By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
What started as a song request during a South Padre Island performance has turned into a new musical milestone for local singer-songwriter Kelo McKane, whose latest single is reaching radio audiences beyond South Texas.
McKane released “The Promise” on Sept. 18, putting his own country and Southern rock spin on the 1988 hit by British band When in Rome. The song has since received airplay on KETR’s Notably Texan program in Commerce, Texas, and The Whip on Backland Radio in Illinois.
But the idea for the recording began a couple of years earlier, during one of McKane’s acoustic performances on the Island.
“A couple of years ago, I was performing in South Padre Island and someone requested ‘The Promise,’” McKane said. “We were doing the Acoustic Special, so I did my own twist on it acoustically.”
The audience’s reaction encouraged him to keep the song in his regular performances. Eventually, he began developing a studio arrangement that reflected his musical identity.
“I really enjoyed playing it, and I noticed that people really liked the song and responded to my version,” he said. “From then on, it became part of my shows.”
That version became part of what McKane calls “Cantina Blues,” his personal blend of Southern rock, blues, country and other musical influences.
McKane, whose real name is Rogelio Dávila, grew up in Reynosa, Mexico, and has built a following through regular performances on South Padre Island. His musical background includes rock, blues, country and Spanish-language influences, which have helped shape his evolving sound.
“I think my music has evolved because I’ve started embracing the styles I like the most,” McKane said.
“Southern rock and blues have always been a big part of what I love, and lately we’ve been adding more country songs to our repertoire.”
Rather than staying within a single genre, McKane has increasingly focused on combining the sounds he enjoys most.
“I started mixing all of that together, with that little spice that I always give the music, and I named it Cantina Blues,” he said. “It’s basically my own mix of those genres.”
The release of “The Promise” represents another step in that direction, particularly as the recording finds listeners outside the Rio Grande Valley.
“It really means a lot to me because I see this song as my entrance into this combination of markets — not only rock, but country and blues as well,” McKane said.
For McKane, South Padre Island has played an important role in developing both his stage presence and musical direction.
Unlike venues where performers regularly see the same audiences, the Island’s steady flow of visitors means McKane often performs for people hearing him for the first time.
“One of the biggest things about performing on South Padre Island is that I get a fresh crowd all the time,” he said. “On the Island, you’re constantly performing for new people.”
That experience has encouraged him to experiment with songs, connect with audiences and develop greater confidence as a performer.
“Having a fresh crowd at each show has kept me evolving,” McKane said. “It makes me pay attention to the audience, get them involved in the show and also feel free to have fun onstage.”
McKane is now preparing additional releases, including an English-language version of “La Vida Es Ruleta,” titled “Life Is a Gamble.” He is contributing to the English adaptation of the song, originally written by Alberto Kreimerman, Ahmed Medina and other collaborators.
He also has another original song and several covers in development, with plans to alternate between original material and reinterpretations throughout the coming year.
Locally, McKane continues to perform his Acoustic Special on Thursdays and full-band shows on Fridays at Margaritaville South Padre Island. He also performs at Hilton and La Copa properties.
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his performances to more festivals and larger stages outside the Island.
For now, the release of “The Promise” offers an example of how a song requested during a local performance can grow into something much bigger.
“Hearing that the music is reaching people and radio stations in other places tells me that this sound can travel,” McKane said.