Intocable’s Ricky Muñoz Reflects on the Band’s Influences and Famous Faces That Help the Group Stay Creative in the Studio

In the modest border community of Zapata, Texas, a young Ricky Muñoz received an accordion purchased using funds from the sale of his grandfather's cow—an instrument that would lay the foundation for an extraordinary musical journey. Tragically, his grandfather passed away before ever witnessing him perform on stage. Muñoz, who serves as both lead vocalist and founding member of Intocable, has steered the band through over thirty years of sold-out performances spanning both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The group has cultivated a reputation for fusing traditional norteño and tejano sounds with surprising melodic innovations, consistently prioritizing creative risk-taking over industry recognition. Their path from modest origins to worldwide acclaim reflects a guiding philosophy centered on artistic authenticity rather than commercial metrics. Music historians often cite Intocable as pivotal in bridging regional Mexican music with broader American audiences, a testament to their cross-cultural appeal.

As part of the Class of 2026, Intocable—a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning ensemble—will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony is set for July 16 at 11:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on walkoffame.com. Speaking from the band's home studio in Texas, Muñoz shared with Variety that the group has never crafted music with awards as their motivation. "Our philosophy remains unchanged," he stated. "We've never pursued projects thinking about potential accolades. Instead, we allow our inner child to pretend we're creating the kinds of records our musical heroes made." He described the Walk of Fame recognition as "the kind of legacy that endures for a lifetime." This honor places Intocable alongside legendary Latin music figures honored on Hollywood Boulevard, including Selena Quintanilla and Los Tigres del Norte. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, established in 1960, has become one of the entertainment industry's most prestigious landmarks, featuring over 2,700 stars recognizing achievements in film, television, music, and radio. Notably, Intocable's star will be among the first to honor a norteño band in the Walk's history, highlighting the genre's growing mainstream visibility.

The band's distinctive sound emerges from a compelling contrast: while deeply rooted in norteño and tejano traditions, their melodies frequently venture into unexpected territory shaped by mainstream pop and rock influences. "On an unconscious level, that comes from growing up in the U.S.," Muñoz explained. "The entire group was immersed in American culture. When we're crafting a song, we don't think of Los Tigres del Norte. We recall the Flock of Seagulls hooks that left such a strong impression on us as children." He described their creative process as beginning with just voices and guitars, searching for that "serotonin hit" within the music. A song might draw inspiration from Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69," but Muñoz emphasized that the final product "will sound nothing like it—it'll sound like us." This approach has enabled Intocable to carve a unique space within the música Mexicana landscape, appealing to fans of both traditional and contemporary sounds. Music critic Alejandro Martínez of Billboard Latino once described Intocable as "the band that proved norteño could evolve without losing its soul," a sentiment echoed by many in the industry who credit them with expanding the genre's boundaries.

A defining characteristic of Intocable's music is Muñoz's accordion playing, which frequently shifts tonalities and moods in unexpected ways. "My accordion playing is very basic," he admitted. "It's just a few notes, but the melodies are catchy." He recalled a specific example from the 2019 album "Percepción," where the song "Por Alguien Más" was written in the key of D, but he wanted to switch to E minor in the bridge. After consulting with the producer, he was encouraged to "just go for it," resulting in a seamless transition that elevated the track. "We never studied music formally, and there's a bit of ignorance that comes with that," Muñoz said. "With that ignorance, however, you also get the feeling that anything is possible." This fearless experimentation has become a hallmark of the band's style, distinguishing them from their contemporaries. Intocable's willingness to break musical conventions has earned them a devoted fanbase spanning generations, from grandparents who grew up with traditional norteño to younger listeners discovering the genre through the band's innovative lens. Their influence can be seen in the rise of newer bands like Grupo Firme, who cite Intocable as a key inspiration for blending regional sounds with modern production.

Looking ahead, Intocable is preparing to release a new album, following their acclaimed 2024 record "Modus Operandi." The upcoming project, produced once again by Don Was, was recorded in Texas and features legendary bassist Pino Palladino. Muñoz noted that while "Modus Operandi" emerged from a turbulent personal period, the new album sounds "more relaxed," thanks in part to extensive therapy. Don Was, who has collaborated with artists ranging from Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones, brought a wealth of experience to the sessions. "I told Pino that his early recordings marked my childhood," Muñoz recalled. "I just couldn't believe he was there working with us. We didn't give him any guidelines when he recorded the bass lines. We just wanted the Pino Palladino touch." The bassist, known for his work with artists like D'Angelo and The Who, brought a humble and collaborative spirit to the studio. As the band prepares for their Walk of Fame ceremony, they continue to demonstrate that true artistry lies in following one's instincts rather than chasing external validation. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that authenticity and creative courage can lead to lasting impact, even in an industry often driven by commercial pressures.