Courtesy photo
In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Tejano Nation highlights Sammy Torres, an Army veteran from Lubbock, Texas, who recently released her debut Tejano single, “Capturada”. Not only is this an exciting moment for Torres as an artist, but it also highlights her multifaceted journey as a female veteran who has been actively involved in supporting other veterans, especially women. As Torres steps into the spotlight of the Tejano music scene, she is also using her platform to elevate and empower her fellow veterans through her work with the Women Veterans of Lubbock.
From West Texas Roots to Tejano Music
Growing up in Lubbock, a city known for its deep musical roots, Torres was immersed in both Texan and Tejano influences. “I grew up listening to Buddy Holly,” she shares, but it was Tejano music that truly captivated her heart. She describes her early admiration for local Tejano acts like Los Arcos Hermanos Peña and, most notably, the legendary Laura Canales. Torres credits Canales, as one of her primary influences, stating that her voice is irreplaceable—”you’ll never be able to find another Laura Canales.”
This strong connection to Tejano music formed the foundation for Torres’s own sound. With “Capturada”, her debut single, Torres made a bold choice to release a love ballad—a departure from the upbeat cumbias commonly heard on radio. “I wanted to put my heart into the first song I put out,” she explains, noting that the lyrics reflect her experiences with love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships. Her decision to start with a ballad was driven by her desire to create a song that felt authentic and meaningful, regardless of its commercial potential.
Creating a Unique Sound
Torres’s collaboration with Chris “Sox” Calderon, a seasoned saxophonist and producer, played a pivotal role in the creation of “Capturada”. Calderon, who has worked with well-known Tejano acts like Jay Perez and Stampede, became a key figure in Torres’ musical journey. The two first connected when Torres performed her first gig with his band, and their working relationship evolved over time.
Despite the challenges they faced during the creative process—”we almost fist fought at least three times”—the result was a single that is uniquely Torres’s own. Calderon brought his extensive musical experience to the table, playing multiple instruments on the track, while Torres contributed her vocals, and Bryan Quinteros on drums. Together, they crafted a song that doesn’t sound like anything else currently playing on the radio. “I wanted to give people something they haven’t heard before,” Torres explains. “Something that people can play at a wedding or when they’re drinking by themselves.”
Sammy Torres — Capturada
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Looking ahead, Torres is working on a full album, with “Capturada” as the lead single. She plans to incorporate more cumbias into the album but assures her fans that they will have a distinct sound, not the typical cumbias people might expect. In addition to the album, Torres is considering collaborating with other songwriters, although she plans to write most of the songs herself.
The Influence of West Texas and Tejano Culture
Raised in West Texas, Torres identifies as Tex-Mex, deeply connected to the cultural heritage of the region. However, when it comes to writing and translating her lyrics into Spanish, she often calls on friends from the Rio Grande Valley to ensure the authenticity and clarity of her words. “Sometimes I have to call my friends down in the Valley and say, ‘Hey, does this make sense?'” Torres laughs. She takes great care in making sure her songs resonate with both her local and global audience. Whether she’s composing in English or Spanish, proper grammar and clear communication are paramount in her creative process.
Torres’s songwriting process is one of deep collaboration, often starting with a melody she hums. Calderon then takes the reins, crafting the instrumental layers around her vocal lines. “I’ll hum it, and he just takes off with it,” she says, highlighting the seamless collaboration that defines their creative partnership.
Creating “Capturada” was a labor of love, taking several months to perfect. “We spent so much time on this song,” Torres shares. “I changed the lyrics a hundred million times, but in the end, it was worth it.” She acknowledges the nerve-wracking nature of releasing music, especially when it’s your first single, and recognizes that even the most famous artists can’t always predict how their music will be received. “You never know if people are going to like it,” she says, “but luckily for me, people are finding it different and unique.”
Courtesy photo
Giving Back to Veterans and the Community
Beyond her music career, Torres is a passionate advocate for veterans, particularly women veterans. She co-founded the Women Veterans of Lubbock, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for female veterans. The group started as a small Facebook community but quickly grew into a full-fledged non-profit that collaborates with other local veteran organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
One of Torres’s proudest accomplishments is helping to establish the first Women Veterans Memorial in Lubbock, which broke ground earlier this year. She also frequently performs the national anthem at veterans’ events and teaches local children about military music and history. “I want to give back to my fellow veterans in any way I can,” Torres says. Through her music and advocacy, she continues to support the veteran community in Lubbock and beyond.
Teaching the Next Generation About Tejano Music
As Sammy Torres continues to build her career as a Tejano artist, she remains deeply committed to giving back to her community and inspiring the next generation of music lovers. One of the ways she’s doing this is through her outreach to young students in Lubbock, where she teaches them about the rich history of Tejano music and its legendary artists. Torres views this as an opportunity to pass down the cultural legacy of Tejano music to a new generation, ensuring that its influence continues for years to come
During her visits to local middle schools, Torres makes it a point to introduce her students to the foundations of Tejano music. “When I ask the kids if they know anything about Tejano music, maybe one or two hands go up,” Torres explains. “The first name they usually mention is Selena, which is great, but then I get to teach them about everyone else who paved the way for this genre.”
Torres takes great pride in educating the students about the history of Tejano music, from its roots in conjunto and mariachi to its fusion with other genres over the years. She shares stories of Tejano legends like Little Joe, Emilio Navaira, and of course, Selena. “These kids come from different backgrounds, different cultures, and they’re all just so intrigued. They sit on the edge of their seats, eager to learn more,” she says.
By sharing her knowledge of the genre, Torres hopes to inspire some of these young students to continue exploring Tejano music and perhaps even pursue their own musical careers. “You never know who the next big artist will be. Maybe it’s one of these kids,” she reflects. “Even if they don’t remember me, at least I know I had the chance to influence them in some way.”
With her debut single and her unwavering commitment to music, the veteran community, and the next generation, Sammy Torres is poised to make a lasting impact. Her journey reflects resilience, passion, and a desire to create something that honors both her cultural roots and her experiences as a female veteran. As she continues to build her music career and expand her work with the Women Veterans of Lubbock, Torres is a powerful example of what it means to serve, both on the front lines and in the creative space. Stay up to date on Sammy Torres on social media including Facebook and Instagram.
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