AJ Castillo is the hottest new artist to burst on the scene in 2009. Known for his unique accordion sound and style, his larger than life custom accordions and countless studio recordings with artist such as Joe Posada, Jay Perez, Leslie Lugo, and the list continues. AJ is now embarking on a new journey as a well-known accordionist, singer, performer, and producer with the release of his debut album “Who I Am”. He now feels it is time to step to the front of the stage and present audiences with his new sound that expands the boundaries of accordion music.

AJ has been playing the accordion since the age of 10. Today at the age of 23 years old, he has already accomplished so many great things. The Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians have nominated him for best Accordionist for the past 2 years; he has released his first CD “Who I Am”, and is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio in Business Management.

AJ has also performed with many acts such as Ram Herrera, La Diferenzia, and Rudy Palacios. His talent has been recognized by many artists as well as producers including Grammy Award Winning Producer Gilbert Velasquez who has labeled AJ’s sound as fresh, diverse, and considered to be the “next page” for Tejano Music.

Ambixion has very diverse sound bringing, Reggae-Cumbia, Texas country, as well as R&B into the traditional Texas born conjunto sound making a new sound born in Texas called Conjunto Fusion, with their first album Ambixion Vol.I released in March,2005 Ambixion made a mark in Tejano music’s history time line with a nomination at the 2006 Tejano Music Awards for Conjunto album progressive of the year , crossover band of the year and most promising band of the year, As well as nomination at the 2007 Industry Awards. With their second release of Vol.II “Todo O Nada” Ambixion plans to widen their fanbase worldwide to send the message of Texas’ Conjunto sound to listeners everywhere.

Grupo Ambixion consist of:

Adam Ramirez (Lead Vocalist),
Andrew Rodriguez (Mgr., Accordion, Vocals),
Raymond Lopez (Bajo Sexto, 2nd Voice)
Rene Rangel (Drummer)
Richard Mestis (Bass, Bajo Electrico).

Thanksgiving weekend in 2001, Ambixion traveled to Corpus Christi and in Competition held by the Tejano Academy of Fine Arts, Grupo Ambixion brought home the 1st place trophy in the band category. Being the only group out of North Texas, it came to Grupo Ambixion as a big surprise.

Grupo Ambixion has had the honor sharing the stage with Tropa F, Pression, Joe Lopez, Michael Salgado and many other great Tejano artists and continue to strive to play with the best.

Sensual and seductive are only a few words that describe this new singer of Mexican Regional and Tejano music. Her first production was under the direction of record label A.R.C. Discos is entitled, “Tu Mayor Tentación”.

Briana began her artistic career at the age of eight in her hometown of Othello, Washington. The enjoyment of listening to singers like Rocio Durcal and Mariah Carey was wah motived her to pursue her singing career.

Briana has performed on several national Latin TV shows, including “Despierta América”, “Escándalo TV” (Univision) and “Al Rojo Vivo Con Maria Celeste” (Telemundo).

Una voz joven sensual y seductora son tan solo algunas de las palabras que describen a esta nueva intérprete de la música regional Mexicana. Su primera producción bajo la dirección de A.R.C. discos se titula, “Tu Mayor Tentación” prende y transmite el sonido que identifica la música regional Mexicana.

Briana inicia su carrera artística como vocalista a la edad de ocho años en su pueblo natal de Othello, Washington interpretando la música de su gente. La sensación de la cantante Mexicana Rocio Durcal, y la diva del pop Mariah Carey fueron quien la motivó a continuar su carrera artística.

Comenzando el año nuevo Briana presento su mas reciente producción titulada “Tu Mayor Tentación” en programas a nivel nacional como “Despierta América”, “Escándalo TV” (Univision) y “Al Rojo Vivo Con Maria Celeste” (Telemundo). Además continua su gira artística por todos los estados unidos y en la frontera de México.

Su primer sencillo, “Las Mil Y Una Noche” cuenta la historia de una mujer que recuerda los buenos momentos de un amor del pasado. Su segundo sencillo Titulado “Tu Mayor Tentación” ahora se puede escuchar en diferentes emisoras en los estados unidos y en la frontera con México. El disco incluye canciones rancheras como “La Trampa”, “No Discutamos” cumbias como “La Playa”, “Las Mil Y Una Noche”, “Dulce Veneno”, “Ay Amor”, “Que Ganas”, “Como Extraño Ese Hombre”, “Tu Mayor Tentación” y una balada “La Desconfianza”.

