Gringo Barrio

What is Gringo Barrio? First off, it is the name of a new band in Austin, Texas that is producing an album to be released in September 2013. We are trying to create a new genre of music that incorporates the sounds of Mexico with Texas folk-country music. The closest comparison might be Doug Sahm or the Texas Tornados; but not exactly. We are creating our own sound and telling stories of life growing up in Laredo, Texas in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We are gringos (sort of) who grew up in a predominately Mexican culture; lived and loved every minute of it. So I guess the real name of the band should be “Gringos del Barrio”, but it does not roll off of the tongue as nicely so we shortened it. 

We have written eleven original songs about life on the Border. Each song tells a story or is about an experience we had. The title track, “Gringo Barrio”, is a song about our love for this place we call home. I still live in Laredo. Sparky is in San Antonio, and Mike is living in Austin where he is a professional musician. Each one of us would still call Laredo home; “Once you drink the water” and all that. The song describes the smells, the sounds, and the places that are iconic. It also reminds that the border is not for everyone. For those that do not like Mexican culture, food, and music, it might not be a good fit. The border has a vibrance that is palatable. The climate is hot and the people are friendly. Being a gringo on the border means you give up some cultural identity but you gain so much more. There is very little prejudice here. You are sized up by what kind of person you are. Culturally this place is neither the United States or Mexico. It is something in between and it makes for a very pleasing mix. 

I hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoyed producing it!