Latin Grammys
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Antonio Banderas will receive the 2023 President’s Award from the Latin Recording Academy, it was announced Wednesday (Nov. 8.) The Spanish actor will be recognized during the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, which for the first time will be held outside the United States, in Seville, Spain. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See […]
The nominees for the 2023 Latin Grammys were announced on Tuesday (Sept. 19) with Mexican producer-songwriter Edgar Barrera as the most nominated person with a total of 13 nominations. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations. Argentine producer and DJ […]
Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees for the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year — this as co-writer of both “NASA” by Camilo & Alejandro Sanz and “un X100to” by Grupo Frontera with Bad Bunny. In addition, he has three nods each in the best tropical song and best regional Mexican song categories, and one for best pop song.
Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations. Argentine producer and DJ Bizarrap received six.
On Tuesday morning (Sept. 19), the Latin Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 24th annual Latin Grammys, which for the first time will take place outside the U.S., in Seville, Spain, on Nov. 16.
“After evaluating more than 19,000 entries, we are pleased to share the nominees for the 24th edition of the Latin Grammys,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. “This group of creators reflects musical excellence and the richness of Latin music, and I look forward to celebrating them during Latin Grammy Week in Sevilla which will be a truly historic moment for our organization.”
While new música Mexicana sensations such as Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera surprisingly did not make the cut in the best new artist category, two regional Mexican songs compete for the Latin Grammy for song of the year for the first time in history, the Latin Recording Academy confirmed to Billboard Español: “Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma, and “un X100to.”
Other big contenders this year: Pablo Alborán, Bad Bunny, Maria Becerra, Feid, Dave Cutch and Natalia Lafourcade, with five nominations each; and Santiago Alvarado, Paula Arenas, Juanes and Ovy on the Drums, with four each.
Check out the complete list of nominees for the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards below.
General Field
Record of the year
“No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Christina Aguilera
“Carretera y Manta,” Pablo Alborán
“Déjame Llorarte,” Paula Arenas Featuring Jesús Navarro
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Bizarrap Featuring Shakira
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra
“Mientras Me Curo Del Cora,” Karol G
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade
“Ojos Marrones,” Lasso
“La Fórmula,” Maluma & Marc Anthony
“Despechá,” Rosalía
“Correcaminos,” Alejandro Sanz Featuring Danny Ocean
Album of the year
La Cu4rta Hoja, Pablo Alborán
A Ciegas, Paula Arenas
De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo
Décimo Cuarto, Andrés Cepeda
Vida Cotidiana, Juanes
Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G
De Todas Las Flores, Natalia Lafourcade
Play, Ricky Martin
EADDA9223, Fito Paez
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, Carlos Vives
Song of the year
“Acróstico,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.U.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)
“Amigos,” Pablo Alborán & Maria Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán Featuring Maria Becerra)
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)
“Ella Baila Sola,” Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)
“NASA,” Edgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)
