Hermanos Espinoza Aim to Build Their Legacy with Their First Album, ‘Linaje’
Poverty can be debilitating. For Hermanos Espinoza, who released their debut studio album “Linaje” on Friday, growing up in a family that faced financial hardships became a significant driving force in their lives.
Since 2021, the quintet, led by siblings Joel and Leonel Espinoza, has steadily cultivated a fanbase with their unique blend of new wave norteño. Their music weaves together the vibrant sounds of accordion and bajo quinto, marked by lyrics celebrating the triumphs of hard work, familial bonds, and faith.
Hermanos Espinoza gained considerable attention at the recent 40th South by Southwest music festival held in Austin, Texas. During their performance at the De Los showcase, one of three appearances they made at SXSW, the rooftop of Mala Fama nightclub reached full capacity before the band even took the stage, with a line forming well beyond the entrance.
“Y que c— su madre la pobreza,” Joel Espinoza, 24, exclaimed as he kicked off their set with the hit “Dios Por Delante.” The expression, a popular Mexicanism, translates to “F— poverty.”
The crowd erupted, dancing enthusiastically on a late Sunday night.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Joel shared, “I saw my family go through so much because of money, because of poverty. They didn’t deserve it, but I understand the world works in a certain way. I just hated it.”
As he performed, Joel infused each lyric with energy, skillfully maneuvering his colorful accordion to produce sounds reminiscent of an electric guitar. The rhythm of the drum set and bajo quinto pushed the performance closer to a lively rock concert than a casual gathering.
With “Linaje,” which translates to “lineage,” the brothers aim to honor their roots and share their hard-earned success with loved ones.
“Some people refer to ‘Linaje’ as royalty or people who come from money, but for us, it’s the complete opposite,” Joel explained. “Our family is hardworking, and we wanted to give them credit too. To us, that’s royalty.”
Growing up in McAllen, Texas, within the Rio Grande Valley, the brothers contributed to their family’s Mexican restaurants, recalling long days spent preparing food. They reflect on this experience as a period that instilled discipline, punctuality, and a deep appreciation for hard-earned income.
“You see life through a different perspective,” Leonel, 20, noted.
Bringing this work ethic into their musical pursuits, both brothers actively participated in their school’s marching band, mastering essential skills in rhythm and coordination. It was during high school that Joel began playing the accordion, describing his relationship with the 49-key instrument as a “love-hate” dynamic, while Leonel took up the bajo quinto. Their mother played an instrumental role in securing their first gigs singing serenades. However, by 2021, performances at house parties began to dwindle.
“I used to work with my dad at his restaurant, and one day I felt really down, almost ready to give up on my dream of music, but he encouraged me,” Joel recounted.
Hard work soon bore fruit. Hermanos Espinoza gained traction on platforms like YouTube and TikTok with self-released tracks “Prueba De Fuego” (2022) and “Dios Por Delante,” both chronicling the journey from poverty to a brighter future.
“People started tattooing ‘Dios Por Delante’ on their forearms and necks, and that’s when we realized that this was more than music; it’s a movement,” Joel remarked about the impact of their popular song.
The themes of resilience and faith are central to “Linaje,” produced by Ernesto “Neto” Fernández, known for his collaborations with artists like Peso Pluma and Xavi. The 15-track LP reflects the evolving norteño sound characteristic of the Texas borderlands, opening with “29:11,” a blessing inspired by a Bible verse from the Book of Jeremiah, which states, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
“A big part of this album was just letting go of trying to control everything,” Joel said. “I put it into [God’s] hands, and we just let things flow.”
Tracks like “La Moneda” focus on the allure of money, as Joel’s vocals resonate with the assertion that wealth may change others, but not him. Another poignant track, “No Puedo Amarte,” explores unresolved love against a backdrop reminiscent of the melancholic sierreño genre, featuring an accordion that alternates between bold and smooth melodies.
Ultimately, “Linaje” underscores the brothers’ resilience, particularly in the track “Modelo V,” which celebrates their journey to success while honoring lessons imparted by their father.
“No matter all the adversities we face, the thing about my dad is that he’s always stayed true to himself and who he is,” Joel stated. “That’s how we were raised and how we live day to day.”
