Putting tequila and music together sounds like the perfect summer blend. We choose to picture it as sitting by the pool with our headphones on as the tequila seeps through our body. What type of music would most likely be beaming through those earplugs? Well, if we are on a tequila themed day, most likely songs that would be mariachi-esque. This laidback day is made possible by the Hornitos Premium Tequila Mariachi Mash Up contest.

Hornitos Premium Tequila gave up-and-coming bands a chance to create their own mariachi-inspired mash up to celebrate the official kick-off of tequila season and the prize included exposure in Billboard Magazine plus $10,000 for mariachi-style cover of “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John. From April 25th through May 30th, the Mariachi Mash Up competition encouraged bands to submit a three minute video, incorporating traditional mariachi elements, such as sounds of the trumpet, violin or guitarrons, into a well-known song. The contestants’ tunes were evaluated by a panel of judges, which included Billboard editor, Tye Comer, and a tequila expert from Hornitos.

Who walked away as the tequila and mariachi kings? The well-known Brooklyn band, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band, who put a unique spin on the Peter Bjorn and John track, “Young Folks.” Donned in sombreros, the band, which consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jon Sandler, drummer, Sam Merrick, bassist, Chris Kelly and pianist, Dominic Fallacaro, used the sounds of trumpets and maracas to add tequila flavor to the indie tune. The band even sang in Spanish at times, which only heightened their winning chances. You can check out their mariachi cover of the tune on YouTube.

Along with mariachi winners, Jon Sandler and The Fancy band can also add label victory to their successful career list. Jon Sandler recently released an EP, ‘The Fancy Band’, signed with Super Duper Records, had opened for several influential musicians, and in October played two official CMJ showcases in NYC. Well, just a bit more than label victory on that list.

You can catch the band at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC from June 7th to June 9th and at Rockwood Music Hall on June 24th. The band also plans on touring in September and is now currently in the studio working on a new full-length album, which will drop in the Fall. For more information on the band, visit Jon Sandler’s official website, Facebook page and Twitter page.

by Lonnie Nemiroff