Los Chamacos are entering a new era with the official addition of Michael Longoria as the group’s new accordionist and second vocalist—and they are celebrating the beginning of that chapter with the release of their new single, “Ando Navegando.”
The song marks the legendary Conjunto group’s first new music release in more than a year and features Longoria on accordion, making it an important introduction to the latest lineup of Los Chamacos.
For the band, however, “Ando Navegando” is about more than simply returning to the recording studio. The release also reflects a new approach that will give each of the group’s vocalists an opportunity to step into the spotlight.
Roel Joslin of Los Chamacos explained the concept to Tejano Nation.
“The song is actually with the band. However, the lead vocals is with our percussionist Gilbert Fierros. And backup vocal drummer Hector Tello.”
Joslin said the band intentionally decided to do something different with the new release.
“We did it a little different this time to include all of our vocalists in the band and not just our primary vocalist.”
That strategy will continue throughout the year, with Los Chamacos planning to release a new single every other month, with each song highlighting a different vocalist.
“We’re planning to release a single every other month this year till the end of the year featuring a different vocalist each song,” Joslin said.
“Ando NAVEGANDO” was a natural choice for the project because it is already a favorite among the band’s live audience.
“This one happens to be the one that Gilbert sings live for us. It’s one of our fan favorites and we are accommodating all of our fans by recording the music that they love to hear live.”
Michael Longoria Becomes a Chamaco
The new single also introduces fans to Michael Longoria, who officially joins Los Chamacos as the band’s new accordionist and second vocalist.
Born and raised in Kingsville, Texas, Longoria began playing the accordion at around 10 or 11 years old. Growing up surrounded by Conjunto music, he was influenced by his father, Johnny Longoria, as well as legendary accordionist Tony de la Rosa.
That early passion eventually led Longoria to form his own family-based group with his father and two brothers. Together, they spent more than 15 years performing throughout Texas and into Mexico.
Longoria’s career has already included numerous accomplishments and industry recognitions. He has received awards including Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year, while also earning a nomination during the early stages of the Latin Grammy Awards.
His work as a musician, vocalist, producer and accordionist has established him as a respected figure in the Tejano and Conjunto community.
Longoria previously led Michael Longoria Y Conjunto Jamm, his family-based group, releasing multiple projects and singles, including the 2023 release “Palabras Tristes.”
Now, the Kingsville native is beginning an entirely new chapter with one of the most respected names in Conjunto music.
“A Chamaco”
Longoria shared his excitement about officially joining Los Chamacos on social media, reflecting on what the group has meant to him since childhood.
“Well it’s official I am the new accordionist for the legendary band Los Chamacos, a band I’ve looked up to as a child.”
He thanked the Los Chamacos organization for giving him the opportunity and also expressed his appreciation for his family.
“Wanna thank the Chamacos team for giving me this opportunity … and to my family band they ain’t done they will be moving forward blessings to them.”
Longoria also thanked his family for supporting him as he begins this new journey.
“Thanks to my family for believing in me on this new journey… on to a new future.”
For Longoria, joining Los Chamacos represents more than another career accomplishment. It is an opportunity to become part of a band he admired while growing up and to continue the Conjunto tradition that helped shape his musical identity.
He now proudly calls himself “A Chamaco.”
A New Chapter for Los Chamacos
With Longoria on accordion and second vocals and the band preparing a series of new recordings, Los Chamacos are moving forward with a renewed creative direction while remaining connected to the music their fans have supported for decades.
“Ando Navegando” gives listeners the first taste of that new era, with Gilbert Fierros taking the lead vocal, Hector Tello providing backup vocals and Longoria bringing his accordion sound to the recording.
The upcoming series of releases will give fans an opportunity to hear the different voices within Los Chamacos while highlighting songs that have become part of the band’s live repertoire.
After more than a year without a new single, Los Chamacos are officially back—and with Michael Longoria now part of the lineup, the legendary group is opening a new chapter while continuing to honor the Conjunto sound that made them fan favorites.
“Ando Navegando” is now available from Los Chamacos.
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