8 Segundos are a close-knit unit from northern Mexico, comprising of the Olivas brothers and their friend, drummer Jaime Reyna Diaz, who first got together in 1999 to play country music -- not the most commonly heard genre in their vast, mariachi, ranchera and banda-obsessed homeland.
The decision has proved to be a wise one, however, as not only have the formidable foursome written some outstanding songs and played slick, well-attended shows right across Mexico, they have also opened for the likes of Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Rick Treviño, Tracy Byrd, and Johnny Lee.
"Vaquero Arrepentido"
Their brilliant new single (with an equally impressive video shot in Cananea, Sonora), released on March 18th, is "Vaquero Arrepentido" (Repentant Cowboy). "It's an original song written by our bass player and brother, Javier Olivas," explains guitarist and co-lead vocalist (along with other brother Alex, who also plays fiddle), René Olivas.
"It reflects the stubborn pride of a cowboy who doesn't want to accept, when faced by the woman he loves, that his behaviour has done little to benefit the relationship -- and that after a period of separation realizes he should have perhaps done more to demonstrate his true feelings."
The new album
Something of a Facebook phenomenon (the group currently have over 315,000 "likes"), 8 Segundos have so far put out three albums (a self-titled effort in 2008, No Me Digas in 2012 and a CD of covers, Clasicos Vol. 1, in 2009).
A new, as yet untitled record -- recorded in Nashville -- is due to be released later this year.
"The album will have to wait a little longer," says René, "as one or two more singles will come out before we share it. We have around 30 songs and feel we need a balance of three or four different tempos -- as well as tunes that touch on a variety of themes -- in order to appeal to our fans."
El Callejon
2016 will also see the release of El Callejon, a new movie set in Mexico -- featuring the music of 8 Segundos -- starring Alex Olivas. "It's a project that's been in-the-works with director Carolina Duarte since 2013," reveals René. "Filming began in January in Cananea, Sonora, in a spectacular landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and forests -- all of which add greatly to the drama and romance of the story."