Estani is more than just a singer-songwriter—she’s a storyteller, a preserver of culture, and a voice for a new generation embracing the rich traditions of Conjunto music.
Her latest single, “Mi Suerte Ha Cambiado,” breathes fresh life into a classic, bridging past and present. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and the exciting Conjunto revival she’s championing.
“Mi Suerte Ha Cambiado” is a heartfelt tribute to your grandmother’s legacy. What was it like bringing this song back to life?
Bringing “Mi Suerte Ha Cambiado” back to life has been so nostalgic for me, but also brings immense pride knowing I am resurrecting a piece of musical history within our family for a broader audience to enjoy. Giving this song a second life was literally like revisiting my childhood but with a newfound adult perspective. I can relate now to so many events, hardships, and needing that feeling of escapism through song. Conjunto and Tejano music were always in the background of each day growing up. Revisiting this song and recreating the sound brings back an essence of my life where everything felt so carefree for that moment. I’m hoping to provide the same carefree sentiment for the listeners of this song that just need an escape for a great time with family and friends.
Conjunto music has deep roots in Texas but is still relatively unknown to wider audiences. What makes this genre special, and how do you hope to introduce it to new listeners?
The Conjunto genre is still cemented in so much tradition and is the heart and soul of Tex Mex culture. I feel that’s what makes it so special. While other genres have progressively evolved by combining other genres, the pioneers of Conjunto music have worked to keep the music as close to its roots as possible. I would love for this album to find new listeners who embrace this sound and can feel the simplicity of raw instrumentation and the stripped, no frills, authenticity of the song(s).
You’ve had success in various music genres—what drew you to explore Conjunto at this point in your career?
Upon moving back to Texas, I came across my grandmother’s old 45’s. There were four singles and I was hoping she could re-record them. What I was really wanting was a possible “Buena Vista Social Club” reunion but for Conjunto music. She is turning 90 this month and I was hoping to reunite my grandmother with the remaining musicians from her time as a Conjunto singer in the 60’s to recreate these beautiful singles. On top of that, a friend referred me to the LaFrontera Website, which is affiliated with UCLA Chicano studies, and mentioned more of my grandmother’s songs may be there. To my surprise, there were in fact, three more songs. At this point, I felt all these songs needed to be revived and re recorded. Because my grandmother felt unable to record the songs up to her personal standard, she gave me her blessing to record them and release them.
The music video captures the raw, communal energy of a live Conjunto performance. Can you share the vision behind it and why you chose this particular setting?
My vision for this video was exactly that….raw, communal energy. There are pictures of my grandmother singing in front of a laundromat with her Conjunto group as well as pictures of her on a big stage when she was traveling. All this to say, whether it was a makeshift stage, in front of a laundromat, or just her voice and a bajo sexto, there was always this authentic realness “spur of the moment” vibe when they would perform. I wanted to capture that essence with this video, as if we all just decided at that moment to come together at the end of a party to play that one last song that would leave everyone with a dance and a smile.
What can fans expect next from you With an album and documentary on the horizon? How do you see this project evolving in the future?
With this documentary, fans of Conjunto music can expect an array of outlooks concerning Conjunto music, where it’s going, how it started, and why it hasn’t completely evolved as other latin genres have. I have cast a wide net to find perspectives from all ages that believe in so many different options on how to bring Conjunto music to the masses and those who helped facilitate a small piece of knowledge into Tejano music along the way.
Artists like Selena and Freddie Fender helped bring a slight awareness, but it has stalled overall since then. My grandmother’s songs are mostly focused on the bolero/Conjunto side, but if I can bring a slice of this genre back to life and resurrect it into the minds of new listeners who want to hear more, then I’ve done my job.