Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Medrano.
Hi Jon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out in music following in my father’s footsteps. I always had a calling but it just so happened my dad – Al Medrano, was lead guitarist for Texas Radio and Grooveline to name a couple bands that he started in the late 80s-90s. I remember pulling up a chair when I was a kid to peak out of a door window that led to the garage and watch him jam with his band. It was right around middle school that he asked me to learn keys. “Learn your chords” he would say as he handed me a chord chart. I was also learning the alto saxophone during that time to play in the school band. Needless to say I fell in love with music and currently still play both instruments today. I ended up playing gigs with my dad on weekends all through high school and college and eventually led to the formation of my first band as bandleader – SA Brass Tacs. After a significant pause during the pandemic I decided to regroup along with my brother – Kevin Medrano (bass), and form Riptyde – the band you know today. Thus far we’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success on the local scene.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There will always be obstacles in life and for me a major one came when I lost my dad in January of 2020. It was sudden and I really took it hard. He was the guitarist in my band – SA Brass Tacs at the time. And to make things worse, the pandemic hit a couple months later. Aside from that tragedy I’ve had a few members move on to other projects or pursue other things but all in good terms.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Riptyde is a variety dance cover band. We play all types of venues but our favorite is when we get to play festivals and engage with the community. We were honored to be able to play Easterfest recently, put on by the city of Kerrville, TX. It’s always so much fun to be able to see people of all ages dance and have a great time. And also chat with them a bit. I’m most proud to be able to share the stage with my amazing band – Kevin (bass), Moses (guitar), Marco (drums), Clarissa (vocals), Emily (vocals), Tom (sound tech). I would love to be able to record an EP in the future.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was kind of a shy kid but always had the best time with my cousins and band friends in middle and high school. I grew up in the 90s and was really into alternative rock and metal music. I loved going to concerts and getting all mixed up in the shenanigans. I was also into outdoor activities like riding my bike and rollerblading.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Riptyde210
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GHjYWCDhW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
