By Hilary Olivares
Posted February 13, 2025
Messages from around the world can be expressed through various art forms, including paintings, drawings, music, and films.
But for Ervin Lucero, music is a powerful medium that reflects the perspectives of contemporary society. In a recent interview, the noted musician discussed the inspirations behind his impactful songs and motivation for pursuing a career in music.
Lucero didn’t always realize that his true passion was music. However, he soon understood the importance of pursuing something that allowed him to express himself. “I didn’t recognize that music was my passion until I was a junior in high school,” said Lucero. “I figured, oh my goodness, what am I going to do? I began asking myself questions like, ‘What do I enjoy doing? What do I do best?’”
Eventually, Lucero became the founder and owner of Starry Light Music Crossroads Records. Lucero, singer/songwriter and long-time bandleader of The Mood Express, was a 2014 inductee into the Colorado Chicano Music Hall of Fame.
The Denver native spoke about his experiences with music and shared his vision for both his past and current work.
While music is one of Lucero’s biggest passions, he has also been involved in theatrical productions. He played the role of “Sweet Ray” in the musical “Chicano Sings the Blues,” produced by Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center. Additionally, he participated in the 10th Annual Un Toque de Mexico Concert, which featured the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, and Lucero served as the guest soloist and Master of Ceremonies. At this event, one of the songs debuted was an original composition co-written by Lucero and his father, Raymond Lucero, titled “Bailarina de España.”
This song has become an integral part of many other music productions, leading to his latest project, “We the People.”
The 2024 release of the music video “We the People” has captivated audiences with its powerful message of unity, resilience, and the urgent need for political and social reform. The video aims to awaken viewers to the pressing issues facing modern society by combining heartfelt lyrics, stirring visuals, and poignant commentary. Given the divisive political landscape in the United States, where misinformation is rampant, its release comes at a particularly critical time.
Lucero stated, “We cannot just sit by and allow this to happen and do nothing. We cannot be complicit here.” This sentiment encapsulates the video’s overarching message: we, the people, must rise above political divides, challenge injustice, and reclaim the power of our collective voice.
We cannot just sit by and allow this to happen and do nothing. We cannot be complicit here.”
Ervin Lucero
The music video serves as both a rallying cry and a cautionary tale. Over the past decade, tensions in the U.S. have risen, making many feel increasingly disconnected from their political leaders.
Lucero shared that their work with the U.S. Census Bureau in New Mexico unveiled the struggles of everyday Americans—those living paycheck to paycheck without access to healthcare or savings. “I realized then, that we needed a reality check for our elected officials,” he says, emphasizing the importance of empathy and action to address these disparities.
He emphasized that Trump’s lack of regard for the truth and the media’s complicity have led to dangerous consequences, drawing parallels to historical authoritarian regimes. “This playbook has been written before,” he remarked. “People don’t realize that this has happened in the past, and it’s occurring again in America.”
What sets “We The People” apart is its messaging and execution. The video features numerous performers who contribute to both the visual and musical elements, blending graphics, live performances, and symbolic imagery. “We the People” features local music luminaries that include (in order of appearance on video): Jon Romero, Miguel Espinoza, Eric Thorne, Frank Ayala, Tom Capek, Hazel Miller, Michael Johnson, Jozer Guerrero and Cristine Barbosa, Bonnie Artim; and recording engineer Kevin Clock, Colorado Sound Studios; Jacob Montaño, Colorado Sound Studios; and producer Kevin Clark. Each artist involved was united in their mission to make a statement.
“Well, one thing I can tell you is that the three key people that really launched this were myself, Miguel an awesome guitar player, and Kevin, the engineer at Colorado Sound Studio. We absolutely were in sync. We said we cannot just sit by and allow this to happen and do nothing,” explained Lucero.
The collaboration was also inspired by a deep love for the working class and a belief in the power of collective action. The artists’ unity in the face of adversity mirrors the very essence of the song’s message: “It’s time to be proactive about how we must rise. We must insist. We must resist that no, we’re not going to put up with this, we insist that all people are going to be treated equally and fairly,” stated Lucero.
The video’s impact is profound, urging viewers to reflect on their roles within society and the political system. As Lucero puts it, “It’s better to refer to society as ‘Me the people’ right now. People only care about their own interests, but we need to get back to basics.”
The message is clear—it’s time to return to empathy, compassion, and a shared responsibility for each other’s well-being. Lucero goes on to say, “We cannot be complicit here. We cannot be silent…and if something is not right, we got to call it out.” As a collective of society, there needs to be conversations on what the next four years will look like and how that affects the world and people around us.
Lucero hopes the video will prompt individuals to reflect on their roles as active citizens, urging them to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in power. By shining a light on the injustices within the political system and highlighting the struggles of everyday people, the video serves as a call to action.
“Get them to rise up and understand that we are all connected, and we must do better.” And as Martin Luther King says at the end of the song, “Make this world, make America what it ought to be.”
The project is more than just a piece of art—it is a movement. As the video gains traction, Lucero also hopes it will inspire others to become more engaged, compassionate, and determined to make the world a better place for all.
For those interested in watching the video and joining the movement, it is available here. The message is loud and clear: now is the time for “We The People” to come together and make a stand.
Hilary Olivares is an Independent Reporter for The Weekly Issue/El Semanario.
