Alonzo Andez of Alacranes Musical talks about the band's drama (Part 2)

Alonzo Andez knows what it's like to be in the middle of a war.

The singer-songwriter from Texas joined Alacranes Musical just as vocalists Memo Ibarra and Omar Sánchez split from the group, entering a bitter dispute with the Urbina family for the Alacranes name. Andez, who was once a member of Banda Lamento Show, is now sharing vocal duties with original Alacranes singer Sergio "Hersheys" Federico.

In this second installment of a two-part interview, Andez talks about his being in the middle of a tug of war between the Urbina brothers and Memo & Omar.

Did you get caught up in Alacranes' band drama?

Yes. It has been like being in the middle of a war, like a real life movie that has not yet ended. I could not believe it when everything started collapsing that weekend. No one can fully understand my experience. Usually when there is a dispute, people are prone to take sides. But I was new and nothing was assured for anyone. I’m a person that believes in principles, respect and fairness. Nothing was easy, and when it all started, I couldn’t have imagined what was ahead.

Anyone could have sworn that we would never play together again on the same stage after that weekend in Iowa, if I’m not mistaken. But incredibly, we did. We performed another full weekend in California and they performed another final weekend without me. This was when we played at the Gibson Amphitheatre, which are days not pleasant to remember. Since I was in Alacranes, thanks to the promoter, I traveled to California (for my final weekend) with Memo, Omar (the other vocalist), and the manager. We were traveling apart because the atmosphere was too tense to travel together. I was confused and had hoped that everything would become the way it was before the conflict. I did not want to rush into making abrupt decisions. I sensed that my friend Memo felt betrayed by me for not showing unconditional support, but I needed time.

During all this confusion, I was invited by Oscar Urbina for the sound check at the Gibson Amphitheatre the afternoon before the show. I chose to go with them. I found the Urbinas to be very understanding and kind. I felt like they understood me and I understood them. Later, the manager kindly asked me if I wished to work with Memo and Omar in the future. I thanked him, but refused his offer, so he told me to think about it. I am to this day grateful to him for considering me to work with them. I just felt inside that it was not where I needed to be.

After rejecting the offer, and when the weekend was over, I was in a plane heading back home. Many, even some in my family, believed that my decision to reject their offer was a mistake. Yet even though I was leaving Alacranes to go home, I knew I had done everything my heart told me to and I felt good about it. While at home, Hector Urbina texted me words of encouragement and kept my hope alive. Soon Oscar and Rene Urbina called and offered me to become part of the real Alacranes Musical. I accepted and here I am.

What's it like being a part of a successful band like Alacranes?

It’s an overwhelming experience. It’s extremely hard, stressful, and physically draining, but all of these things cannot compare with the great satisfaction that it is to be here. Undoubtedly, it is a blessing, but it surely did not come to me without years of hard work, struggle, and preparation. Before the privilege of going on stage with Alacranes, many mirages have appeared in my career. I’ve had success, but also many disappointments, which my parents have witnessed being that they have always supported my career. If I would have received this years ago, perhaps I would not have appreciated it as much. I feel that we need to taste the sorrow of hopelessness in this career to keep our feet on the ground when fortune begins to smile. I’m sure that there are thousands of people who would want to be in my position, which is why I don’t take it for granted.

I love being on the road and traveling. It’s very fun to meet our fans every weekend and listen to them sing the songs with us. When people ask for more songs, and they scream, it is the best gift that they can give to the artist. I had admired Alacranes Musical’s music and to have the privilege to add my voice to it is an indescribable feeling.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of Alacranes?

I wish to contribute as much as I can. I am here to give more than to receive and I know that the more we give for the band the better off we will all be; at least that’s my philosophy when it comes to group work. You reap what you sow; I know that for a fact. I wish to grow as an artist challenging my skills. This life is certainly unpredictable but I will strive to dedicate as much time as I can to Alacranes. It would be great to add to the enrichment of the productions of Alacranes Musical with my influence as an arranger and songwriter if it's needed someday.

Perhaps the fans will hear my guitar within our future productions. I believe great personal accomplishments will come also and I will try to humbly accept them when they arrive. I can only plan, but it will be God that marks the way as he did when he made the circumstances optimum for me to join.