“Ojos Marrones,” Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Agustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz &
Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)
“TQG,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)
“un X100to,” Bad Bunny, Edgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andres Jael Correa Rios, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)
Best new artist
Borja
Conexión Divina
Ana Del Castillo
Natascha Falcão
Gale
Paola Guanche
Joaquina
Leon Leiden
Maréh
Timø
Field 1: Pop
Best pop vocal album
La Cu4arta Hoja, Pablo Alborán
Beautiful Humans Vol. 1, Alemor
De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo
La Neta, Pedro Capó
Tu Historia, Julieta Venegas
Best traditional pop vocal album
A Ciegas, Paula Arenas
Que Me Duela, Camilú
Corazón y Flecha, Manuel Carrasco
Décimo Cuarto, Andrés Cepeda
Placeres y Pecados, Vanesa Martín
Best pop song
“5:24,” Edgar Barrera & Camilo, songwriters (Camilo)
“Bailo Pa Ti,” Natalia Hernández Morales, Monsieur Periné, Santiago Prieto Sarabia, Julio Reyes Copello & Mitchie Rivera, songwriters (Monsieur Periné)
“Contigo,” Pablo Alborán, Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres & Sebastián Yatra, songwriters (Sebastián Yatra Featuring Pablo Alborán)
“Déjame Llorarte,” Paula Arenas & Manuel Ramos, songwriters (Paula Arenas & Jesús Navarro)
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno & Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)
Field 2: Urban
Best urban/fusion performance
“La Jumpa,” Arcángel Featuring Bad Bunny
“Ojalá,” Maria Becerra
“Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” Bizarrap Featuring Quevedo
“TQG,” Karol G Featuring Shakira
“Yandel 150,” Yandel & Feid
Best reggaeton performance
“Automático,” Maria Becerra
“La Receta,” Tego Calderón
“Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo,” Feid
“Gatúbela,” Karol G Featuring Maldy
“Hey Mor,” Ozuna & Feid
Best urban music album
Xtassy, Akapellah
Saturno, Rauw Alejandro
3Men2 Kbrn, Eladio Carrión
Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo Te Pirateamos El Álbum, Feid
Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G
Alma, Nicki Nicole
Best rap/hip hop song
“Autodidacta,” Mauro De Tommaso & Nohelys Jimenez, songwriters (J Noa)
“Coco Chanel,” Bad Bunny & Eladio Carrión, songwriters (Eladio Carrión Featuring Bad Bunny)
“Dispara ***,” Santiago Alvarado, Milo J, Nicki Nicole & Santiago Ruiz, songwriters (Nicki Nicole Featuring Milo J)
“Le Pido A Dios,” Martin Chris E, Feid & Esteban Higuita Estrada, songwriters (Feid Featuring Dj Premier)
“Pá Ganá,” Akapellah, songwriter (Akapellah)
“Pregúntale A Tu Papá Por Mí,” Vico C, songwriter (Vico C)
Best urban song
“Automático,” Maria Becerra, songwriter (Maria Becerra)
“La Jumpa,” Bad Bunny & Austin Santos, songwriters (Arcángel Featuring Bad Bunny)
“Mi Mejor Canción,” Nelson Onell Diaz, Farruko, Gocho, Franklin Jovani Martinez & Eric Perez Rovira, songwriters (Gocho Featuring Farruko)
“Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap & Quevedo, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Quevedo)
“TQG,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)
“Yandel 150,” Jowan, Andrés David Restrepo, Joan Manuel Ubinas Jiménez & Yandel, songwriters (Yandel & Feid)
Field 3: Rock
Best rock album
Íntimo Extremo – 30 Años, A.N.I.M.A.L
Cowboys De La A3, Arde Bogotá
De La Tierra III, De La Tierra
Dopelganga, Eruca Sativa
Sólo D’ Lira, Molotov
Best rock song
“Depredadores,” Andrés Giménez & Andreas Kisser, songwriters (De La Tierra)
“El Piso Es Lava,” Todo Aparenta Normal, songwriter (Todo Aparenta Normal Featuring An Espil & Evlay)
“Gris,” Juanes, songwriter (Juanes)
“Leche De Tigre,” Juan Galeano, songwriter (Diamante Eléctrico Featuring Adrián Quesada)
“Los Perros,” Arde Bogotá, songwriters (Arde Bogotá)
Best pop/rock album
El Diablo En El Cuerpo, Alex Anwandter
Trinchera Avanzada, Babasónicos
El Hombrecito Del Mar, León Gieco
Vida Cotidiana, Juanes
