Los Texas Wranglers Interview: SXSW 2010

Austin's Los Texas Wranglers play celebratory Conjunto music meant to get audiences in the party mood. Led by bandleader and drummer Julian L. Fernandez, the musicians put on a show as well as sing and play. Fernandez spoke with Spinner about his love of the people of Texas and what beer they'll be drinking at SXSW.

Describe the Los Texas Wranglers' sound in your own words.

Definitely Texas, Conjunto style [Flaco Jimenez], up-beat Tex-Mex, Classic country music, Oldies but Goodies, and Tejano

How did your band form?

We did it because we wanted to bring an affordable band for our community. We all used to play for big named touring Tejano and R&B bands in the U.S.A.

What are your musical influences?

Elvis, Beatles, Julio Iglesias, Cream, Muddy Waters, Vicente Fernandez and Johnny Cash. But most of all my grandpa Manuel L. Limon Sr. a concert violinist and a big band Concert Up-right Bass player.

How did you come up with your band name?

Wanted something not so ethnic but without losing our roots

What is your biggest vice?

I just asked my wife that, and we can't think of anything. Too many girlfriends, but at the age of 54 I don't consider that a vice, it's more a versa!

What's in your festival survival kit?

Cold Lone Star beer and condoms

Who was your first celeb crush?

Raquel Welch

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I really do like Elton John; He's a music man's man!!! I'm not gay. I just like everything about Sir Elton John

What musicians have influenced the most?

Jeff Beck, Willie Nelson, Buddy Rich and Desi Arnez

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles

What's the best thing about Texas?

Texans, Texans and Texans

What can you never have too much of?

Friends, family and Lone Star beer!




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