They have established themselves as one of the most unique bands on the Mexican music scene of the 21st century. Jazz, funk, progressive rock, turntable scratching?
Troker is the sum of all of the above. And more. Founded in Guadalajara in 2004, the group is known for its experimental instrumental style, its blending of genres and traditions, and its workshop-like approach.
Troker is an experimental sound collective whose music we recently had the pleasure of experiencing at the 2026 Eurojazz Festival, held at the National Center for the Arts in Mexico City.
AW Magazine spoke with Samo González, the band’s bassist, who discussed the band’s history and their ongoing musical exploration.
Troker: A Unique Approach for the 21st Century
Mexican identity is the backbone that runs through Troker’s essence and history . They proudly embrace their roots in Guadalajara. Like tequila, they hail from Guadalajara, one of the country’s most beautiful and culturally significant cities.
The band was formed in 2004, when they played in bars and clubs in their hometown. In 2007, they released Jazz Vinil, the first album in a series of seven, still a work in progress. Their live performances revolve around the music and engaging the audience.
“When we first started out in Guadalajara, we played a weekly gig every Wednesday. We played at a tiny bar called Puerta 22. Week after week, the crowd grew—first 10 people, then 20, 50, 100. Eventually, 500.”
“It was a magical and pivotal moment for us. The city was embracing our style of instrumental music and improvisation—something different from what was typically heard on the radio or in mainstream circles. So we decided to take the next step: record our first album.”
From local venues to festivals
Troker went from performing on local stages in front of small audiences to playing at massive venues abroad. However, the focus and dedication were always on the audience, whether there were 10 people or thousands.
“Another iconic moment was when we decided to become an international band. Everyone told us we should play in other countries and at other festivals. So we gave it a try. We were invited to a music business networking event in Medellín called Circulart.
That’s where our first invitation to Glastonbury and many other festivals came from. We went on our first tours in Europe and the United States. We discovered that we could really shine at large festivals.
“Then came other major festivals: New York’s Winter Jazzfest and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. And before we’d become such a big hit, we did our Tiny Desk performance.”
On March 1, 2026, Troker performed at the Eurojazz Festival, a legendary music festival organized by the National Center for the Arts (CENART) and the Delegation of the European Union in Mexico. This marks the festival’s 29th edition.
“Two years ago, we celebrated our 20th anniversary. It was a wonderful party in Guadalajara; we felt so loved and pampered.”
Two decades of concerts and experimentation did not go unnoticed. To celebrate, Troker turned his attention to a complex Mexican musical tradition beloved by all.
Troker: Bringing in the Mariachi
When you think of Jalisco, you inevitably think of Mexican music, the heat, and mariachi. This musical genre, one of the most recognized and acclaimed in Mexico, was incorporated by Troker into their latest album, Tierra y Libertad. With this album, the band celebrated two decades of music.
However, studying this Mexican genre is not exactly easy. How can a band that blends jazz, funk, occasional hip-hop, and progressive rock incorporate something as distinctive as mariachi?
“We wanted to do something really special, to turn our own style on its head. We realized that, over the years, people had told us we sometimes sounded like a mariachi band. So we decided to go in that direction.”
It helped us a lot that Cristian García, our trumpet player, comes from a family of mariachis that has been playing for generations. He knows the history and style of the genre very well. We set out to do some in-depth research. We found that it is a living tradition that spans children, teenagers, seniors, and thousands of musicians in Guadalajara.
““So we studied and absorbed the harmonies, and set out to identify the timbres and instruments. We also made an effort to bring mariachi musicians into our world”— Troker
Above all, we wanted to create a genuine connection with the mariachi—to show that there was real work behind it. We didn’t want to just layer the music on top and call it a day.
The Heroes
Samo González is a truly unique bassist. His work goes beyond simply setting the rhythm and tone of the pieces; he creates harmonic lines and phrases with tremendous depth, eloquence, and richness. Without a doubt, he is one of the most talented bassists in the country.
If Samo could choose, which bassist would he play with?
“I’d rather just listen to him (laughs). But if I could bring Charles Mingus back to life and play with him—or just be with him—that would make me happy.”
Troker: What’s in store for 2026?
In recent days, Troker released a new single: “Paranormal.” The track is part of a full-length album that will be released in stages. The songs will be released one by one, with a two-month gap between each track. By the end of the year, fans will be able to enjoy a 10-track album.
Troker follows in the tradition of bands that function as creative workshops, from King Crimson and Camel to Jaguares. Troker is not just a band; it is an artistic project that redefines the boundaries of contemporary Mexican music. Their ability to fuse genres and constantly reinvent themselves establishes them as a leading force of the 21st century.
Discover other jazz bands in AW Magazine.
