@TexMexChex
Inventive folk dance project TexMexChex offers up soul-filled music that celebrates the electrifying energy and melodies, harmonies and exciting drumbeats of the cumbia norteña. Springing from the imagination of composer/arranger, multi-instrumentalist and performer Sergio Ojeda, TexMexChex channels the joyous communal experience of a Mexican dance and the artist’s Tex-Mex roots. Bringing together a sophisticated orchestral sound with elements of traditional regional folk music and a youthful, fun-filled feel, 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 Ojeda’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.
Ojeda 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 their 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.
Ever invested in artistic evolution and exploration, Ojeda has continued to expand his musical horizons through a variety of projects. Before embarking on his solo adventure as TexMexChex, he wrote/composed/produced for, managed and performed more than 40 shows per year with the in-demand Honky-Tonk/Tex-Mex party outfit The Stateline Band. He releasing the acclaimed single “Hollywood” with the group in 2017 and has played packed venues throughout the Southwest with the band since 2013. He also continues to perform with his father’s band, Neto Y Sus Terribles and collaborate with other local artists on live performances and recordings.
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. “Que Tengas Suerte” releases on March 13th, with an official video for the song to follow in Fall 2020 and much more to come.
