Joaquin Muerte, born in the barrio of San Felipe in Del Rio, began his professional music career 16 years ago in San Antonio as a street performer playing percussion and guitar. He has been playing music since he was a child and is a founding member of three local bands that compose original music – Los Nahuatlatos, Eddie and the Valiants, the San Antunes, and “Joaquin” original Texas Chicano Soul. Joaquin is a traditional Danzante conchero, whose roots go back to pre-Hispanic America. He is a community Outreach specialist with Health Confianza, an effort to address Health Literacy and COVID infections in the most vulnerable areas and communities of color in San Antonio. Joaquin’s many other titles include Vinyl DJ, chef, photographer, gardener, and creative.

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Artist Statement of Work

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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!

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Select Culturally Specific Art Category:: Hispanic or Latino/a/x, American Indian or Alaska Native

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