El video musical de “Las Mil Y Una Noche” fue filmado en la ciudad de San Antonio, TX y sé esta transmitiendo ya en varios estaciones de televisión en los Estados Unidos y al Norte de México.

“Tu Mayor Tentación” fue producido por el Sr. Ramón González Mora, exitoso compositor de temas muy importantes dentro del género grupero, tal como: “Perdóname Mi Amor” “Necesito decirte”,“Morir de amor” (Conjunto Primavera) y muchos otros éxitos con artistas como “Los Mismos” “Bronco” “El Poder Del Norte” “Pesado” “Mojado” y “José Guadalupe Esparza,” por mencionar algunos.

Chente Barrera has a penchant for Tejano music that is simple, yet calculated. Self-taught, he’s traveled “La Onda” circuit integrating numerous influences from David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, The Latin Breed, to Conjunto Bernal. His father (Roberto, known as “Pato”) exposed him to Tejano music at an early age. Chente’s love for the genre is charging and ever-present in his singing and songwriting. These music mentors helped develop his musical style, branding his creativity and pure Tejano soul.

It’s no secret, Chente Barrera is an accomplished drummer/singer/songwriter revered by his musical peers. He’s recorded on 192 albums with almost every Tejano Superstar as a backup vocalist, and musician. He’s received several Tejano music awards, all prior to producing his own album. He’s received TTMA Drummer of the Year 6 times and TTMA Rising Star.

His cd “Mi Inspiración” produced (8) #1 hits in many Tejano radio markets. The hit song “Copa Tras Copa” charted end of year honors on Radio y Música’s Top 50 for 2002. The new cd, Pedazo de mi Corazón”, was released June 29, 2004 on Q-Vo Records. “¿Como Lo Voy Hacer?” and “La Misma Intención” have hit #1 in many Tejano markets. Chente Barrera Y Taconazo are captivating audiences throughout the United States. They offer attention-gripping cumbias, heart-felt ballads, gut-wrenching and powerful rancheras for your Tejano soul. Chente Barrera is an emerging Tejano artist.

Taconazo

Patrick Guzman – Drums
Richard “Big Rich” Lopez – Bass
Rudy Barrientos – Guitar
Jesse Martínez – Keyboard
Marcos Hernández – Acordeon, Backup vocal

I was born in Clifton, TX and raised in McGregor, TX. Which is approximately 11 miles south of President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, TX. I am a middle child, out of 11 siblings. I was raised in a family of musicians, to include my father, brothers and uncles, which have been the great influence in my career.

As a child I heard great stories about my father being a musician, who unfortunately I hardly remember (he passed away when I was 3 yrs. old). Music has always been in my blood and a great part of my life. By the age of 10, I was playing in a local Tejano band as a drummer. Upon graduating high school in McGregor, I received a scholarship in music to a junior college in Waco, Tx. ,where I received my degree in music. After several years of living in Waco and playing with other local bands, I felt the need to move to San Antonio, Tx. “The Tejano Capital of the World”. Where I resumed playing with multiple bands, being a saxophone and piano player. While living in San Antonio, I had the opportunity to be a member of Eddie Gonzalez and Grupo Vida, which we went on to become one of the top entertaining bands in the Tejano industry. Upon the break up of the band, I decided to persue my own career in the Tejano industry.

Up to date, I have become a songwriter, producer and the lead singer of my own band. I have had the opportunity of recording with a couple of the greatest record labels in Texas, to include Freddie Records and presently under contract with Joey Records. As of today, San Antonio is still my home and will be my home for the rest of my life. Tejano music has proven to be one of the greatest pleasures in my life and I will always strive to be the best, for my fans.

Since her earliest days as a performer, Elida Reyna has always known that in order to have an enduring career, her musical evolution must never end. And that is why she is undeniably the leading female force of her generation in the Tex-Mex industry.

