Joaquin \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Muerte\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Abrego

Joaquin "Muerte" Abrego

Media Arts : Producer ; Performing Arts : Band , Composer , DJ , Musician , Storyteller , Vocalist/Singer ; Visual Arts : Photographer

Joaquin, a musician, songwriter, and activist living in San Antonio, shared stories of his childhood growing up poor in the barrio of San Felipe in Del Rio, where his parents instilled in him a deep love for music and activism. With a sound that blends neo-Chicano soul reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Sunny Ozuna, Joaquin’s music captures nostalgia, love, and a deep connection to his roots. Joaquin emphasized the importance of being a “renaissance creator,” advocating for artistic versatility and the interconnectedness of all crafts. His passion for the barrio and cultura is palpable, as is his belief in the power of community collaboration.

Having started his professional music career 25 years ago as a street performer, Joaquin is a founding member of notable local bands— Combo Cosmico, Los Nahuatlatos, Eddie and the Valiants, and Joaquin and the Glowliners-original Texas Chicano Soul. A traditional Danzante with pre-Hispanic roots, he carries his spirituality into his artistry, embodying faith and intention in every creation.

Speaking with Joaquin feels like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend, delving into the universal joys of eclectic music and its profound ability to connect us all. His story is a reminder of the enduring power of the Chicano movement, pride, soul and its place in the new generation of creators.

Resume (PDF)

Raul-Joaquin-Abrego-Music-Resume-2025

MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Artist Type: Media Arts : Producer ; Performing Arts : Band , Composer , DJ , Musician , Storyteller , Vocalist/Singer ; Visual Arts : Photographer

Artist Medium: Audio/Sound ; Computer ; Film ; Photography

Artist Statement of Work

Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):

After a stirring live debut opening for southern California’s Thee Sacred Souls, San Antonio Chicano soul ensemble Joaquin delivers passionate original songs perfect for your Saturday night lowrider cruise. Fronted by lead vocalist Joaquin Muerte, the band also takes its name from Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales’ seminal movimiento poem “I Am Joaquin”, and lists San Antonio soul pioneers Sunny Ozuna and The Royal Jesters among their influences. “The sound is a mix between Motown Stevie Wonder crossed with Joe Jama, or Donny Hathaway meets Sunny Ozuna,” says Joaquin Muerte, also known for his work with San Antonio staples Los Nahuatlatos and Eddie & The Valiants. Showcasing multi-rhythm compositions ranging from fast bops to slow tempo brown-eyed soul, Joaquin echoes the doo-wop era with three-part harmonies rounded out by vocalist Amanda Joy Thomson. Musicians Felipe Iruegas on guitar, Mando Luna on bass, and Nick Valdez on drums complete the band, which seeks to revive the bridge between social justice activism and soul music from the civil rights movement. Joaquin’s 7-inch vinyl debut includes the soul-stirring tracks “Hinder” and “I Remember” which explore the intricacies of barrio romance and are richly textured reminders that Chicano love isn’t always forever. Look for the 7 inch record to drop soon, and support #SoulYMovimiento!