Ezpada carries South Texas Tejano tradition forward with experience, heart, and fresh energy

The members of Ezpada may be seasoned veterans of Tejano music, but the group’s journey is still unfolding with the same hunger and passion that fueled them decades ago.

During a candid interview with Jonny Ramirez on Tejano 95.7 FM, the South Texas-based band reflected on their musical roots, the tragedy that led to the creation of Ezpada, and the chemistry that continues to drive the group forward.

Lead vocalist Johnny Sobrevilla, bassist and segunda voz Derek Aguilar, accordionist and keyboardist Johnny Saenz, and drummer Roger Ramirez joined “El Jonne” in studio for the lively conversation, sharing stories filled with humor, respect, and deep appreciation for Tejano music culture.

The group explained that Ezpada’s sound is heavily influenced by the Dilley and Cotulla music scene, an area long known for producing bands with a signature South Texas style.

“We’ve been doing this for such a long time that it’s just a style that brewed up many, many years ago,” Sobrevilla said. “Everybody in that area adapted to it.”

According to the vocalist, the similarities between bands from the region often come down to shared influences, producers, and musical traditions. Still, Ezpada works to add its own identity through vocal style, arrangements, and production choices.

The band’s name itself represents a new beginning born from heartbreak. Ezpada evolved from the former group Grupo Trueno after the passing of its lead vocalist, Rocky Ramirez, about three years ago.

Ramirez, who comes from the legendary musical lineage of Los Truenos de Texas, admitted stepping away from music briefly after losing his cousin. But fulfilling existing contracts eventually reignited his passion.

“It’s like a drug,” Ramirez said of performing. “It just keeps on going.”

What began as a temporary continuation soon developed into something much bigger.

“With these guys that we have right now, it’s a blessing,” he added.

The band members collectively bring decades of experience from respected Tejano acts including Masizzo, La Otra Mitad, Xelencia, and more.

Saenz, who originally came from Chicago before relocating to Texas to pursue music, shared stories about performing with artists he admired growing up, including members connected to La Mafia and other influential Tejano acts.

After stepping away from music to focus on family and raise his daughters, Saenz said joining Ezpada marked the perfect opportunity to “unpause” and return to performing.

“Now it’s my turn,” he said.

The conversation also highlighted Ezpada’s recent singles, including “El Hechizo,” a reimagined version of a classic song originally recorded by Guardianes del Amor. Aguilar revealed he pushed hard for the group to record and promote the track after hearing its potential as a modern accordion-driven Tejano release.

“When it was done, it was like, ‘Man, this sounds pretty good,’” Aguilar said. “We needed something to get us to the next level.”

Aguilar’s own musical journey includes leading Grupo Nacido during the COVID-19 pandemic before eventually joining Ezpada more than a year ago.

The band also discussed recording “Donde Quiera Que Estés” with producer Shelly Lares at Shell Shock Studio. Sobrevilla described the experience as both exciting and inspiring, especially watching songwriter Jose Rosario Gonzalez craft the song during a live writing session.

Ezpada’s admiration for Tejano history was another recurring theme throughout the interview. Sobrevilla shared how the group sought approval before recording “Entre La Espada y La Pared,” a song popularized by Los Palominos.

“I like to give respect to the artists that paved the way for us,” Sobrevilla said.

That respect for tradition also influences the band’s live performances. Ezpada prides itself on recreating songs onstage the same way fans hear them on the recordings — something Ramirez praised during the interview.

“We just want to keep it simple,” Sobrevilla explained. “Sing it and play it like it’s recorded.”

While the members laughed throughout the interview about age, experience, and surviving years on the road, their conversation revealed a band grounded in brotherhood, perseverance, and genuine love for Tejano music.

For Ezpada, the mission is clear: honor the roots, respect the legends, and keep South Texas Tejano alive for the next generation.

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