Stephanie Lynn (Facebook photo)

Tejano superstar Stephanie Lynn wants to pay it forward and give a young singer a chance to sing background vocals on her upcoming project.

RELATED: Stephanie Lynn talks comeback track + more on Tejano Nation Radio [PODCAST]

The singer, who recently returned to music with the release of her new single “Todo Mi Amor” in January, posted via Facebook on Saturday (April 1) about the opportunity for one of today’s young talented singers.

“I was so fortunate to have been asked by Selena Quintanilla to do the background vocals of 8 of her songs to what we would have never imagined would be her last album Amor Prohibido.. It was a life changing experience.. In memory of Selena.. I would like to do the same and give one young singer the opportunity to do some background vocals on my next recording.”

Stephanie Lynn asked singers to send her a video of themselves singing via Facebook messenger. Get more details at her Facebook page.

The singer rose to fame in the 1990’s with Stephanie Lynn & High Energy with the hit single “Ojos Para Ti,” among many other hit songs and albums.

Oscar Niño of Grupo Vizion talked about the band’s new album Mirando Adelante and much more with Tejano Nation.

Niño told Tejano Nation contributor Hector Rodriguez from TejanoConcerts.com about his excitement with the release of the band’s new album and the lead single “Solo Y Triste.”

“We’re excited, a lot of brand new material, a lot of original material,” said Niño. “We have eight songs that are original tunes…Very excited about his project, a lot of material to offer you guys.”

Watch the full interview above and get more info on Grupo Vizion at their official Facebook page.

Freddie Records

After their previous single “Animate” had huge success on the Billboard charts, Solido returns with another song sure to be just as successful.

‘Bailamos’ is the second single released from the two-time Grammy winning band’s latest album, No Me Vuelvas A Besar Asi, released in November.

“Bailamos” was written by Juan Treviño and has all the characteristics of a totally successful and excellent production, with well elaborated musical arrangements, incredible melody, and the unmistakable vocal harmonies of vocalist Ben DeLeon and percussionist Rolando Benavidez.

LISTEN: “Bailamos” — Solido

Freddie Records

After the great success of “Nunca Pasa Nada”, Elida Reyna Y Avante return with the long awaited single “Y Se Fue”.

The track is the second single from EYA’s latest album Mi Época, released in February by Freddie Records.

“Y Se Fue” was produced by the EYA leader and drummer Lalo Reyna III and was written by the talented songwriter Juan Treviño, who has also written songs for groups like Los Palominos, Solido, Masizzo, Lucky Joe and much more.

“Y Se Fue” is on sale now at all major digital platforms.

LISTEN: “Y Se Fue” — Elida Reyna Y Avante

Rick Balderrama

Tejano Nation caught up with Rick Balderrama at the 2017 Internet Radio Gala in March and the singer talked about two upcoming projects, including a Tejano Christian album.

After the passing of his father, Tejano legend Henry Balderrama, a few months ago, Rick told Tejano Nation’s Mingo Mariano that he’s currently working on two projects, a tribute to his father with 10 of his songs and a Tejano Christian album.

“It’s something that I always wanted to do,” Balderrama said.

He also mention an upcoming film project.

Check out the full interview below and stay up to date with the latest Tejano Nation news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

WATCH: Rick Balderrama talks with Tejano Nation at 2017 Internet Radio Gala

Siggno | Remex Music

Siggno was surprised with an upgraded tour bus from Texas Chrome Shop in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday night (April 6).

RELATED: Custom bass guitar created for Siggno’s Jacob Turner [PHOTOS]

All the members of the band were on hand and shared the unveiling of the tour bus live via their official Facebook page.

“Our very first dream was to have a bus,” said Siggno’s Jesse Turner after the bus was revealed. “This is more than we ever dreamed of, I’m just speechless.”

The bus features custom paint, chrome and LED lights. The attached trailer featured a photo of the band on the back with the band’s logo and “ROCKTEÑO” underneath the photo. It also includes social media info on the band and much more.

The tour bus will immediately go into service as Siggno will head to Greely, Colorado for a show on Friday, April 7.

The band also mentioned they have been in the studio all week working on new music.

Texas Chrome Shop also created a custom bass guitar in honor of Siggno bass player Jacob Turner, who was severely injured in an auto accident in February 2016. Jacob is currently recovering from severe brain damage he suffered in the accident with rehabilitation therapy at a Texas hospital.

San Antonio-based Texas Chrome Shop is featured in the reality television series “Texas Trocas” on the Discovery En Español channel.

