Los Tigres Del Norte’s corridos are timeless. Over five decades into their careers, the emblematic Mexican group is still an influence on newer generations. Following the release of “La Lotería,” the iconic norteño band spoke with Remezcla about the difference between old and new corridos, their advice for their new social media followers about activism, and the story behind “El Diablito” in their newest music video.
Formed by brothers Jorge, Hernán, Eduardo, and Luis Hernández, and their cousin Oscar Lara, Los Tigres Del Norte has been around since 1968. After decades of making corridos, often about social issues, immigration, and politics, they are considered one of the blueprints for many artists in the same genre today. When asked how they feel about attracting the new generation, Hernán says they’re proud of being an influence, but that new corrido singers have big shoes to fill. “When people talk about the beginnings of corrido, I think they [refer to] new singers. Lately, we have read and met some of [the new singers] in person, and they always comment that we are a reference of the new corrido that exists today,” he says.
However, the electric bassist and vocalist explains that corridos nowadays are very different from theirs, so remaining an inspiration for up-and-coming talent is a source of pride. “In that aspect, I am particularly proud to hear from some of [the new singers] that we are their reference, that we are the ones that their parents listened to, that Los Tigres Del Norte have always been someone who inspires them, or that we are like a guide to the beginnings of the corrido,” he adds.
When talking about their new listeners, we also ask them what their advice to newer singers is when it comes to raising their voices, as the group has been historically vocal about social and political causes. “More than advice, I think we should all have the commitment and responsibility over what we are going to say out there, what we want to project to those who see us,” Luis says, who plays the six-string bass and is the vocalist. “I think the new generations today are in a hurry, especially when it comes to publishing something on digital platforms because sometimes we are more interested in the views, as they say, than in the message we are giving.”
He continues to say that when you have a commitment, you also have a responsibility, and that sending a message is easier when it’s clear. “We [Los Tigres Del Norte] don’t let ourselves get carried away or go by situations that are happening in the moment, but we try to remain aware and to have the basis to be able to send a message or sing a song. I think that digital tools are very useful, but we also have to be very careful with the message we want to send,” he adds.
In their newest music video and song for “La Lotería,” they continue their legacy of using their platform to get important messages impacting our communities across. This time, they use the cards of the popular game lotería as wordplay to discuss topics like drug trafficking, politics, and violence against women. In one of the cards, they use an image of President Trump to represent “El Diablito,” featuring his mug shot with the number 08242023 — the date he was criminally charged. When asked about the music video’s art direction, multi-instrumentalist Eduardo says that the Latine community shouldn’t be scared of raising their voices. Though the band members didn’t directly talk about portraying Trump as “El Diablito,” they brought in the person they said “is in charge” of talking about the music video.
We [Los Tigres Del Norte] don’t let ourselves get carried away or go by situations that are happening in the moment, but we try to remain aware and to have the basis to be able to send a message or sing a song. I think that digital tools are very useful, but we also have to be very careful with the message we want to send.
Cue in musician and filmmaker Sergio Arau, who visualized the song’s new lotería cards and directed the music video. “Things got more difficult – well more difficult than usual – with the new president of the United States, and it was very clear that he has signified many things. And since there is a whole history – he has a criminal record and everything – we put him on it,” he says about the card’s portrayment.
Though they didn’t discuss this specific card further, Hernán reiterates the band’s commitment to our communities. “Los Tigres Del Norte is always attentive to our community [and will] always be supportive. Since we got here, we have always tried to be attentive to what happens to us because when we got here — we also lived illegally for a long time in the United States — and we know what people suffer through and go through to come [here].”
Up next, their ongoing Aquí Mando Yo Tour U.S. leg will continue in Rio Rancho, NM (Mar. 14). They are also set to drop their upcoming album later this year.