Tripolar, Usted Señalemelo
Despídeme De Todxs, Juan Pablo Vega
Best pop/rock song
“Alaska,” Bunbury, songwriter (Bunbury)
“Amantes,” León Larregui, songwriter (León Larregui)
“Caminar Sola,” Alex Anwandter & Julieta Venegas, songwriters (Julieta Venegas)
“¿Dónde Se Llora Cuando Se Llora?,” Francisca Valenzuela & Francisco Victoria, songwriters (Francisca Valenzuela)
“Ojos Marrones,” Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Agustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)
“Señorita Revolución,” Bruses & Ali Stone, songwriters (Bruses)
Field 4: Alternative
Best alternative music album
Martínez, Cabra
Nacarile, iLe
Bolero Apocalíptico, Monsieur Periné
Mesa Dulce, Dante Spinetta
Reputa, Zahara
Best alternative song
“Aleros/Pompeii,” Sebastian Ayala, Daniel Briceño, Henry D ́Arthenay, Rodolfo Pagliuca & Hector Tosta, songwriters (La Vida Boheme)
“ANASTASIA,” Cami & Jonathan Julca, songwriters (Cami)
“Cicatriz Radiante,” El David Aguilar, songwriter (El David Aguilar)
“El Lado Oscuro Del Corazón,” Dante Spinetta, songwriter (Dante Spinetta)
“Traguito,” Ismael Cancel, iLe & Mon Laferte, songwriters (iLe & Mon Laferte)
Field 5: Tropical
Best salsa album
Catarsis, Daniela Darcourt
Voy A Ti, Luis Figueroa
Cambios, Willy García
Niche Sinfónico, Grupo Niche y Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia
Tierra y Libertad, Plena79 Salsa Orchestra Featuring Alain Pérez y Jeremy Bosch
Debut y Segunda Tanda (Deluxe), Gilberto Santa Rosa
Best cumbia/vallenato album
Leandro Díaz Special Edition, Silvestre Dangond
El Favor De Dios, Ana Del Castillo
Cumbia Del Corazón, Los Ángeles Azules
Hombre Absurdo, Gregorio Uribe
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, Carlos Vives
Best merengue/bachata album
Cuatro26, Manny Cruz
Road Trip, Manny Manuel
Trópico, Vol. 2, Pavel Núñez
Fórmula, Vol. 3, Romeo Santos
A Mi Manera, Sergio Vargas
Best traditional tropical album
Tierra, Songs By Cuban Women, Estrella Acosta
Y Sigo Pa’lante, El Septeto Santiaguero
Tour Sinfónico En Vivo Auditorio Nacional, La Sonora Santanera
Danzoneando (En Vivo Desde Matanzas), Orquesta Failde
Vida, Omara Portuondo
En Tiempo De Son… Homenaje A Las Canciones De: Jorge Luis Piloto, Septeto Acarey De Reynier Pérez
Best contemporary tropical album
Contigo, Mike Bahía
5:10 am, Luis Fernando Borjas
Intruso, Silvestre Dangond
24/7, Gusi
Otro Color, Ilegales
Best tropical song
“Ambulancia,” Édgar Barrera, Camila Cabello, Camilo & Juan Morelli, songwriters (Camilo & Camila Cabello)
“Día De Luz [80 Aniversario],” Pablo Milanés, songwriter (Pablo Milanés Featuring Juanes)
“El Merengue,” Edgar Barrera, Nico Cotton, Gale, Marshmello, Miguel Andres Martinez Perea, Juan Diego Medina Vélez, Julián Turizo Zapata & Manuel Turizo, songwriters (Marshmello & Manuel Turizo)
“La Fórmula,” Marc Anthony, Edgar Barrera, René David Cano Ríos, Sergio George, Kevin Mauricio Jiménez Londoño, Bryan Snaider Lezcano Chaverra, Maluma & Justin Rafael Quiles, songwriters (Maluma & Marc Anthony)
“Que Me Quedes Tú,” Techy Fatule, songwriter (Techy Fatule)
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)
Field 6: Singer-Songwriter
Best singer-songwriter album
Nueve, Santiago Cruz
Los Mejores Años, Joaquina
De Todas Las Flores, Natalia Lafourcade
Tierra De Promesas, Maréh
El Equilibrista, Juan Carlos Pérez Soto
Best singer-songwriter song
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)
“La Raíz,” Valeria Castro, songwriter (Valeria Castro)
“1.200 Kilómetros,” Santiago Cruz, songwriter (Santiago Cruz)
“Si Me Matan,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)
“Tu Historia, La Mía y La Verdad,” Juan Carlos Pérez Soto, songwriter (Juan Carlos Pérez Soto)
Field 7: Regional-Mexican
Best ranchero/mariachi album
Se Canta Con El Corazón (Deluxe), Majo Aguilar
Bordado A Mano, Ana Bárbara
Sólo Muere Si Se Olvida, Adriel Favela
Herederos, Mariachi Herencia De México
Forajido EP2, Christian Nodal
Best banda album
