“Listen to their electrified, rock-influenced take on traditional Mexican music and you’ll understand this isn’t your abuelita’s mariachi,” is El Paso Inc.’s reflection on unique mariachi group Tribes. Best described as “rock & mariachi," the band finds inspiration in traditional mariachi and large indie rock ensembles like Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene and The Shins.

Formed in El Paso, Tribes breathed life back into the border city’s music scene with a Latin, dance-ready, live show loaded with meticulously arranged & crafted songs. The band’s sound meshes heavy drums with traditional mariachi instruments, adding rich melody-harmony and focusing on songwriting that pulls from traditional mariachi. It is invigorating & fresh, combining progressive & traditional mariachi with English & Spanish lyrics - a showcase of the band's culture & spirit. “It brings a new and exciting style, unexplored in many ways by combining what we know & love with music of our roots," says band member Mike Hernandez. 

With plans to release two 7-inch singles and a full-length album later this year, Tribes is looking forward to spreading their sound to new audiences in Texas and beyond.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.