Tejano is dying. Reggaeton is not music.
The same old adage came from those who said that the VCR would be the end of movie theatres.
Times, they are a-changin’.
One thing that can be certain is that nothing ever really dies unless it hits the 5th level of oppression. Art evolves to fit the author’s contextual world. In other words, a hipster today will not write a song about his experiences in the Dust Bowl (albeit, maybe metaphorically…to be “cool”).
To put into context, Tejano really evolved from conjunto which evolved from Mexican folk and Bohemian/Chech influences. Reggaeton from different beats derived from Jamaica mixed with bomba, plena, merengue, and bachata from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.
Point is: there is an active effort to retain, but evolve, local roots music with a modern context. But, even without an active effort, there still remains the ethos to collaborate with people from other cultures (Tejano did, with American rock and swing during the 50’s). Time and culture put into context. Get the picture?
Blues + Jazz + Country Western = Rock ‘n Roll (Elvis)
Norteño + Techno = Nortec (Nortec Collective)
Cuban Son + Mambo (not Mercury Mambo, although we do have our own Mambo
Dance)= Salsa
Don’t fret. The music still lives on. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and other country singers that were popular in their hay day declined, but were then resurgent when the cool kids (a.k.a. hipsters) finally found meaning in their music.
In Latino terms, weekend-cravin’ college students still sing “Volver” (with their arms around their friends while shouting “gritos”) at the end of the night.
Those of you that have been to the Mambo office know that we’re dog-friendly folks. On most days you’ll find Lexie in her bed by Stephanie’s desk and Gizzy in his bed near Becky’s feet.