Her instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing and her willingness to take creative risks is what has led her down a musical path of artistry and stardom. Knowing that music has no boundaries has fed her artistic growth and inspired her voice to become a vehicle of diverse expression. Possessing an ability to completely captivate audiences with her stage presence, Reyna is an artist fiercely proud of her Mexican-American roots, but also capable of crossing artistic borders by fusing that cultural sound with universal music elements. It is exactly that career-self portrait of her cultural roots that Elida presents in her most recent album. Recognized by BMI as an award winning composer, she continues to show that the accolade was no fluke; the second single “Con Solo Mirarte” will join the list of great hit songs she has composed over the years such as “Duele”, “Te Sigo Amando”, and “No Eres Para Mi”

Elida Reyna continues to expand and diversify her music and style, and at the same time staying true to her Latin roots; she not only continues to show how her evolution can be a great commodity when it comes to creating new ways to reach people, but also a sign of more things to come. “My therapy is music – interpreting my feelings in a song”, she says. “I think that people take that to heart. My own experiences inspire me and I’ll write songs about what I’ve gone through. That personal aspect makes me even more human to people. A good hook is nice, but what you have to say is more important”.

Elida Reyna was born in San Antonio, Tx on Aug, 17th, but raised in Mercedes, Tx. A town that she is very proud to say she’s from, “I’m proud to let people know where I’m from” Elida said at a recent concert. Growing up in Mercedes during the 1980s, she loved watching Tejano stars like Roberto Pulido and La Mafia. They proved to her that Tejano groups could put on as awesome of a live show as any rock hero.

Another important influence was Laura Canales, who was Tejano music’s top female star when Elida was growing up. “Laura Canales showed me that the music wasn’t the exclusive domain of guys. She had a big impact on me choosing this career.” Now, Elida hears similar compliments from young female fans. ..”Girls have told me that they love my music. They were inspired, the same way I was when I saw Laura Canales for the first time. It really is a great feeling to know that you can be a positive inspiration to someone”…

She is known as “La Reina de Majico Valle” and November 1, 2005 was proclaimed as “Elida Reyna Day” in Mercedes, TX. She was honored for all the hard work she has done in the Tejano scene. The long hours in the studio, show after show, city after city, the days away from family, the sleepless nights, and award after award…

Elida began singing at quinceaneras and weddings in 1988. She began her musical career in 1991 when she met arranger Noel Hernandez (former bass player of Avante) at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. In 1992, Elida left her studies at the University of Texas-Pan American to pursue music full-time. While many parents might have been mortified, Elida’s dad bought an RV for her and her band. Two years later, they released their debut CD, “Atrevete,” which included the melodic ballad hit “Luna Llena.” She continued her upward spiral, winning numerous awards, and has been named “Female Vocalist of the Year” & “Female Entertainer of the Year”. In 2000 Elida scored big with a ranchero song entitled, “Duele”. Elida has since traveled the world, performing in Asia and Europe. She has proven to be one of the most exciting and consistently successful Latin recording artists in the country.

In 2007 she signed to the prestigious label, Freddie Records. Her soon to be released album, “Domingo” was Elida’s most challenging album to date. Elida wanted to incorporate the old sound of “Avante”, but with a new flare. She contacted her former producer/ music mogul, Noel Hernandez, and current musical director, who is molding the future of a new signature sound, Lalito Reyna. Elida describes this style as “refreshing and an ever evolving genre of music.” This album is set apart from the rest because Elida wrote nine of the thirteen songs. She collaborated with Lalito Reyna on most of the songs, and Freddie Martinez Sr. wrote a duet Elida sang with Jesse Turner. “This album has a good blend of cumbias, rancheras, and ballads. I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised. There is even a song dedicated to my kids called “Todo Es Posible”. The studio time was very rewarding to me because I got to express myself as a writer and a vocalist. The first single is titled “Te Espero” charted at 1 for 6 weeks on Media Guide and the song “Domingo” charted at 1 as well for 8 weeks.

Elida hosted the nationally televised “Pura Vida Awards” where she and the band were nominated by the industry’s top professionals in a record setting five categories. She has been featured in People Magazine, TV Guide, Texas Monthly and Latina Magazine and has appeared on the cover of many of the most widely circulated Latin publications in the world. Recently performed in Washington D.C. for Preseident Barrack Obama at the Latino Inaugeral Ball where she performed her with song “Quedemos Como Amigos” with Michael Salgado.

She is truly a sweet, and down to earth person who always has time to sign a picture for a fan and talk a little. I am glad to say she is a friend. If you’ve seen one of her show, you’ll know why. If you haven’t, make plans to see Elida Reyna. You’re missing out on a strong, talented female singer who does not only puts her heart into it, but you can sometimes catch her ending the song with tears in her eyes.

