Tejano Revolution?

Revolution (from the Latin revoltio ,"a turnaround"). Are we in the midst of a new wave, a return, a revolution? Maybe... the signs seem to point in that direction. I know what you are asking yourself... "what signs?"

TAP's 6 Signs of A Tejano Revolution

SIGN #6 -INTERNET RADIO
Chances are if you are reading this then I do not need to go into detail of all the freedom the internet allows us. Freedom is a wonderful thing and it was only a matter of time before Tejanos found a way to use it's power. Enter internet radio. Stations such as BNET, Amigos Radio, ChicanoExpress, and TexMexFM have given a voice to the people all across the globe. Whether you are listening in the "Capital of Tejano Music" or in an assault tank in Afghanistan, Tejano music can be heard with pride. It serves as an alternative to a terrestrial radio network that seems to not be paying attention to this growing genre.

SIGN #5 -TEJANO NIGHT CLUBS
Ok, so if you haven't been to a Tejano night club to spin your partner around the dance floor, laugh the night away with your friends, only to end the evening at the local late night taqueria... then you haven't fully enjoyed the "Tejano Experience". And now there are Tejano night clubs everywhere. They are popping up faster as the demand for Tejano music spreads across the United States and is an essential element to the Tejano music culture. This is a sign of "demand"... and it is also a sign of a Tejano Revolution.

SIGN #4 -SUCCESSFUL TEJANO EVENTS
Tejano functions, Tejano events, Tejano dances.... are making money. Ok, maybe not enough to retire or anything... but they are successful and anytime there is a successful event in La Onda... another is sure to follow. This is important because it shows the "powers that be" that Tejano music is not only not "dead"... but that people are making money. The National Tejano Music Convention is now the largest "Latin Music" convention in the United States. The TTMA Fan Fair will bring in over a record breaking crowd from all over the nation...and the countless Fiestas that get packed year after year with Tejano performers continues to grow. The "powers that be" really don't like it when they miss opportunities to make money. Event attendance is going up... a sure sign of a "Revolution".

SIGN #3 -POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
When people step back and ask "What went wrong?"...the next question is always more important..."How can I make it right?". It's even more amazing when these people form organizations and take action. "The squeeky wheel get's the grease." ... whatever mechanic thought of that line is a genius. You can't have a revolution without politics involved can you?

SIGN #2 -THE RETURN OF THE LEGENDS
A "revolution" is in fact a return to the beginning. For whatever reason... the "Legends" have decided to return to perform for La Onda, and we are glad to have them back. As the saying goes, "You can't know where you are going, if you don't know where you have been"... tru dat homie! Paulino Bernal making a new Conjunto Album... nuff said. The only thing more encouraging to the "Return of Tejano", leads us to our number one sign of a Tejano Revolution....

SIGN #1 -THE RETURN OF THE YOUTH
Yup... thats right, Tejano is underground... and underground is cool. I know you don't believe me, but do me a favor and attend the 08 TTMA Fan Fair... count the young bands you have never heard before... look at the audience.... pay attention and you will ask yourself the same question I did... "When the hell did this happen!?" Tejano artists such as La Fuerza, Veronica y AVANCE, Megan Leyva and Candice Vargas represent a generation removed from the glory days of Tejano with no attachment to it or it's success whatsoever... yet still finding their way to Tejano music. When the youth decide that this is the music that better represents them... it is a sure sign of a Tejano Revolution.

Now mind you these are just signs. The "Revolution" hasn't started. When revolutions do start, they tend to be quick... seemingly over night. Until then...buy a new cd... attend a live show... and await.... the revolution.

-TAP

"Every Generation Needs A Revolution"
- Thomas Jefferson