Chino Pacas is charting new terrain with his latest album, “Cristian,” expanding beyond his traditional corrido style to embrace diverse musical genres. In this bold endeavor, the música mexicana artist showcases his versatility by incorporating elements such as rap and banda. The title explores why Chino Pacas expanded his musical palate on ‘Cristian,’ reflecting his desire to innovate and break free from the conventional sounds that have dominated the genre.
Exploring New Sounds
Chino Pacas was feeling stifled by the repetitive sounds of traditional música mexicana. In a bid to distance himself from the predictability of charchetas and guitars, he launched his second LP, “Cristian,” featuring fresh sounds like rap and banda. “With this album, we decided to go for sounds that people aren’t super familiar with when it comes to me,” he shared with Rolling Stone. Feeling that too many artists were riding the same sonic wave, Pacas set out to distinguish himself with diversity and innovation.
Collaborations That Inspire
For his genre-bending tracks, Pacas collaborated with artists like Netón Vega on the accordion-infused banda track “Flota.” He also tapped into the world of rap with Santa Fe Klan and Mexican rap icons La Santa Grifa. These partnerships allowed him to explore and integrate new dimensions into his music, while also nodding to his swift success with tracks like “La Cima,” referencing his earlier hit “Dijeron Que No La Iba Lograr.” These collaborations cement why Chino Pacas expanded his musical palate on ‘Cristian.’
A Personal and Liberating Project
Chino Pacas reflects on “Cristian” as the album he has always wanted to craft. Unlike his debut, Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas, which featured Drake and felt rushed, “Cristian” allowed for a more liberated and thoughtful recording process. “With this one, we gave ourselves more freedom and worked smarter in the studio,” he explained, highlighting his growth as an artist and the reasoning behind why Chino Pacas expanded his musical palate on ‘Cristian.’
Looking Ahead
With two albums under his belt, Pacas is already plotting future ventures. He hints at an upcoming album dedicated to the ladies and a follow-up to the Que Sigan LP. “I have like 15 to 20 songs sitting in the vault,” he says, indicating his readiness for new projects. The overarching theme of experimentation continues to define his journey, underscoring why Chino Pacas expanded his musical palate on ‘Cristian.’
Highlights from “Cristian”
From his Los Angeles apartment, Chino Pacas shared insights into his favorite tracks. One standout is “Chamaquito,” a song he crafted himself and feels nostalgic yet fresh. It features a tuba, a sound not widely used anymore. He also highlighted “Anoche,” a collaboration with young talent José Alejandro Arroyo, and “GTO,” made with Santa Fe Klan, which blends Californian vibes and pays homage to Guanajuato. Finally, “Llevarte” featuring La Santa Grifa showcases Pacas’ admiration for the legendary rap group, further illustrating why Chino Pacas expanded his musical palate on ‘Cristian.’