In June, Elida was featured in the magazine, “Southern Living”, in a spread about aristists that live in the south. Elida has been featured in People Magazine, TV Guide, Latina Magazine, Texas Monthly and has also appeared on the cover of many of the most widely circulated Latin Publications in the world. Elida appeared in the Motion Picture “Harvest Of Redemption” directed by Javier Chapa. In the movie, she performed her hit “DUELE”.

In 1985 Fama made an astounding debut, and soon earned recognition as one of the most dominating bands in the Tejano industry across the nation. A string of career hit singles came their way in the mid ’90s’ when “Lagrimas De Alegria”, “Quiero Volverte A Ver”, “Querer Tu Amor”, “Te Voy A Enseñar”, “Ojitos Color Cafe”, “Amor Perdoname”, “Boulevard De Sueños” and “Llorando” dominated the airwaves as they spent numerous weeks atop Tejano and Latin Billboard airplay charts, earning numerous awards and nominations from BMI, Premios Lo Nuestro, and Univision’s Premios A La Musica Latina. In the process, Fama also appeared on numerous internation al Latin television programs such as: Despierta America, El Gordo y La Flaca, Escadalo TV, Padrisimo, Control, and Sabado Gigante. Statistically speaking, Fama have scaled unbelievable heights, carving a permanent place in the music scene. Fama are one of the few artists to have shattered international barriers. With 18 recorded albums, of which four were certified gold, three platinum, and one double platinum, it is undeniably clear of how or why FAMA’s fans by the thousands have responded positively and passionately. Fama’s last album entitled “Nostalgia” solidified their commitment to their music, their style, and their fans. As that CD proved, they are stronger than ever. This commitment to their fans, without question, displays another measurement of the talent and versatility that will genuinely take Fama to new heights of achievement in their musical career.

In August 2009 longtime singer Javier Galvan retired from secular music to pursue ministry full time. Relinquishing rights to the band, name and organization to John Barraza and Eddie Dominguez, Javier demonstrated his commitment to passing the torch. New band owners found Sinton,Texas-based singer Gabe Rivera to continue its saga as a band whose music has truly stood the test of time. Fama’s sound truly represents the past, present and future of their genre.



Grupo Stampede is a six-piece outfit that is primed to make a push for the top of the Tejano market. With an energy level that compares to a “stampede,” the band’s live performances display its versatility by mixing covers with its cumbia and ranchera originals.

The band has developed a following in Texas, Michigan, Illinois and New Mexico. Fronted by lead vocalist Alex De Leon, the band moves through an array of different styles of music and is always striving to please the crowd. The drive and will displayed by these six young men shows in every move that is made. Whether it be on stage or on paper, Stampede strives for a professional attitude, but also has fun at the same time.

Formed in 1996 in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, Stampede is known for its innovative, urban-Tejano sound that respects tradition.

For the 13-song Mejor Que Nunca, Stampede is giving its fans more of what they love plenty of original songs, including five written by lead vocalist and co-founder Alex De Leon. The first single, already serviced to radio, is Como Decirte Adios, a cumbia that is a heartbreak song, kind of written from experience, as Alex says with a chuckle.

This album features a somewhat more Regional Mexican/cumbia flavor than previous CDs such as Amame and Avanzando, but lovers of Stampedes puro Tejano polkas and rancheras will find plenty of great new material to savor.

Alex gained notice among the Latin music industry not just for his excellent voice, but also for his romantic, but realistic songwriting on hits such as the rancheras Otra Vez and Amame. In addition, the group had a hit with their remake of the genre classic Don Luis el Tejano.

The charismatic Alex was voted by his peers as the Rising Star (Male) of the Year in 2000, for the 21st Annual Tejano Music Awards, and in 2002, Stampede as a group was awarded Rising Star of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards.

Co-founders Ray Sifuentes (accordion, bajo sexto, backing vocals) and Alex say their artistic chemistry and mutual respect have kept them working together and kept things fresh for the past nine years.

For Tejano to remain innovative, Alex feels strongly that artists need to reach out to audiences wherever they are and showcase their versatility with Tejano and Regional Mexican styles. Its not what you would call crossing over; its more like showcasing your talents to the public, Alex says. It does take a little change in your music, but its really about displaying your talent.

A little over 3 years in the making, DFW’s newest and hottest Tejano Band is taking North Texas by storm! Made up of 7 talented and spirited musicians, this 3 man front versitile band made a big splash in DFW in 2001. 