WATCH: Siggno tour bus gets upgrade by Texas Chrome Shop

Award winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala has been producing chart-topping Tejano hits for many years and has been at the forefront of the New Movement of Tejano, including a new sub-genre of Tejano, ETM or Electronic Tejano Music.

Young Tejano music listeners aged 18-25 have grown up in the digital age and have new ways of discovering music from streaming, downloads and other digital platforms, but they don’t feel a connection with traditional Tejano music.

“The reason I’m creating this, is to attract younger Tejano music creators and fans,” Zavala told Tejano Nation. “The most under serviced age demo in our industry is 18 to 25. So this genre is gonna focus on that demo.”

According to a 2016 report from Nielsen, the company that tracks radio listening, “the share of Hispanic listeners 18-49 tuning in to Mexican Regional has decreased, while Pop CHR and Hot AC have grown in popularity with this demographic. And Latin music artists like Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull are crossing between Spanish and English to reach these increasingly young and U.S.-born listeners.”

Zavala believes it’s time to cater to young Tejanos with ETM.

“One of the biggest changes will be, the removal of the accordion and acoustic instruments in the production, and the focus on more English dominant lyrics,” Zavala added. “It’s obvious that old schoolers are gonna hate, but it’s not for them. They already have traditional Tejano and Conjunto.”

According to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, Hispanics aged 18 to 33, the share who speak only English at home or say they speak English “very well” increased from 59% to 76% since 2000.

“If we want to attract new fans, we need a new sound,” said Zavala. ” Thats why I’m creating this genre. Not only am I gonna create it, but I’m gonna look for young artists to sign and produce to help give the genre a fighting chance.”

Artists that already fit into the ETM genre include Zavala, AJ Castillo, Jimencio, J Taglé, Los Amigos ASG, Mi Stereo, just to name a few.

Learn more about the ETM movement at the Electronic Tejano Music Facebook page.

Tejano music superstars Shelly Lares and Stefani Montiel are looking for the Next Diva Tejana and La Super Seis finalists were revealed on Friday (April 7).

La Super Seis will perform at the Thirsty Horse Saloon in San Antonio, Texas on April 19 for the last round of competition. Zavala and Ricardo Castillon Y La Diferenzia will also perform.

Finding The Next Diva Tejana winner will perform with Shelly Lares and Stefani Montiel on April 22, 2017 during Fiesta de los Reyes in San Antonio, Texas.  The winner will also record a song with the duo, receive a photo shoot and much more.

The contest will provide high visibility to amateur and semiprofessional artists seeking a path to perform professionally in the music industry, affording them an opportunity to eliminate some of the challenges musicians typically face.  It will be an avenue to empower young women to learn from industry professionals who will be providing skills, hands on experience and guidance to ensure success in the ever evolving field of music.

Get more details at LasDivasTejanas.com.

Facebook / @PrimeraDamaTexana

Tejano music legend Elsa Garcia took to social media to speak on the lack of support for new Tejano artists.

The Grammy nominated and award winning singer posted a video to her official Facebook page on Saturday (April 8) and she says opportunities for today’s new Tejano talent aren’t as prevalent today as it was when she began her journey in music.

Garcia, also known as La Primera Dama del Tex-Mex, was listening to the radio while driving in Houston and noticed the need for more Tejano radio and support for new Tejano music and artists.

“What’s going on with Tejano,” she asked in the video. “So much new talent out there, good music that needs to be heard. No Tejano stations for these young hungry musicians and entertainers to promote their stuff. Our new talent deserves more than this, so I hope new Tejano stations come up and help our new talent.”

There are very few radio stations today that air the Tejano music formats as compared to years past when Garcia’s music was playing on the airwaves. Most radio companies these days don’t see Tejano music as a viable format because of a lack of support of advertisers for the music format. But, the trend has been changing lately.  Tejano Nation radio affiliates like Q99.5 in San Angelo and La Voz 93.3 in Abilene, recently started to broadcast the Tejano format within the last two years.  Fierro 107.5-2 HD in the Metroplex (Dallas / Fort Worth) and Al Cien 104.7 in Laredo started the Tejano music format within the past few months, with rumors of more stations coming on air soon.

Tejano Nation and our radio affiliates continue to support new Tejano artists and music and has become the #1 source to discover new Tejano music. Check out the latest music anytime here.

Is there enough support for new Tejano artists and music? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH:  Elsa Garcia – “What’s Going On With Tejano?”

Jennifer Lopez gave fans a sneak peek (and first listen!) at her forthcoming Spanish language album with a snippet on Instagram.

