Q&A: Paco’s Latest EP ‘JARDÍN’ is an Innovative Exploration of Latin Funk Wave Pop
WRITTEN BY FAITH LUEVANOS
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Taking risks has always been a central point to Paco’s artistry, and his new EP JARDÍN proves that those leaps of faith have been worth it. Originally from St. Louis, Paco began his career as a DJ in his hometown, where he learned how to produce and tell stories. After learning production, he took a chance on himself and moved to Los Angeles to grow his craft and expand his world.
Since then, his career has fully bloomed. From touring alongside friend and collaborator Tommy Richman, Paco has been making waves through his innovative production that also serves as an homage to his cultural roots. His self-coined genre, Latin funk wave pop, isn’t just a new genre; it’s a celebration of identity, rhythm, and reinvention. Through JARDÍN, he’s pioneering a new sound and serving as inspiration for fellow first-gen artists who are chasing their own versions of success.
Life On Jupiter sat down with Paco to discuss the making of JARDÍN, his experience touring with Tommy Richman, how his culture shapes his sound, and more. Read the full interview below.
LIFE ON JUPITER: Your musical roots began as a DJ in your hometown. What were some of the experiences that pushed you to pursue your personal music career?
PACO: I never thought music was going to be the thing I’d pursue as a career, actually. For so long, I wanted to be a pro soccer player…still dreaming. What really pushed me to lock in on music and take it more seriously was my brother and close collaborator, Jonah Roy. Being from St. Louis, there weren’t a lot of people trying to pursue music, but he was one of the few who had a real sound. He taught me how to produce and even play guitar, and that’s what got me hooked to music. Us taking a bet on ourselves and moving to Los Angeles for music was the best decision we have ever made.
I love the way that you embrace your cultural roots and blend that with your music. Can you describe the importance of this blend and what it means to you?
PACO: It’s always been bigger than music. Even the way I dress has importance to me. The cowboy hat and the boots, it’s not a cosplay or part of my rollout; it is who I am. Musically, I grew up listening to and indulging in so many different styles. My dad was always listening to Banda or Regional, or Norteño, whereas my mom was the complete opposite. She was more into indie, alt-rock, and pop. Quite a household, but this really shaped me to put a lot of these sounds and helped influence this genre I call LATIN FUNK WAVE POP.
With your new EP officially out, what are some feelings you have surrounding the release?
PACO: From when we started making the project to when we finished it, my life has changed a lot. I’ve grown as a person and as an artist with this project. I’ve learned to be more vulnerable through my lyrics and make more mature-sounding music. Hence why I called it JARDÍN. I'm just proud of myself and everyone who helped make this come to life, honestly. This has been the longest I’ve worked on something, and it feels good to have it out in the world. This is timeless music, and this is the number one project in the world; people will find out soon.
Last year, you toured with Tommy Richman. What was that experience like, and what lessons did you take away from it?
PACO: The Family tour… that tour will forever be legendary. We had been talking about all going on tour together for so long, and when the opportunity came, it just felt like a no-brainer. I learned so much from being on the tour too, whether it was singing, song selections, and even the pacing of the set. We’d perform a lot of the songs that are on JARDÍN on the tour, and it helped refine some moments in the songs if we felt like it dragged or if it needed the chorus to come back. I even learned a lot from my brothers Tommy and JMack when they would perform. Performing live is one of my favorite parts of being an artist, so getting those reps and honing in on our live set was a good stepping stone into the next time we hit the road. Oooo I can’t wait….
While making this EP, what were some of the key elements that you were firm on having throughout?
PACO: The overarching theme/style was always LATIN FUNK WAVE POP. I always wanted to do pop music, but in my own way and style. We were never strict on having specific styles or production, but more so just having that feeling. Not limiting ourselves also allowed us to make such a diverse and wide-ranging project. I believe there is truly something for everybody in this project.
This EP is so vibey and dancey, specifically "LOSE YOURSELF." What's the ideal setting for fans to listen to the EP?
PACO: Ideally, I’d love to be singing along, dancing and vibing with y'all in a live setting, but we’ll do that soon. If not live, then bump it in the car with your homies. Or if you like to be on your own time and really listen to the music, I'd say go for a walk and plug in some headphones. Another one of my favorites would have to be bumping this project in the shower. It allows you to really lock in on the vocals and be able to sing along or even harmonize with me. This method will definitely prepare you for the live concert setting.
Were there any tracks on the EP that sounded completely different when they were in their beginning stages?
PACO: Honestly, nothing drastic. A lot of our first-day demos, compared to the final versions, aren’t too different. We would make different versions for certain songs like “LOSE YOURSELF.” or “COME BY LOVER.” but we’d always end up going back to that first day demo. Like I said, it was all feeling-based, and we’d try different things on songs, and experimenting with sounds was always the fun but stressful part. Next thing you know, we have like eight different versions of “LOSE YOURSELF.” and we all would like a different version. Ultimately, cutting the fat from the song and keeping the strong base elements is what stayed. Trusting your gut feeling goes a long way… trust.
If you had to choose, what would be your favorite track on the EP and why?
PACO: Today I’m in a “PURPOSE.” mood, but I genuinely can’t lie, it changes every day. There are seven songs for the seven days of the week. Today it’s “PURPOSE.” Tomorrow can be “THINK ABOUT IT.” or “COME BY LOVE.” or “LOVERS 2 FRIENDS.” or maybe I’m just looking for my “FUTURE BABY MAMA.” or even “STRING OF PEARLS.” but ultimately you must not “LOSE YOURSELF.” So yes, that is my favorite song.
Lastly, what do you hope fans take away from this EP?
PACO: This body of work is very authentic and very me, from the production to the songwriting to the visuals. What I would like to inspire and have people take away from this project, as silly as it sounds, is not to be afraid to be themselves. I think we live in a time where we seek validation from people online or wherever, and we see less authenticity in people's art because of it. I'm a real lover and I love to love, and I talk a lot about that in my music. I’m also very about my culture and what being a first gen means to me, so I represent that visually. These are two completely different things, but it’s what I wanted to show. This is truly who I am.