official, just signed to this amazing label Faro Latino. I signed as a label which is JKANEMUZIK and as an artist.”
The crooner said he’s finished his first single, “Dia Y Noche” featuring Prana, which will be released in a month. It will be the first single from his JKANEMUZIK label and lead single from his upcoming album Capitulo IV. The album will feature multiple genres including cumbia, ballads, reggaeton, reggae, trap, and more cumbia, recorded in English and Spanish, from a list of top-notch producers.
“No boundaries,” said DJ Kane. “This album will be all of me and what I’m feeling at that moment. There’s no categories. I will be producing the album alongside my brothers, only the best of the best in this business today.”
“Only heavy hitters,” he added. “Each of these guys has their own sound and style. If you know these guys, you know it’s all fire!”
DJ Kane says three singles are planned for release this month, with “Dia Y Noche” featuring Prana, along with a cumbia collaboration with Erick Sanchez of Grupo Massore and rapper Baby Bash, and “Cowboy In His Boots,” a duet with Romeo.
He also plans to sign artists to his JKANEMUZIK record label and lead them to success.
“Because I’m an artist and a producer myself, I know how it feels to be screwed over and lose and I know how it is to win, win, win,” he said. “JKANEMUZIK is now open for business.”
The legacy of late Tejano icon Jimmy González lives on through his children as they are giving back to their community by providing meals for frontline heroes during this current COVID-19 pandemic.
Henry González, son of Jimmy González, told CBS 4, “He would always dedicate performances on their behalf because of what they’ve done not only our city but for our nation. So, we’re out here and we figured we’d do this for our dad and continue the inspiration that he gave us to do something like this.”
The González family donated 75 to 80 meals after seeing the impact the pandemic has had in the community, according to the report. They wanted to make sure they did their part to help out and carry on their father’s lifetime commitment to charity and service.
Jimmy González was a pioneer, a legend, and a multiple Grammy Award winner that achieved international acclaim as co-founder of one of the most successful Tejano groups ever, Mazz. He died of cardiac arrest in June 2018 at the age of 67.
The humble beginnings for Cortney started with karaoke to performing at music festivals, and even auditioning for Univision music competition show Objetivo Fama at the age of 18.
After submitting an audition tape to La Preferencia, the band happily invited the talented singer to become their lead vocalist. During her time with the band, she obtained valuable knowledge and experience in the studio while creating a remarkable stage presence. This great opportunity allowed her to showcase her astounding vocal skills.
After parting ways with the band, Cortney was highly encouraged by Rosie Allison Promotions (who was a promoter for La Preferencia) to pursue a career as a solo artist. As Cortney continued her musical journey, Rosie constantly noticed the potential and drive the singer possessed to become more successful. Later, Rosie Allison introduced Cortney to producer Severo “Sevy” Contreras at Slack Monster Studios, where the two became acquainted and immediately made an incredible connection.
“Severo and I saw the beautiful aura of Cortney inside and out,” Rosie Allison tells Tejano Nation. “She is an amazing artist.”
“Ansias Locas” is an exciting song that begins with Cortney’s strong and confident vocals. It’s a very fun cumbia that radiates feminine passion. The powerful instrumentals in the background complement and support her voice while bringing the beautiful sounds in an innovative way that’s delightful to hear over and over.
It expresses a burning desire to feel her companions’ affection that she reminisces about often. She is certain of this love and will stop at nothing to bring those special moments back to life.
“I had mentioned how I wanted to do a sexy cumbia and he introduced me to ‘Ansias Locas,’ which was written by Rosalba T. Gonzalez, and once he put the music together, I loved it,” Cortney tells Tejano Nation.
“As women, I feel we sometimes crave passion and affection, and what better way than to dedicate this song to that one special person,” Cortney added.
With Cortney’s unique style she has won the hearts of her listeners as a new artist. Gaining respect from the Tejano music industry with her devotion she is setting the bar higher.
Cortney has been working on plenty of projects behind the scenes such as singles that are authentic to her sound and have strong influences from her childhood. She is currently working on her highly-anticipated solo album that is set to be released this December.
“Selena Quintanilla was a huge inspiration to me growing up. Then, I fell in love with Jennifer Pena’s style. Growing into my high school years, Grupo Costumbre (currently Zamorales), Solido, and Intocable became huge influences. I love their style of music.” said Cortney. “As for regional artists, I love Thalia, Alicia Villarreal, Ana Barbara, Pilar Montenegro, Mariana Seone, and Ninel Conde. I would say they have a huge influence on my current style of music.”
Although Cortney isn’t currently signed to any label, she will continue to make her music available for everyone who enjoys it. This year has much in store with plenty of exciting things to look forward to like surprise collaborations, music videos, and lots of entertaining Tejano/Norteno mixes. So, to all fans and supporters, stay tuned!
Anjelique and the Sweet City Band have released their second single of 2020. The two-time Tejano Music Awards winners are following the success of the hit song “Fastidiada” with the release of “En Trance” this week.
“En Trance” was composed and produced by Isak A, son of Anjelique, and a member of the band since the age of 14. This is the second collaboration for the duo after the song “Groove.” Anjelique wrote the latest single that showcases a sound from the pair’s respective styles and offers a window into their creativity.
The upbeat pace of “En Trance” combines both melodic and hypnotical vocals along with a deeper electronic vibe with the addition of saxophone that brings a cheerful entrancing sound.
The lyrics and title are a reference to the feelings of attractive and charming dance moves and the song entices the listener to construct whatever dance, flow, or moves they feel. Part of the joy comes from a significant switch up to their recording process.
“We started this song in San Antonio at Slackmonster Studios with Sevy Contreras, pre-COVID19,” said Anjelique. “We were not quite sure what to do with the song because it wasn’t finished but we weren’t able to get back to San Antonio, so we tried something different. We took advantage of the upgrades of technology and finished the song with Isak A and Jimmy Garcia, then sent it to Eddie Perez to mix it up and master the song you hear now.”
“Thinking outside of the box, we took a gamble with this song to provide a young, hip, electronic flavor inspired by Isak A along with some Tejano saxophone that music lovers of all ages would enjoy,” she added.
Mi papá @joseluisayalabravo se encuentra en el hospital, han sido unos días muy difíciles, me imagino que para muchos de ustedes tmb ya que esto de la pandemia nos a afectado a muchos. En estos momentos el esta en cuidados intensivos “ER” y aún no le pueden dar un cuarto por qué están llenos los hospitales. LES PIDO QUE OREN POR EL PARA QUE PRONTO SE RECUPERE 