This is the sound of “bliss”: Friday was just #anotherdayattheoffice for Jennifer Lopez, who shared a snippet of new music with fans on Instagram.

The pop superstar posted a clip of an orchestra playing a lush, sweeping instrumental on April 7 to her social media, giving listeners a sneak peek at her upcoming Spanish-language album.

“When [your] music is coming to life right before your eyes,” she captioned the video of her “musica nueva.”

Watch below:

Source: Jennifer Lopez Teases First Taste of Spanish Language Album

Devin Banda | Photo: Ryan Bazan

Rising Tejano singer Devin Banda shared a scary situation that happened in the parking lot of a San Antonio store on April 8.

The 21-year-old singer, who just released her debut album Unstoppable in March, posted on her personal Facebook page about being followed by two men while shopping at a Wal-mart in San Antonio.

Banda later reported the incident to police and was still startled about the situation hours after it happened, according to a comment she posted online.

“I made a huge mistake by not asking the cop for help,” wrote Banda. “I’ve been crying since it happened, because I can still see their faces. They were disgusting, dirty looking men, and then their smiles. But, I keep telling myself that I’m safe. And that God helped me.”

The singer wanted to share her scary experience to remind everyone, especially women, to always stay aware of your surroundings when you are alone.

Cezar Martinez and Elida Reyna perform at 2017 Poteet Strawbery Festival | Facebook

Elida Reyna and Cezar Martinez surprised fans with a duet of “Juntos Hasta Morir” during a performance at the 2017 Poteet Strawberry Festival on April 8.

RELATED: Siggno and Crystal Torres treat fans to ‘Juntos Hasta Morir’ duet at Festival De Los Mavs [VIDEO]

The performance was a surprise to all in attendance, including Reyna and Martinez, lead vocalist for David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, who were also performing that night at the festival.

“Had an amazing time last night,” Martinez posted on Facebook. “Had the honor of singing with Elida Reyna y Avante. A moment I will always remember!”

Moments before performing the 2011 hit from Reyna and Jesse Turner of Siggno, which won Song Of The Year and Vocal Duo Of The Year at the 32nd Tejano Music Awards,  Reyna brought Martinez on sate and the 24-year-old vocalist said that performing the duet could now be crossed off his bucket list.

WATCH: Elida Reyna and Cezar Martinez perform “Juntos Hasta Morir”

AJ Castillo released his latest single “Esta Noche” on Tuesday (Apr 11).

The upbeat cumbia, written by Castillo, Luis Acuña and Humberto Garcia, is the follow-up to Castillo’s hit single “Mi Corazón Es Tuyo” released last summer.

“This song is for all the cumbia and accordion lovers out there,” Castillo told Tejano Nation about his latest squeezebox jam that will be a part of his upcoming album scheduled for release in July. “The official video will be out later this month.”

“Esta Noche” will be available at all major digital platforms on Tuesday, April 11.

Stay up to date with the latest AJ Castillo news and tour dates at his official website, AJCastillo.com and his official Facebook page @AJCastilloMusic.

LISTEN: “Esta Noche” — AJ Castillo

Emilio Navaira headstone | Facebook

A headstone fit for a legend dons the grave of Emilio Navaira, according to photos shared online on Tuesday (Apr 11).

The Tejano legend and Grammy winner passed away in May 2016 at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, of natural causes, according to the final investigation from the New Braunfels Police Department.

The black marble headstone spans the length of the grave and features an etched white photo of Navaira with his signature logo underneath. The headstone includes a guitar carved into the left side of the monument.

What are your thoughts of the headstone? Let us know in the comments below.

PHOTO GALLERY: Emilio Navaira headstone

The family of late Tejano music legend Emilio Navaira posted videos of a custom headstone placed on top of the Grammy winner’s grave site on Tuesday (Apr 11).

The videos posted on the official Facebook for Emilio Navaira, show workers placing the black granite headstone that features an etched white photo of the singer with his signature logo and a guitar carved to the left side.

Navaira passed away of natural causes in May 2016.

WATCH: Video of Emilio Navaira headstone placement

LaDezz released a teaser video of their upcoming single “Amar En Total” on Tuesday (Apr 11).

The San Antonio-based trio features brothers Mark Ledesma and David Ledesma along with newly added member Lisa Mar.

“Amar En Total” will be released in full next month and is the follow-up to the band’s debut single “Le Hablare Del Amor” featuring Cacy Savala released last summer.

