Ranchera/mariachi singer Pepe Aguilar doesn't put much stock in superstitions and such.
Like the date 11-11-11 - Friday - when he headlines the opening concert for the $100 million Casino del Sol Resort.
"It's a cool coincidence that I'm playing that day," the 43-year-old said during an interview on Halloween. "I think it's going to be a great concert."
Our conversation ranged from sharing the stage for the first time with Mexican rocker Alejandra Guzman to his childhood memories of coming to Tucson every year with his father, iconic Mexican singer/actor Antonio Aguilar.
Have you ever performed with Alejandra Guzman?
"No, this is the first time. It's going to be very eclectic. It's three very different genres of music; there's also going to be Intocable. We three are very different artists. We have very different concepts of music, and our careers have been in totally different paths."
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You just released your first-ever EP.
"I think it's a format that fits the times. It's an album that I'm very proud of. It took me almost two years in the making. It's the least expensive album that I'm selling to date and the most expensive to make in my entire career until now."
Why was it so expensive?
"Well I took my time. I did a lot of changes until I was completely satisfied."
Is this format the future for your recordings?
"At least three or four more I'm going to release in this format, or maybe more. ... It doesn't matter as long as the message gets through. As an artist, it's just about being there and giving the fans your view of the world, musically. That can happen in an album of six songs or an album of three songs or an album of 20 songs."
Have you considered going completely digital?
"You know I'm a romantic. If I could fabricate vinyl and eight tracks and cassettes, I would release my music in all formats because it's magical. Every single one of them has their own personality. ... The more we get music out there in different ways, shapes and forms, the better."
Any plans to do something crazy outside of the box, like maybe a mariachi rap album?
"I think I'm doing what I want. I'm doing all these things that were incredibly distant just a few years ago; I'm living them. Like being completely independent and being ahead of the game in the world of digital and social media. Like producing things without an agenda, just with art as a goal. This is a new ballgame for me. We were supposed to follow rules. When I was born artistically, I just jumped into a wagon that was already moving. ... Now it's time to change. So what do I do? I do what I want."
When did you go independent?
"About 11 years ago."
Is it as profitable being on your own as it would be going with a major label?
"In many ways it is more profitable. It many ways you have to work a lot more, but it's worth it. You cannot buy freedom. You can see that throughout the history of humankind."
What are your shows like since you last saw us two years ago?
"Oh, now I am completely devoted to - well I always have but now with a little obsession - to music. I am completely into detailing my two, 2 1/2-hour shows to give people an ultimate Mexican experience."
You have strong Tucson ties.
"I remember that we used to travel along with my mom and dad and their show. They were very organized. Every year we went the same weekend to the same city. My brother always had his birthdays in Tucson. We used to stay at a hotel that was called Desert Inn. ... There was this huge, huge, huge trampoline and a diving board in the pool area. It was a dare for all of us to jump out of there."
You're headlining the opening weekend for the Casino del Sol Resort.
"I know. I am very honored and proud. I have always enjoyed going to the AVA. And now for this special occasion, I'm going to enjoy it even more."
If you go
• What: Casino del Sol Resort opening weekend concerts.
• Where: Casino del Sol's AVA and resort ballroom, 5655 W. Valencia Road.
• Tickets: tickets.solcasinos.com
• Schedule:
7:30 p.m. Friday - Grand opening concert at AVA with Pepe Aguilar with Alejandra Guzman and Intocable, $50-$150.
10 p.m. Friday - Chicano- Tejano showcase in the resort ballroom featuring Tower of Power vocalist Lenny Williams and Malo artist Richard Bean with members of Tower of Power, Malo and Tierra, free.
8 p.m. Saturday - Tim McGraw at AVA, $50-$150; only lawn seats remain.
10 p.m. Saturday - Cheap Trick in the ballroom, free.
