I have never talked about those people who are the driving force, the support, and the ones who make these musicians.
Today I will do both. I will take you on my private moments with special people who I met through this research, who I consider friends and who I respect and care for.
Last year I was done filming but decided to do one more interview, if you ask any researcher they will tell you that the hardest part is stopping. Sometimes you want to do more, go for more, but eventually you have to remind yourself that the project/study/research is not long term.
I would be lying if I told you that I didn't hound down the record company. I called, texted, called, texted daily until I had a conversation with Tony. I am so glad he didn't hang up on me. Truthfully, I didn't need the interview but I am so very glad I did get it.
I knew of the group I was going to interview, they were hitting on the radio stations and they had a good sound and their corridos were on point.
So, Tony told me I could have the interview and that his partner Brian would help me with the interview. I directed Tony to my blog, and told him he could ask me all the questions he would want before the interview.
I had no idea who Tony or Brian were. I just went with it. So, Brian was ever so helpful I drove to their hotel and had Brian come down to my car. I wanted to go over the questions and make sure he understood my purpose.
Both Tony and Brian are what I consider Xicanos. So it was easy to have a conversation with Brian. We left no topic untouched. I loved how interactive Brian was and I must confess I connected easily with him because we were able to have deep conversations and it felt like I was talking to an old friend.
I interviewed Grupo H100 and had some nice jokes with the guys. I was at an awkward spot back stage, so I barely saw the performance. I did though see how much the audience and the ladies loved them.
After the concert I bid them farewell. Several weeks later I began conversations about the corrido contest the University of Arizona puts on yearly and a potential sponsorship from Alianza.
This is when I began to have more conversation and interaction with Brian and Tony. It wasn't until January of 2017 that we were able to sit down and formally discuss this collaboration between the UA and Alianza Records. (http://alianzarecords.bigcartel.com/)
Our talks continue, but the friendships I formed with these two men have grown. I have had their support, their consejos, sometimes their scolding....but overall I have seen their love and passion as owners, and employers of not just their musicians but their staff as well. They have a distinct manner in which they have decided to run their empire and it fits. In this genre, and in the followers they have and keep adding to.
I just recently saw Grupo H100 in Phoenix, and was able to observe, enjoy and see the group out on stage. I realized that they have a very unique position. They are bringing a "gordito sexy" trend. The audience which was the most diverse I had seen in the past four years consisted of couples, women from 21 and up, but a lot of Xicanos who didn't necessarily fit that typical attendee stereotype. The girls love the group and the appeal is definitely strong. I can honestly tell you that they are all teddy bears. Huggable, approachable and talented. In a genre that has many musicians, and some artists that don't necessarily sing, Jasiel has a wonderful voice and sings wonderfully. (https://www.instagram.com/jasielfelixh100/?hl=en)
I can only wish for the best for both Grupo H100 and my friends Tony and Brian.