The Ledesma brothers have been in the Tejano music scene for many years and have come together to form this amazing collaboration of soulful voices. Both brothers are former members of The Band, singing back up for “The Voice” Jay Perez in the late 1990’s.  In 2000, Mark went from background vocals to the lead vocals for David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, lasting with the legendary band for 10 years.

Now the brothers come together to give Tejano a genuine sound that is truly original.

Stay up to date with LaDezz news and tour dates at their official Facebook page, @LaDezzMusic.

LISTEN: “Amar En Total” – LaDezz

Tejano newcomer Bree Jimenez released her debut music video for “Baila Mi Cumbia” on April 11.

The visual features Jimenez showcasing her vocals, accordion skills and dance moves, while scenes of people dancing are shown throughout the music video.

“Baila Mi Cumbia” is the latest single released from the 21-year-old singer’s debut album Ponte Alerta, released in October 2016.

Get to know more about Bree Jimenez at her official Facebook page.

WATCH: “Baila Mi Cumbia” — Bree Jimenez

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Each year during the month of April, government agencies, community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, universities and individuals participate in Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM), a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault crimes and educate the community on how to prevent it.

“Sexual assault is a crime that significantly impacts the City of San Antonio. The Rape Crisis Center responds to 2 to 3 new assaults every day and 50 percent of those incidents are against minors,” says Miriam Elizondo, Executive Director of The Rape Crisis Center.

In Texas, 1 in 5 men and 2 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for San Antonio, there were 1,190 sexual assaults reported to law enforcement. Yet a 2015 statewide research report by the University of Texas at Austin shows that in Texas, only 9.2% of victims are reporting their assaults.

The Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio provides intervention, counseling, and advocacy services to children and adult victims of all forms of sexual violence, which impacts both men and women, domestic and foreign born, regardless of status. The Center also provides these services to those who choose to not report or whose assault happened many years ago.

“We must not only work to support those impacted by crimes of sexual violence, but work towards preventing this from happening to anyone else. This is why The Rape Crisis Center is passionate about providing education to our youth and the greater San Antonio community.” says Elizondo.

San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor will join Elizondo and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to make a public statement of support and solidarity with the community in the fight against sexual violence.

“The City of San Antonio is committed to continuing our efforts of supporting the Rape Crisis Center so that it can assist those who’ve been affected by sexual assault,” says Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. “Sexual violence is preventable and I urge San Antonians to be part of the solution.”

A press conference will be held on Monday, April 17th at 10:30 AM on the front steps of San Antonio City Hall at 100 Military Plaza, where Mayor Taylor will read the Proclamation to bring attention to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

For more information on the Rape Crisis Center and the services being provided to victims of violence, visit http://www.rapecrisis.com or call Chloe Power at 210-208-5729 to register for an information session or tour.

Jay Perez | Photo: Tommy Gunz

Tejano superstar Jay Perez will perform the national anthem at the 2017 playoffs opener for the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, April 15.

The Grammy nominated crooner was once again asked by the Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) group to showcase his vocal ability to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” as the Spurs “race for seis” for their sixth NBA Championship.

“Jay has always been a big Spurs fan and he is always humbled and honored when the SS&E group calls on him to perform the national anthem,” said Toby De Luna, publicist for Jay Perez. “It not only gives him the opportunity to honor America, but also our soldiers fighting for our freedom!”

Perez has performed the national anthem countless times for SS&E group, as well as the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros.

“If you have never heard or seen Jay perform his rendition of the national anthem, you will once again be reminded why they call him ‘The Voice’,” De Luna added.

The Spurs open the first round of the NBA playoffs with a seven game series with the  Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center in San Antonio on Saturday night.

FLICKR.COM/HELLBOY_93

Latin music icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez will be honored with Selena Day by Austin mayor Steve Adler on Sunday, April 16, the day that would have the late singer’s 46th birthday.

Selena was murdered at age 23 by her fan club president at a Corpus Christi motel in 1995.

But 22 years after her death, Selena still has a large and dedicated fan base. Events marking her birthday in Austin include movie parties at Alamo Drafthouse locations, a Selena tribute at the Sahara Lounge and a Selena trivia night at the Dog and Duck Pub.

During SelenaFest! at the High Ball on Sunday, Adler will declare April 16, 2017 Selena Day in Austin.

City of Austin Music Program Coordinator Stephanie Bergara helped to make that declaration happen. She’s the lead singer and manager of the Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, which is performing at SelenaFest. Bergara spoke with KUT-FM about Selena and her cultural legacy.

LISTEN: Interview with Bidi Bidi Banda lead singer Stephanie Bergara

Source: KUT-FM.