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May 15th 2008 |
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Current Issue: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 |
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UPCLOSE |
IT WAS A FRENETIC SCENE AUGUST 30 AT PHOENIX’S DODGE
THEATER WHEN THE MCDONALD’S LOMCXIMO DE LA MUSICA TOUR
BROUGHT FRANKIE J, LUIS FONSI, ORISHAS, NINA SKY AND
JEANNIE ORTEGA TO TOWN. AS THE LIGHTS DIMMED, THE ANTSY
CROWD BRIEFLY FELL SILENT. SUDDENLY, A WHITE SPOTLIGHT RACED
ACROSS THE STAGE AND THE FANS STARTED SCREAMING IN UNISON:
“FRANKIE J, FRANKIE J!” THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC AS
FRANKIE J’S 2005 SMASH SINGLE, SUGA, SUGA, SHOOK THE
RAFTERS. AND THE HITS NEVER STOPPED COMING—MAKING ONE
THING CRYSTAL CLEAR: THIS WAS THE FUTURE OF LATINO MUSIC.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER BRANDON MENDOZA ATTENDED THIS
ENERGETIC SHOW AND CAUGHT UP WITH THE 27-YEAR-OLD FORMER
MEMBER OF THE TEXAS BAND, LOS KUMBIA KINGS, WHILE HE WAS
IN PHOENIX. THEY TALKED ABOUT LIFE IN THE BEGINNING, LIFE ON
THE ROAD AND WHAT'S NEXT ON THE HORIZON FOR THIS
TALENTED LATINO.
También en español
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 LATINO FUTURE: How did the party
get started?
FRANKIE J: My grandfather always wanted his
family to get involved in music. For the past 30+
years, he’s been in Mariachi bands and has played violin for his
church. He must have seen something in me because he always
invited me over to teach me new songs and instruments.
What was in your Walkman when you were
growing up?
Besides the Mexican music my parents always had on, I
listened to artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, Michael Jackson
and Full Force. My uncles also used to jam to the oldies but
goodies, so I also have a lot of Al Green and Marvin Gaye
influence.
Do you remember your first performance?
My first attempt to perform in front of a crowd was at a high
school talent show. My song was an original I had written and
produced with some musician friends. Once I got a taste of it,
though, I realized I can do this for the rest of my life—if only I
get the chance.
How did you get that chance?
To pursue a music career, I moved from San Diego to Texas,
where a lot of things started to happen for me. I got an
opportunity to perform in clubs and began to get noticed.
I thought I was on my way, but things stalled.
I actually got down on the music thing and moved back to
California. Then one day I got a call from my friend—who is
now my manager—and he was talking to me about a group
called Los Kumbia Kings. Next thing you know, I joined the
band and that’s how it all started.
 After four years with Los Kumbia Kings, how did you
handle your first career breakup?
I knew when I joined the band, it wasn’t going to last forever.
The others didn’t really go for it when I told them I was
leaving. It was difficult for
them to see somebody go after
so long.
And it’s not that I didn’t like
being in the band. We were
doing Spanish music with pop
ballads. The music was great,
but I wanted to do the R&B
thing. I got to a point in my
career where I had to try to
venture off by myself. After a
while, the band finally
understood where I was
coming from and what I
wanted to do—and they all
wished me good luck.
What was your first big
hit as a solo artist?
It had to be Don’t Wanna Try
[from the self-titled CD,
Frankie J].That record was the
one that launched me. It
allowed me to grow more as an
artist and an individual. It also got people to notice me as
Frankie J and not the “ex-Kumbia King.”
Some musicians say life on tour is wild. How does it
compare to the nightlife in your birthplace, Tijuana?
Everyone knows what happens there. People party until four or
five in the morning. On tour, it’s very different. I’m very
focused on the upcoming shows, and I tell my band that we’re
going to have fun on the road, but when it’s time to get
serious…it’s time to get serious.
Do you enjoy being on the road?
If I’m at home for even a week, I need to do something or I’ll
go crazy. I was born to be on the road, performing and
traveling all over the world. Even if you go to the same city,
the adventure is always different.
 Tell me about the new album, Priceless.
With each album you try and reinvent yourself, and Priceless is
the next level for me. Ballads have always been my bread and
butter, but now people are realizing that I can do a club record.
I wanted to take a more urban approach, while still using the
sounds that people know me for.
What can the audience expect at a Frankie J
concert?
It’s fun, different, a lot of energy—and a lot of heart. Girls are
screaming and even the fellas get into what I’m singing because
the lyrics are real. I want the people to know where I’m coming
from in each of my songs.
What’s next?
I want to really experience the music scene while establishing
my name. Eventually I would like to get into movies—but the
right way—by taking acting classes. The sky is the limit for me,
but right now I just want to enjoy what I’ve got.
Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Without my fans, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I thank them
from the bottom of my heart.
Los Kumbia Kings are a well-known Latin group formed in
Corpus Christi, TX, eight years ago. Their sound combines
cumbia (originally a Colombian folk music style) with hip
hop and rhythm & blues. Frankie J was a member of the
original lineup, which was assembled by music
producer/musician A.B. Quintanilla, brother of the late
Mexican pop diva, Selena.
Los Kumbia Kings have released eight CDs. Their debut
release, Amor, Familia y Respeto, and Fuego (released in
2004) each sold more than 500,000 copies. The debut album
was nominated for a Grammy and, in 2003, the group also
was nominated for the Favorite Latin Artist award at the
American Music Awards (won that year by Ricky Martin).
In the last year, there has been some rather public
in-fighting among the current band members, putting the
future of the band in doubt. The band’s website,
www.loskumbiakings.com, currently shows an under
construction page touting a new band from Quintanilla
called the Kumbia All-Stars. Stay tuned.
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