The El Paso music scene is one that primarily produces either cover bands or metal bands , but Fixed Idea is unique , as one of only a handful of ska bands . Their music is called “ Chuco Ska ”, aka “ El Paso Ska ”… sort of reggae meets ska -- with a dash of Mariachi for additional flavor . Whatever name it goes by , their big , bold and brash sound hits its mark with their audiences . To the point that several fans have even proposed marriage during a Fixed Idea show – to the FI fan favorite song “ Things I Do For You .”
And regarding that sound , their influences are varied , these include THE SPECIALS , SKATALITES , OPERATION IVY and the legendary BOB MARLEY . But one influencer drew a complete blank with me -- DESMOND DEKKER AND THE ACES . Although the name didn ’ t initially ring a bell with me , they quickly jogged my memory by pointing out that it was Jamaican born singer / songwriter / musician Dekker ’ s song “ Israelites ” that played during the running of the credits for the 1969 “ Best Picture ” Oscar-winning movie classic “ Midnight Cowboy .”
The band has produced 7 albums and 5 videos in their tenure . They are currently in the studio laying down tracks for their 25 th anniversary release . They boast an impressive list of top national acts that they have opened for – including REEL BIG FISH , THE SLACKERS , RANCID , and THE VOODOO GLOW SKULLS , just to name a few . In 2015 , they went to L . A . to perform at a ska festival and played in front of 10 thousand people .
Pancho , the primary songwriter , is self-taught on guitar . He is the consummate front man and his weapon of choice is a left-handed black Les Paul . You just can ’ t mistake him … Chuco , all the way . He also holds down his “ other ” gig as a music teacher at an elementary school – a position where he ’ s proudly formulated young musical minds for the past 15 years . Keyboardist Daniel has been at it for the past 28 years and is a strong contributor to Fixed Idea . He also writes his own music and participates in some side projects .