Pete Astudillo, a name synonymous with Tejano music for nearly four decades, reflects on a career blessed with extraordinary moments. From humble beginnings working in migrant fields to sharing the stage with the iconic Selena as part of Selena Y Los Dinos, Pete Astudillo’s journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and gratitude.
Pete Astudillo acknowledges the profound impact of his experiences. “To this day, and I’m not lying, I thank God for all the blessings,” Pete Astudillo humbly states, emphasizing his gratitude. “I’ve been extremely blessed. I mean I’ve been given so much more than I could have ever asked for. Just to be a part of, as an opening band (for Selena y Los Dinos) would have been sufficient for me and then to be part of Los Dinos. And then, to co-write music with A.B. Quintanilla with her (Selena) with Ricky Vela.” Despite his significant contributions to Tejano music, Pete Astudillo remains grounded, appreciating every opportunity he has received.
Early Struggles and Joining Selena y Los Dinos
In an exclusive interview with Tejano Nation, Pete Astudillo recounts his early days as a musician, highlighting his collaboration with Joe Ojeda, who later became the keyboardist and arranger for Los Dinos. Pete Astudillo openly shares his initial challenges, including a memorable setback during his first attempt to record a duet with Selena on “Amame, Quiereme.” This vulnerability and openness are characteristic of Pete Astudillo’s personality, as is his consistent acknowledgment of those who supported him, especially Selena and A.B. Quintanilla, for their encouragement during his artistic development.
Reflecting on his time singing with Selena and learning alongside Los Dinos, Pete Astudillo describes it as an invaluable learning experience. “First of all, it was super intimidating to me because I had no experience before,” Pete Astudillo admits. “I mean I did what I did with Joe (Ojeda) and the Bad Boyz, but I had never been in a studio before. So, everything that I learned…Selena y Los Dinos was my college, my high school, my junior high, my everything, because it was like a crash course.” He recognized Selena’s exceptional professionalism even at a young age, noting, “Even though she was a lot younger than me, she had been doing it for so much longer, and her professionalism was amazing.”
Pete Astudillo and Selena performing together
The recording of “Amame, Quiereme” was a pivotal learning moment for Pete Astudillo. He recalls his initial overconfidence turning into disappointment: “I was so, so nervous. You know what? That’s not true. I was so confident at first. I was like, ‘I got this. I got this. Everybody move back. Pete Astudillo walking in the studio.’ The thing is I was really pumped. I was so excited I was going to sing a duet with her. And then, I failed horribly. I was out of tune. My timing was horrible. And then the more they would tell me, the more nervous I would get and the worse it would get.” Pete Astudillo’s candid recollection of this experience highlights his humility and growth mindset.
Selena’s Encouragement and On-Stage Chemistry
Pete Astudillo remembers feeling deeply discouraged after his initial recording failure. “I think I literally went into the bus and cried,” he shares. However, Selena’s supportive nature shone through as she encouraged him, saying, “You know you’re going to do great. You’ve just got to rehearse.” This encouragement was crucial for Pete Astudillo, who returned to the studio and successfully recorded the duet, which became a beloved hit for Selena y Los Dinos. “And then, I went back in, and I did my job,” Pete Astudillo states, underscoring his perseverance.
The chemistry between Pete Astudillo and Selena extended beyond the recording studio to the stage. Discussing their on-stage dancing, Pete Astudillo explains, “Of course, Selena was an incredible dancer, so we never really rehearsed. She would do something and then I kind of would look at her and I would kind of just join in. And A.B. would kind of do the same thing…So, I was just really reading what she was doing, and I would be following her, and then it got to a point to where we knew each other so well. The chemistry was there. It just became organic, I guess you would call it.” He humorously adds that Selena would lead, and he would simply follow, highlighting their natural connection and improvisational performance style.
Transition to Solo Career and “Como Te Extrano”
As Selena y Los Dinos reached the peak of their popularity, Selena’s father and Pete Astudillo’s manager, Abraham Quintanilla, recognized Pete Astudillo’s potential as a solo artist. Despite the portrayal in Hollywood adaptations, Pete Astudillo was hesitant to leave the group. “Truth be told, I was so happy there,” Pete Astudillo reveals about his time with Los Dinos. “I didn’t want to go anywhere. Things were going great. The shows were amazing.” Nevertheless, he trusted Abraham’s guidance and embarked on a solo career while maintaining close ties with Selena and the band.
The tragic loss of Selena deeply impacted Pete Astudillo, compounding his grief from his mother’s passing just a year prior. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Pete Astudillo, along with A.B. Quintanilla and Joe Ojeda, channeled their emotions into creating “Como Te Extrano,” a poignant tribute to both Selena and his mother. “So that was the idea, to write something for my mom, write something for Sel, but at the same time, write something for the audience. Something for the people so they could make their own,” Pete Astudillo explains about the song’s dual meaning and universal appeal.
“Como Te Extrano” became an anthem of love and loss, resonating deeply with listeners. Pete Astudillo shares that he frequently receives feedback from fans about how the song has helped them through their own experiences of grief. Performing the song live remains emotionally challenging for Pete Astudillo, requiring a specific mindset to navigate the performance without breaking down, a testament to the song’s personal significance and emotional weight.
New Music and “Esta Es Pa’ Mi Raza”
Pete Astudillo’s humble and honest approach extends to his recent return to music. His latest release, “Esta Es Pa’ Mi Raza,” is a corrido-style song that speaks to the struggles and sacrifices of Latinos and working-class individuals in pursuit of the American Dream. Initially intended as a personal tribute to his family, the song’s powerful message led Pete Astudillo to include it in his upcoming album.
“I know it’s not a Tejano song,” Pete Astudillo acknowledges, “I’m a Tejano, and that’s what people know me for, but this was supposed to be very personal. But, I’m hoping that the message, the message resonates with people. This is a song for the working man, the working woman, the working class. The people that work day after day searching for that American Dream.” This new direction showcases Pete Astudillo’s versatility and his commitment to creating music that is both personal and relatable.
Pete Astudillo is also working on a video for “Esta Es Pa’ Mi Raza” and has collaborated with Jennifer Pena on a new song, indicating an exciting new chapter in his career. While his new album will explore cumbias and conjunto influences, Pete Astudillo assures fans that it will remain rooted in the Tejano tradition that has defined his musical journey. Pete Astudillo continues to evolve as an artist while staying true to his Tejano roots, promising more compelling music for his devoted fanbase.
