El Chico Takes Us on a Journey with “80’s Travel” and Beyond
El Chico, born Erick Alonso Moreno, is a rising star whose music defies genre boundaries and cultural limitations. With roots in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and experiences spanning Tijuana to California, El Chico’s journey is as diverse and dynamic as his sound. From a young boy discovering music’s transformative power to an artist crafting songs that fuse pop, alternative, folk, and Latin influences, his evolution is a testament to his creative resilience and authentic storytelling.
In this interview, El Chico opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his multicultural inspirations, and the artistic process behind standout tracks like “80’s Travel.” He reflects on how bilingualism allows him to connect with a wide audience and offers a glimpse into his plans for the future. Join us as we delve into the mind of an artist who is redefining the music scene, one heartfelt melody at a time.
El Chico, your musical journey began at a young age. Can you tell us about the moment you realized music would become your career?
After I turned 22, my brother went through a severe mental health crisis and was on the verge of taking his own life. I remember coming home after visiting him in the hospital and seeing my guitar in the corner of my room. Something inside me just pulled me toward it, and I felt an urge to write and compose. That moment was a turning point for me. I realized I had a voice—a way to express the struggles so many people face, whether it’s happiness, sadness, depression, or even the darkest moments. Through my music, I wanted to convey that, no matter how hard life gets, there’s always hope for things to get better.
You’ve lived in several different places, including San Luis Potosí, Tijuana, and California. How have these diverse environments influenced the way you create music?
It has influenced me in so many ways, pushing me to experiment with a variety of sounds and explore creating something uniquely my own. I think it’s not very common to see someone from where I’m from trying to blend music from different countries and cultures—or at least giving it a shot, you know? Haha. But I believe this journey has played a big role in helping me discover a sound that’s uniquely mine, one that I hope will resonate with people in the years to come.
Your music blends so many genres—from pop and alternative to Latin and folk. How do you approach creating a song that fuses all these influences seamlessly?
To be honest, I don’t really have a formula. I just go to the studio with my fingers crossed, hoping that something will spark and the magic will happen. Now that I think about it, most of my songs come to life like that—random ideas that seem to appear out of nowhere, with a melody or sound that just sticks in my head. It’s funny and doesn’t always make sense, but I think artists like me will understand this feeling. It’s part of the magic of music, and I hope people can sense that when they hear my work.
Your latest single, “80’s Travel,” has such a nostalgic vibe. What inspired you to blend retro 80s elements with modern sounds?
“The idea of creating an ’80s pop sound has always been in the back of my mind. I’ve often heard people from that era speak so fondly about it—the disco vibes, mall culture, beaches, iconic cars—it all feels so nostalgic, even to someone like me who didn’t live through it. For some reason, I’ve always been drawn to that sense of longing for a time gone by. Through my music, I aim to recreate that feeling, taking listeners back to that distant past and giving them a small taste of those once-forgotten experiences.
The song has a really catchy energy—what was the creative process behind its production, and how did you want listeners to feel when they hear it?
“It was a lot of fun to create, especially since the song took quite a long time—about four months, maybe even more. It all started with that rewind DJ-style sound near the end of the track. When I first heard it, I thought, ‘That sounds so ’80s!’ I knew I needed to pair it with a synth piano that captured the same vibe. Finding the right one took me another month—haha! Overall, I think the effort was worth it. When people listen to the song, I hope it takes their minds on a journey back to the past, where they can relive the fun, dance, and disco energy of that era.
You sing in both English and Spanish, which allows you to connect with such a diverse audience. How do you think being bilingual shapes your music and the stories you want to tell?
I’d say it’s because I’ve lived through both cultures, experiencing two different stories, environments, and lives. This has given me a unique perspective on what to sing about and which language to use to tell those stories. It allows me to connect with a specific audience—or sometimes even both audiences. And hey, sometimes it might not resonate with either, but that’s part of the journey, haha!
Looking up to artists like Kevin Kaarl, Ed Maverick, and Cuco, how do you think these influences have shaped your sound, and how do you hope to bring something unique to the music scene?
I believe it has influenced me to speak more openly about my art. Looking back, I didn’t do that at the beginning of my journey. I was focused on replicating the sounds of artists I admired, captivated by their stories and style. But eventually, I realized I was losing my own voice in the process. That’s when I decided to stop and take the time to find my own path, which wasn’t easy. It’s taken me years, but I finally feel like I’ve distanced myself from those influences and gotten closer to the sound and story I want to share. This process has taught me to embrace my own experiences and channel them into my music. I think this will allow me to blend the genres I love into something truly unique for people to enjoy.
With “80’s Travel” setting the stage for your 2024 projects, what can fans expect next from you in terms of both sound and artistic evolution?
They can expect a journey filled with adventure and a touch of craziness, leading to the evolution of something truly unique. I’d say this is just the beginning of something great, and I’m confident people are going to enjoy it. Right now, I’m working on an album. Even though it’s not finished yet, I can feel that it’s something incredibly special—something that sets me apart. It’s a perfect mix of my weirdness, creativity, and artistry, all turned up to the max. I’d say everything about it is at a 1000% level, and I’m sooo excited to share it with the world!
What’s a message or feeling you hope listeners take away from your music, especially “80’s Travel”?
We’re embarking on a journey into something exciting, a little weird, but definitely good—and, why not, even unique. Overall, I’d say that people will eventually take notice of my music, and I’m confident it will resonate with them in its own special way.
Lastly, with your global fanbase growing, what do you hope to achieve in the next few years, both personally and professionally, as El Chico?
This might sound crazy, but I hope to achieve global recognition someday. I know it will take time, but I truly believe I can get there through my music. As for next year, my goal is to deepen my understanding of myself as an artist and as a person. I want to explore the difference between who ‘El Chico’ is and who I am as an individual. You know, finding that balance between the two.