De Hoy En Adelante, Que Te Vaya Bien, Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
Hecho En México… Mágico, Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga
Punto y Aparte, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Una Copa Por Cada Reina (Deluxe), Nathan Galante
1500 Pedas, La Adictiva
Prefiero Estar Contigo (Deluxe), La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De René Camacho
Best Tejano album
Sin Fin, Gary Hobbs
El Patrón, Jay Perez
Súper Héroes De Blanco, Proyecto Insomnio
Para Empezar A Amar, Juan Treviño
Ganas, Vilax
Best Norteño album
Aclarando La Mente, Joss Favela
Family & Friends, La Abuela Irma Silva
Fuera De Serie, La Energía Norteña
Colmillo De Leche, Carin León
Hay Niveles (Deluxe), Los Rieleros Del Norte
Best regional song
“Aclarando La Mente,” Joss Favela, songwriter (Joss Favela)
“Alaska,” Edgar Barrera & Camilo, songwriters (Camilo & Grupo Firme)
“Ella Baila Sola,” Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma)
“La Siguiente,” Edgar Barrera, Kany García, Richi López & Christian Nodal, songwriters (Kany García Featuring Christian Nodal)
“un X100to,” Bad Bunny, Edgar Barrera, Andrés Jael Correa Rios & Mag, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)
Field 8: Instrumental
Best instrumental album
Tres, Renesito Avich
Choro Negro, Cristovão Bastos e Mauro Senise
Brooklyn-Cumaná, Jorge Glem y Sam Reider
The Chick Corea Symphony Tribute. Ritmo, Adda Simfònica, Josep Vicent & Emilio Solla
Made In Miami, Camilo Valencia & Richard Bravo
Romance Al Campesino Porteño, Miguel Zenón, José A. Zayas Cabán, Ryan Smith & Casey Rafn
Field 9: Traditional
Best folk album
Epifanías, Susana Baca
Aguajes De Mar y Manglar, Cantares Del Pacífico
Camino Al Sol, Vicente García
Mamá Cumbé, Tato Marenco
El Trébol Agorero, Homenaje A Luis Antonio Calvo, Quinteto Leopoldo Federico
Ayvu, Tierra Adentro
Best tango album
Retrato Del Aire, Pablo Jaurena
Operation Tango, Quinteto Astor Piazzolla
Reencuentro, Susana Rinaldi & Osvaldo Piro
Ahora, Romo – Agri – Messiez Tango Trio
Argentinxs, Tanghetto
Best flamenco album
Pura Sangre, Israel Fernández
Por La Tangente, Diego Guerrero
Quejíos De Un Maleante, Omar Montes
Camino, Niña Pastori
Prohibido El Toque, Juanfe Pérez
Field 10: Jazz
Best Latin jazz/jazz Album
Unánime, Roxana Amed
Flying Chicken, Hamilton De Holanda Featuring Thiago Rabello & Salomão Soares
Bembé, Iván “Melon” Lewis & The Cuban Swing Express
Semblanzas, William Maestre Big Band
I Missed You Too!, Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera (with Reunion Sextet)
Field 11: Christian
Best Christian album (Spanish language)
Fuego & Poder (Live), Barak
Vida, Alex Campos
El Vallenato Se Hizo En El Cielo, Gilberto Daza & Sergio Luis Rodríguez
Hazme Caminar, Jesús Israel
El Cielo Aún Espera, Jesús Adrian Romero
Lo Que Vemos, Marcos Vidal
Best Portuguese language Christian album
30 Anos – Vol 1, Aline Barros
Novo Tempo, Casa Worship
Único, Fernandinho
Preto No Branco Vertical, Preto No Branco
Nós, Eli Soares
Field 12: Portugese language
Best Portuguese language contemporary pop album
Bryan Behr Ao Vivo Em São Paulo, Bryan Behr
Em Nome da Estrela, Xênia França
Hodari, Hodari
Quintal, Melim
As Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2, Rubel
Best Portuguese language rock or alternative album
Não Me Espere Na Estação, Lô Borges
Jardineiros, Planet Hemp
Meu Esquema, Rachel Reis
Habilidades Extraordinárias, Tulipa Ruiz
Olho Furta-Cor, Titás
Best Portuguese language urban performance
“Da Favela Pro Asfalto,” Àttøøxxá & Carlinhos Brown
“Aviso De Amigo,” GIULIA BE
“Fé,” Iza
“Distopia,” Planet Hemp Featuring Criolo
“Good Vibe,” Filipe Ret, Dallass, Caio Luccas
Best Samba/Pagode album
Negra Ópera, Martinho Da Vila
Resenha Do Mumu, Mumuzinho
Desse Jeito, Maria Rita
Sambasá, Roberta Sá
Meu Nome É Thiago André (Ao Vivo), Thiaguinho
Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) album
Mil Coisas Invisíveis, Tim Bernardes
Vem Doce, Vanessa da Mata
D, Djavan
