After interviewing Nicolette Good [who is one of the rising legends in Texas], she invited me to interview another rising legend whose names are Chacho and Brance. I decided to invite Chacho and Brance to be interviewed and the result was an unforgettable evening. I want to thank Nicolette Good for making this possible.

1. How did Chacho and Brance get their start?

Well, first off we wanna say thanks for taking the time to ask us these questions and getting to know us. Both of us started at a very early age. Brance comes from a background of country and western and an insatiable thirst for rock n’ roll. He’s been listening to KiSS and Merle Haggard even since  he began grade school. I, on the other hand, started off with traditional Mexican Rancheras then heard my first Beatles album my summer between kindergarten and 1st grade. We’ve been mining (and finding)musical gems ever since. The truth is luck and a Robert Johnson t-shirt brought us together in 1995 on the St. Mary’s University campus in San Antonio Tx.  

 

 2. What is your isnpiration when writing a song or performing?

 

 I tell ya, I sat last night writing a song, this is a verse: «How can I learn to deliver When I’s an Indian giver Best I hop in this river and sail ‘nless I sop this bad liver and wail.»

Now, sometimes I dig deep into myself in search of legitimate feeling and at times it pours out all by itself. In this case, the verse is written with a rhyme scheme in mind. I feel Pony (Brance) and I have similar writing styles. We’re story tellers interested in immediate gratification. What inspires us? Life. Conversation, women, highways, travel, good times, falling down and getting back up, family, our little boys(Sammy, Nikolas, & Lukas) unrequited love,  drinking, other musicians, music, Hank Williams, film, art, ass shaking, heart breaking, and  love making.  

 

3. What was it like performing in Troubador TX?

 

The entire experience has been great. We’ve had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with amazing artists like Nicolette Good, Little Brave, and Tom Faulkner.  We’re yet to make an actual TV appearance but our showcase is up this coming weekend February 4th. Of course we’re excited to see how the public responds.  At the same time, I feel the TT production team has been very graceful with all of the artists on the show.

 

4. Will you record an album in the future?

 

We did record a full length album this past summer with our friend and American treasure Mr. Jimbo Mathus in Mississippi.  But, although we had a blast, a stripped down one day recording session is not what we want to release to the public at this point. We are currently working on a full length album- «Borderland Babylon and/or Borderland Blues». The album combines rock n’ roll, honky tonks, western swing,  foot tapping boogies, spirituals, a ballad or two, some soul-folk, and of course, the blues. On a personal level and side note, the times have gotten as  turbulent as they can get for us therefore, the album’s taken us a bit longer than we expected.

 

5. Will there be a Chacho and Brance tour in Florida?

 

Nope, unfortunately not at this point. Never been to Florida and of course would love to share our «Borderland Blues» with the beautiful people down there.  

 

6. What is your advice to those who seek a music career?

 

Listen to your gut. I think I speak for both of us when I say we didn’t choose rock n’ roll, it chose us. The only antidote to our rock n’ roll fever is a stronger dose of rock n’ roll.  I advice all to listen to Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzel. Listen to Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Johnny Winter. Doug Sahm, Captain Beefheart, The Stones, Willie Nelson, John Prine, and Jimbo Mathus.  Be a junkie to the movement. If you’re not a rock n’ roll junkie, your career will be a job. Our career started at the age of five and we’re in it for the long run, whether folks know us or not.  

 

 7. What is your message to the world?

 

I think I might’ve answered that question but I’ll try again.  For songwriters:  Write with integrity even if the truth stings a little. If you think you shouldn’t say it, proclaim it and sing it louder.

For the world: Remember that a healthy, daily dose of foot tapping music is the secret to eternal youth.  

Thank you for your time in the interview.  For those interested in Chacho and Brance, please visit their website and enjoy one of the greatest music in the world.

http://chachoandbrance.com/