Aleks Syntek is the stage name of Mexican singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Raul Alejandro Escajadillo Pena, born September 29, 1969, in Merida, Yucatan. His work combines synth-pop, Latin pop, pop rock and electronic music, with a strong emphasis on melody, programmed rhythms and keyboard-based arrangements. Across a career spanning more than three decades, Syntek has remained one of the most recognizable figures in Mexican popular music.
He began performing as a child, appearing in television commercials and children's programs before becoming associated with the Televisa show "Chiquilladas." After leaving television, he moved toward music and worked in recording studios as an assistant and programmer. The nickname "Syntek" developed from "sin teclados," a humorous reference to his early habit of borrowing keyboards because he did not own one. The name eventually became his professional identity.
In 1989, he established Aleks Syntek y la Gente Normal, the group that first brought his songwriting and production style to a wider audience. The band's early albums included "Hey Tu!" and "Mas Fuerte de Lo Que Pensaba," followed by "Bienvenido a la Vida" and "Lugar Secreto." These records helped define Syntek's blend of romantic pop writing and electronic textures. Songs such as "Mas Fuerte de Lo Que Pensaba," "Mis Impulsos Sobre Ti," "La Fe de Antes" and "Lindas Criaturitas" became important entries in his early catalog. During this period, he also contributed as a composer, arranger and producer to recordings by other Latin pop artists.
Syntek's move into solo work was marked by "De Noche en la Ciudad" in 2001. He expanded his profile in the following years with "Mundo Lite," an album that leaned toward polished, internationally accessible pop. Its best-known song, "Duele el Amor," was recorded with Ana Torroja and became one of his signature hits. The album also included "Te Sone" and "A Veces Fui." Later releases explored different aspects of his musical personality: "Leccion de Vuelo" incorporated more orchestral and Latin influences, while "Metodos de Placer Instantaneo" included a collaboration with salsa musician Ruben Blades.
Syntek has frequently returned to electronic and new wave sounds. That direction was particularly prominent on "Syntek + Syntek," released after his move from EMI to Sony Music in 2012. Subsequent albums such as "Romantico Desliz," "Trasatlantico" and "Anatomia del Amor" continued his interest in romantic pop while allowing room for contemporary production and retro references.
His career also extends into film, television and dubbing. He composed and performed the main theme for the Mexican film "Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas," work that earned him an Ariel award for film music. He later contributed music to animated productions including "Robots," "Toy Story 3," "El Americano" and "Trolls," and supplied Spanish-language voices for characters in animated films. In television, he served as a coach on the Mexican edition of "La Voz," appearing alongside artists including Alejandro Sanz, Lucero and Espinoza Paz.
Through songwriting, production and performance, Aleks Syntek has built a career that links Mexico's electronic pop tradition with mainstream Latin music. His catalog is distinguished by its melodic writing, studio experimentation and continuing interest in the relationship between pop songs, cinema and visual entertainment.