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.