LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock’s music scene has a long history of making waves, and one rising Tejano group is quickly building momentum beyond West Texas.
Sammy Torres and The New Image, a five-member, female-led band has seen early success in less than a year, earning award recognition while keeping a sound rooted in tradition.
FACEBOOK: Sammy Torres & The New Image
“I didn’t expect for myself or my band to do so well within the first year… to be the first female-led, multi-award-nominated Tejano band out of Lubbock, Texas,” Torres said. “That right there has been such a cool honor to just have.”
A classic sound with their own signature
Torres says the band is intentional about staying true to Tejano’s classic feel while adding just enough progression to make it identifiable as their own.
“I wanted to make sure that whatever sound we put out was ours… unique,” Torres said. “That classic nostalgic Tejano sound that people are used to, along with a little bit of progression and a little bit of modernization.”
Local support turning into regional opportunities
Torres credits Lubbock’s support for helping the band grow, and for opening doors to performances outside the area.
“Lubbock kind of chose us to represent them,” Torres said. “And we are taking the sound to other parts… of Texas and New Mexico.”
The band is also set to headline its first out-of-state show at Eastern New Mexico University, Torres said.
‘That’s the adrenaline’: Connecting with the crowd
For band members, the reward comes from seeing audiences respond in real time.
“When you see the people dancing… that right there is more than any payoff that you can ever get,” said Damian Payen, the band’s lead keyboard and accordion player. “That’s the adrenaline of it.”
‘We can stay home’: a message for West Texas musicians
Torres says she hopes the band’s rise challenges the idea that artists have to leave West Texas to make it.
“Most of us feel like we need to move to Austin or Dallas or San Antonio to make it,” Torres said. “And I just want to change that thought process… we can do it, but we can stay home… close to our roots and make our people proud.”
What’s next
The band recently won Best Tejano Group of the Year at the All Star Music Awards.
Their first sponsored single, “Dame Tu Calor,” is scheduled to be released July 17.
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