Grupo Stampede

Grupo Stampede

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.