Carl Gomez, Isaac Gonzalez, Timmy Trevino, Alvino Torres, Gabriel Gonzalez,  Matt Calderon, and Abel Casillas are the full force behind Grupo Sueno and promises to take the band to the extreme in the Tejano industry. Grupo Sueno not only specializes in Tejano, their versitality also consists of Funk, Rock, Disco, R&B, Salsa, Pop, Rock en Espanol, Conjunto, Old Skool Chicano, and Cumbiaso.

The harmonizing of 3 backup vocalists, Grupo Sueno mixes in today’s Tejano Onda with the classic sounds of the Chicano Era. Known as “The Dream Team”, Grupo Sueno does indeed have the talent to make it in the tough world of Tejano. With the key ingredients of desire, drive, focus, and the support of their families and friends, Sueno’s  “dream” will become a reality.

Over the course of this extraordinary career, Vida, also known as, The Electric Cowboys, have been awarded multiple awards in some of TTMA’S major categories.

Far beyond the extraordinary levels of success that Vida has already achieved, 2001 managed to add further levels of accomplishment as the group accepted the challenge to tour the record breaking “Fly” tour with Country music’s very own, The Dixie Chicks.

In addition, to this successful tour, the group has opened up for some of Country Music’s biggest names like: JO DEE MESSINA, CLAY WALKER, NEAL McCOY and SHeDAISY.

Fans from all over the country have had the opportunity to see Vida at they’re very best, and recognized them as not just a Tejano rocker… but as a group with a passion for music. A passion strong enough to propel their career through many more years of enormous success. This unpredictable group’s foundation is built upon solid dedication, hard work, teamwork, and above all it all comes directly from the heart.

Everyone gives their 101%, and play absolutely amazing parts. These key ingredients allow them to give in return to the thousands of fans that come out and inspire each night of this musical journey. It’s appreciation, among talent that has made their rapport with the audience truly unexcelled.

These down to earth, yet undeniable superstars are:

TTMA’S 2005 “Guitar Player Of The Year” Jason Martinez, Keyboards, Javier Sauceda, Bass, Rick Vega, Drums, Tim Villanueva, Accordian, Joel Vasquez, and last, but certainly not least. The Voice behind it all:  Art Tigerina

Lead Vocalist, Art Tigerina, consistently earns critical praise as a charismatic Vocal artist with a versatile expressive ability.

A versatility that has become one of Vida’s trademarks.

With the release of “Vida Vivo” in 2004, Vida toured in Broad recognition for their unique artistry, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Album” at the 47th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Vida’s release “Ultimo Segundo” only continued the success as hit single “Tomas Tomas” Climbed the charts.

This is truly a group that stops at nothing!

The hard work, and dedication continue…

For months of long hours the group worked very closely With Nashville producers to release their first Country album Entitled “Prisoners Of The Honky Tonk”, an album that will Feature original country tunes. An album that will become another amazing display of this career that only continues to soar, taking The Electric Cowboys to new heights of achievement and accomplishment.

Now with seven of the best selling albums in the industry, Vida is like a slow burning fuse headed for explosion, and to add fuel to the fire is none other than Vida’s proud sponsors:

The king of Beers “Budweiser”(Anheuser Busch), Gibson Guitars, Jay’s Auto Sales, Sabian Symbols, and Promark drumsticks.

Some of Vida’s many awards are as follows:

1998 “TTMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA DRUMMER OF THE YEAR”
1999 “TEMA MALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR”
2004 “TTMA RISING BAND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “TTMA SHOWBAND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “SXSW TEX MEX ABND OF THE YEAR”
2005 “TTMA GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR”
2005 “RECEIVED GRAMMY NOMINATION”
2005 “CURRENT MAGAZINE BEST TEJANO/CONJUNTO GROUP OF THE YEAR”

VIDA’S DISCOGRAPHY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

VIDA WITH THEIR #1 HIT.. “SIN BUENAS CONDICIONES”
SIN CONTROL WITH THE TOP 5 HIT “MUJERES, MUJERES”
SANGRE PARA TI, FEATURING “COMO VIVIRE”
ELECTRIC COWBOYS, WITH HIT SINGLE “ CUANDO, CUANDO”
VIDA VIVO- GRAMMY NOMINATED LIVE ALBUM
ULTIMO SEGUNDO, WITH HIT SINGLE “TOMAS, TOMAS”

AND COMING YOUR WAY TO CONTINUE THE SUCCESS………………

“ PRISONER OF THE HONKY TONK”