Xavier Duron, known by his stage name Nino, is an independent artist from El Paso, Texas. Nino’s music reflects his unique journey, blending his Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage with his experiences in the military, where he faced near-death experiences while on deployment in Iraq. His authentic storytelling and raw emotion have quickly resonated with listeners across platforms, including Spotify and Instagram.
From El Paso to the World: Nino’s Independent Journey
As an independent artist, Nino has embraced the challenges of balancing his military career with his passion for music. Despite facing time constraints, he remained focused on his goal of creating music that is both meaningful and real. One of his breakthrough moments came with the release of his single, Reminisce-in, which has garnered 31K streams in its first month. Nino also shares daily freestyles on TikTok, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. His viral TikTok freestyles have garnered attention, particularly a clip in his military uniform that accumulated 85K views, where he rapped about his experiences assisting Border Patrol and DPS units during the Texas border crisis.
Nino’s collaboration with various producers has helped him develop a distinctive sound, deeply rooted in his life experiences. “Every freestyle and song I write is a part of my history,” he explains. His music, like Reminisce-in, is a reflection of his life’s journey, touching on deep memories and emotional moments that resonate with his listeners.
A Life Full of Inspiration and Struggles
Nino’s background as a Mexican and Puerto Rican artist who grew up in poverty, joined the military, and pursued a career in music, plays a major role in shaping his sound. Drawing inspiration from artists across genres—R&B, Reggaeton, Banda, and Rock—he infuses his own unique perspective into every track. His music serves as a bridge between his community and the larger world, showing that no matter where you come from, there is always an opportunity to reach for more.
His most recent project, Morena, was born out of a deeply personal experience that took place in downtown El Paso. The song delves into the complexity of human emotions, a recurring theme in his work, and Nino hopes it will resonate with audiences as much as his previous releases. He adds that his Latino community isn’t ready for the emotional depth that Morena brings, apologizing in advance for the potential “sad vibes” the song may evoke.
What’s Next for Independent Artist Nino?
Looking forward, Nino’s ambition is to continue growing as an independent artist. He has set his sights on big goals, including signing with Drake’s OVO Records. For now, Nino remains focused on expanding his reach, not just in the United States but also with his Latino community, working towards incorporating more Spanish in his music. He says, “Life can be extremely difficult and will put you through so many trials…but rest assured, as long as you make an effort, effort is a sign of your limitless strength.”
His story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of staying true to yourself. Be sure to follow Nino on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter and Apple Music to keep up with his latest releases and freestyles.
