TexMexChex Stickers Help Share the Cumbia Norteña Sound of Sergio Ojeda
Sergio Ojeda is the musician behind TexMexChex, an inventive folk dance project offering up soul-filled music packed with electrifying melodies and the drumbeats of the cumbia norteña. TexMexChex channels the joyous communal experience of a Mexican dance and Ojeda’s Tex-Mex roots.
Ojeda’s work showcases his deep passion for Latin American folk music as well as his fine-tuned ear for production, superior musicianship and sense of pure joy. He is a master at bringing out the distinct voices of each instrument he incorporates into his compositions, which overflow with lush Gabbanelli accordion, bright tenor saxophone, lively organ and infectious rhythms. The larger-than-life TexMexChex sound sparkles during playful performances and recordings that reflect Ojedo’s magnetic personality and mission to create shared memories and moments through music.
TexMexChex’s debut single, “ Que Tengas Suerte “ is a fresh, dynamic instrumental interpretation of a Tex-Mex/Tejano folk dance tune. Offering up tropical rhythms, cheerful melodies and lush harmonies, the song invokes the lively spirit of the classic cumbia with a modern twist. The single features Ojeda on accordion, saxophone and keys as well as the talents of renowned Tejano drummer Aaron Holler and Bajo Sexto player/bassist Robert Aleman.
Sergio was surrounded by music in his childhood home in West Texas. He learned to play keyboard by ear at a young age, inspired by the thrilling instrumental layers of Northern Mexican and Tropical music. He was also encouraged by his father, an accomplished singer and bassist, to learn how to play the drums; together with his brother and father, Ojeda played engagements all over town, and the trio became well-known at local cumbias and corridos. He was soon drawn to the depth of the Gabbanelli accordion and began to learn to play, amazed by the complex way it allowed him to express his emotions and tell wordless stories about his personal experiences.
Ojeda’s love for the harmonies between saxophone and accordion in Norteño music led him to the tenor saxophone, which he played in band and other ensembles all throughout high school while continuing to play keyboard in his family’s group. His superior skills led him to earn a Gates Millennium Scholarship, and he attended Texas Tech University (TTU), where he studied Music Education and was a member of the 500-piece marching band the “Goin’ Band from Raiderland” while continuing his classical sax training. Nurturing his love of both music and science, he graduated with a BA in Music/Geology and went on to earn a Masters in Geology.
Ojeda’s solo adventure, TexMexChex is now in full swing, shaping the vibrant creative culture of his home base in Big Lake, Texas, and he is poised to introduce a new generation to the rich, storied art of Cumbia Norteña. He is currently composing, arranging and producing new TexMexChex music in the studio where much of his debut single was recorded. Ojeda will be touring throughout Texas with The Stateline Band, Neto Y Sus Temibles and as TexMexChex throughout 2020.
His logo stickers are available on the TexMexChex site, and you can get one or both and pick up a hat or autographed CD while you’re at it. These are high-quality, long-lasting die stickers that help spread the TexMexChex sound far and wide. Stickers for bands and musicians are one of the most-economical ways to get the word out, whether it’s promoting a local gig or a national tour, and they make for an affordable addition to any merch table where fans can pick up gear to promote their favorite acts.
We also were able to have Sergio join us for longer interview during our podcast Stickers on the Mic. You can listen to that episode on our SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts.
Originally published at https://www.stickergiant.com on May 19, 2020.
