One of the principal reasons the Tex-Mex industry continues to emerge and expand in the '90s is the recent influx of talented producers, songwriters, musicians and other professionals whose creative inspirations have helped keep the music fresh. These New Wave Tejanos are helping the music overlap its traditional polka-based rhythms to incorporate contemporary elements of rap, country and dance, and to relate familiar tales with a modern twist or off-the-beaten-track arrangement. Here's a glimpse at some of the fastest-rising talents and their accomplishments:

NEW BANDS

As Tejano continues its relentless resurgence, alert bands have seized sales opportunities and begun mixing rap rhythms and more dance-oriented beats into the music. La Mafia of Houston has made a concerted effort to appeal to not only the Mexican market, but also to mainstream Hispanics in America with their new emphasis on cumbias.

Their latest single "Como Me Duele Amor" is layered with synthesizer hooks punctuated by resonant drums, providing rhythms with a dance floor allure. Last year, their hit "Yo Quiero Ser," offered an uptempo polka with militaristic-sounding drums and used a cowbell to emphasize the beat. "A cowbell in a polka? It's weird but it works," says Ruben Cubillos of Sosa & Associates. "This shows you these guys are taking the music to...