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Luis Ángel “El Flaco”: The New King of Banda Music | Cultura Shock
Luis Ángel “El Flaco”
Luis Ángel Franco, better known in the music industry as “El Flaco,” has been leaving his mark with his distinct for over two decades. Born and raised in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, El Flaco’s journey into music began at the young age of 8, inspired by the legendary Vicente Fernández. He later honed his skills by studying opera at the Culiacán Sinaloa School of Arts, laying the foundation for his remarkable career in the world of banda music.
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For 16 years, El Flaco’s powerful vocals played an important role in one of banda music’s most influential bands, Banda Los Recoditos. In 2020, he parted ways with the group and embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut single “Reflexo,” which quickly gained popularity across digital platforms and radio stations in both Mexico and the United States.
Throughout his solo career, El Flaco has collaborated with artists such as Grupo Firme, producing hit duets like “Vida Truncada” and “Hasta La Miel Amarga.” His solo singles, including “El Que Te Amó,” “El Tiempo No Perdona,” “Para Ti Papá,” and “Ni Que Valieras Tanto,” have collectively garnered nearly a billion views on YouTube, solidifying his status as a solo artist in the genre.
In 2022, El Flaco released “Y Si Se Quiere Ir,” a song that further cemented his title as the new king of banda music. His next single, “Don Julio 70,” peaked at number two on the charts.
Besides his musical career, El Flaco has also found success as a businessman, owning and operating the acclaimed restaurant “De Alcurnia” in Mazatlán, which has become a favorite among regional Mexican artists and locals alike.
Luis Ángel “El Flaco” opens up about his career in our exclusive interview
In our interview with LATV, El Flaco participated in a game of Bomba Mix, revealing his musical preferences and sharing the songs he holds closest to his heart, offering us a glimpse into the man behind the music.
When asked about his musical influences, El Flaco cited artists such as Rocío Dúrcal, Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernández, and Facundo Cabral. While his own music remains firmly rooted in the banda genre, he expressed a desire to incorporate other musical elements to enrich his performances.
Reflecting on his childhood, El Flaco revealed that the song “Dios Si Perdona, El Tiempo No” by La Sonora Santanera holds a special place in his heart. “It reminds me of my grandfather because it is from his era, but I was there as a small child,” he reminisced.
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He opened up about his favorite songs that suit specific occasions. To start the day on a positive note, he recommends “Hasta Que Salga El Sol” by Banda Los Recoditos, and, when it comes to expressing love for the special someone, he suggests “Mi Mayor Anhelo” by Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga and “Yo Sé Que Te Acordarás” from his own Banda El Recodo, as well as his own song “Y Si Se Quiere Ir” plus his recent single “Qué Se Siente.”
He also shared his go-to songs for celebrating with friends, like “Andamos Borrachos Todos” from Banda Carnaval, but then confessed: “All of a sudden, we become more melancholic and start singing songs about heartbreak.”
El Flaco then revealed that there are times he doesn’t want to hear music. “When I wake up with a hangover I don’t wanna listen to anything. I want silence, I want to be calm. I would rather listen to classical music,” he said between laughs.
Lastly, when he was asked which song reminds him of his hometown whenever he goes on tour, he answered “Solitario Entre la Gente” by Pancho Barraza and “Mi Mazatlán” by Miguel Aceves Mejía.
“When you arrive and get to see the whole view of Mazatlán, we used to play this song. It’s the song of our port. After a two-month tour, those exhausting ones, all I want is to arrive home and relax for a minute,” the singer concluded.
In every note he sings and every stage he graces, Luis Ángel “El Flaco” Franco embodies the essence of banda music, securing him the title of the genre’s new king.
Get to know “El Flaco” in our exclusive interview – Watch now at LATV+!
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