PACO

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From The Lou to CFG: A profile on Paco’s music, community, and cultural drive.

by Kayli Sandoval - photos by Alexsey Reyes

A notable shift has transformed the music industry, in recent years, reshaping how fans discover new talent and how emerging artists navigate their craft. 

As a product of the digital age and its connectivity, artistic consumption and creation now reward innovation and fuels collaboration more than ever. 

The rise of genre-blending creativity is alive and well, and one standout musician contributing to this revival is St. Louis Native and First Generation Mexican-American Paco. Drawing on influences from his immigrant parents and his Los Angeles community, Paco has crafted an experimental sound he’s deemed “Latin funk wave pop.”

Paco’s smooth vocal delivery, met with groove-driven basslines, rich synths, and latin influenced rhythms, build out a playful and infectious discography with tracks constructed to make you feel good and dance. He effortlessly switches between English and Spanish in his lyricism, weaving his deeply embraced culture through and throughout his craft.

For a gateway into Paco’s sound, start with his latest 2-pack, featuring the singles “HEY LADY.” and “MONEY TALK.” 

To hear him alongside a familiar voice of 2024, check out Paco’s feature on “LETTERMAN,” a standout track produced by Jonah Roy on Tommy Richman’s sophomore album COYOTE. Long-time collaborators and friends, Tommy, Paco, and Jonah channel an early 2010s R&B vibe with this record—reminiscent of sounds from Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, inviting funk elements to something so nostalgic.

This synergy came to life on stage this past weekend, when Paco surprised fans with a guest appearance during Tommy Richman’s evening set at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw, held at Dodger Stadium, in Downtown L.A. Together, they debuted their unreleased track “BODY SHOP” to thousands in attendance. 

Speaking with Paco during Flog Gnaw weekend, he teased that we can expect lots of “swag” coming out of his upcoming collaborative work with Tommy.

The relationship between the two musicians predates their recent accomplishments. Paco first met Tommy after moving to L.A. “through the grape vine—on some internet shit,” he explained. Since then, they’ve cultivated a close-knit, creative circle that includes Producer Jonah Roy. Extending their collaboration beyond the studio, this year Paco also joined Tommy as a supporting act on tour for a few shows.

Paco notably shared with me the importance of his support system and community—spanning from The Lou (St. Louis, MO) to La La Land:

Kayli: Being from a smaller city, what was it like finding inspiration? Did you always have people around you supporting your pursuit of music?

Paco: “I can’t lie, St. Louis is such a cultural [city.] There are so many creatives out there, [but] nobody is really building communities out there, which kinda sucks. I feel like that’s why me and Jonah moved [to L.A.]. I’ve known Jonah since we were like 16/17 years old. He’s a real reason why I’m still here to this day. He was the only community I really had in music. Him and Woods—shoutout Jack Woods.”

Kayli: So, moving across the country, was it hard for you to grow a new community out here?

Paco: “Yeah, I mean it was definitely not easy to find the right people… It definitely takes time, but it’s just being real and honest with yourself about what type of people you want to surround yourself with. Once you find the right people and know their intentions, bro, it’s over… The people I see everyday like Tommy, Jonah, Kavi, Max—they’re my family.”

Paco’s foundation, enriched by genuine relationships, has been critical to his place in music today. Shifting focus to his roots laid in Missouri, I asked Paco about the kind of support he had from family back home. 

Kayli: How did you convince your parents that this career path was something to be taken seriously, especially as a First-Gen kid? Was there any pushback in pursuing music seriously and moving to L.A.?

Paco: "Oh, for sure. Like, my sister’s a f**king lawyer. She’s way more goated than I am... It was definitely hard because, obviously, you want your parents' approval, especially [as a First-Generation Mexican-American…] But I think I’ve always been rebellious in that aspect—telling my parents, 'Yo, I’m gonna do this.' Whether they wanted to believe it or not, I was gonna do it... But I think they were so open and supportive of seeing me try something, at the end of the day. They didn’t really get to pick their career..."

In speaking with Paco this past weekend, it is evident to see there is a drive he carries derived from his heritage and what his impact can mean for others in the community.  “I want to put on for so many First-Gen kids that don’t have a voice or also just don’t think this creative shit is possible. Like, I’m here,” Paco stressed.

Though there is still space for Paco to grow in this industry, I am certain his appearance at Camp Flog Gnaw ’24 won't be his last at a major festival. 

I enjoyed exploring Paco’s discography, and his approaches to lush soundscapes, emphasizing concentration on vibrant atmospheres and danceability. His high-spirited performance with Tommy over the weekend demonstrated the passion and energy he holds to his craft, paving the way for his future success in front of live crowds. That being said, I’d love to see him challenge himself by getting even more introspective with future work—a direction he hinted at with his interest in creating corridos down the line. The elements are all there; it’s just a matter of time till the world knows Paco. 

To cap off your listening experience of Paco’s work, I leave my last suggestion: “SET IN STONE,” my personal favorite.

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