Serotonina, João Donato
Daramô, Tiago Iorc
Best Sertaneja music album
Ao Vivo no Radio City Music Hall Nova Iorque, Chitãozinho & Xororó
Daniel 40 Anos Celebra João Paulo & Daniel, Daniel
É Simples Assim (Ao Vivo), Jorge & Mateus
Decretos Reais, Marília Mendonça
Raiz, Lauana Prado
Best Portuguese language roots album
TecnoShow, Gaby Amarantos
Portuguesa, Carminho
Raiz, João Gomes
Elba Ramalho No Maior São João Do Mundo, Elba Ramalho
Do Amanha Nada Sei, Almir Sater
Erva Doce, Gabriel Sater
Best Portuguese language song
“Algoritmo Íntimo,” Arnaldo Antunes, Criolo, Gabrieu, Keviin & Marcia Xavier, songwriters (Criolo, Ney Matogrosso)
“Do Acaso,” Ronaldo Bastos & Chico César, songwriters (Alice Caymmi Featuring Chico César)
“Num Mundo De Paz,” Djavan, songwriter (Djavan)
“Que Tal um Samba?”, Chico Buarque, songwriter (Chico Buarque Featuring Hamilton de Holanda)
“Tudo O Que A Fé Pode Tocar,” Tiago Iorc & Duda Rodrigues, songwriters (Tiago Iorc)
Field 13: Children’s
Best Latin children’s album
Aventuras, Flor Bromley
Vamos Al Zoo, Danilo & Chapis
Cantando Juntos, Gaby Moreno & Zona Neon
Colcha De Retazos, María Mulata
¿Y Si Pido Que Me Cuentes?, Veleta Roja
Field 14: Classical
Best classical album
Afro-Cuban Dances, Kristhyan Benitez; Jon Feidner, album producer
Albéniz & Granados Piano Works, Luis López; Luis López, conductor; Fernando Ortí Salvador, album producer
Cantata Negra, Marvin Camacho & UCR Coral; Didier Mora, conductor; Marvin Camacho Villegas & Jorge Castro Ruiz, album producers
Estirpe, Pacho Flores; Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor; Ingo Petry, album producer (Orquesta Sinfónica De Minería)
Huáscar Barradas Four Elements Immersive Symphony For Orchestra And Chorus, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra; Ollantay Velasquez, conductor; Huascar Barradas, Maria Cardemas, Eugenio Carreño & Eduardo Martinez Planas, album producers
Best classical contemporary composition
“Aroma A Distancia (Live from Paliesius, Lithuania),” Gonzalo Grau, composer (Brooklyn Rider)
“Concerto Venezolano,” Paquito D’Rivera, composer (Pacho Flores Featuring Paquito D’Rivera)
“Double Concerto for Clarinet and Bandoneon, III. Aboriginal,” JP Jofre, composer (JP Jofre and Seunghee Lee)
“Lucha Libre!,” Juan Pablo Contreras, composer (Juan Pablo Contreras)
“Suite de los Buenos Aires para Piano y Flauta,” Claudia Montero, composer (Natalia González Figueroa and Tanja Esther Von Arx)
Field 15: Arranging
Best arrangement
“Waltz Of The Flowers,” Joe McCarthy & Vince Norman, arrangers (Joe McCarthy’s New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band)
“Com Que Voz,” John Beasley & Maria Mendes, arrangers (Maria Mendes Featuring Metropole Orkest & John Beasley)
“Songo Bop,” Rafael Valencia, arranger (Camilo Valencia, Richard Bravo Featuring Milton Salcedo)
“Crónicas Latinoamericanas,” Daniel Freiberg, arranger (Varios Artistas)
“Spain,” Emilio Solla, arranger (Varios Artistas)
Field 16: Recording Package
Best recording package
Atipanakuy (Deluxe), Gustavo Ramirez, art director (Kayfex)
Hotel Miranda!, Alejandro Ros, art director (Miranda!)
Nocturna, Alejandro Ros, art director (Javiera Mena)
Placeres y Pecados, Pedro Chico, art director (Vanesa Martín)
Trinchera Avanzada, Alejandro Ros, art director (Babasónicos)
Field 17: Songwriter
Songwriter of the year
Edgar Barrera
Kevyn Mauricio Cruz
Felipe González Abad
Manuel Lorente Freire
Horacio Palencia
Elena Rose
Field 18: Production
Best engineered album
Canto A La Imaginación, Érico Moreira, engineer; Érico Moreira, mixer; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Marina Tuset)
Daramô, Bruno Giorgi, mixer; Randy Merril, mastering engineer (Tiago Iorc)
Depois Do Fim, Túlio Airold, Victor Amaral & Pedro Peixoto, engineers; João Milliet & Pedro Peixoto, mixers; Fili Filizzola, mastering engineer (Lagum)
Octet And Originals, Roger Freret, engineer; Marcelo Saboia, mixer; Andre Dias, mastering engineer (Antonio Adolfo)
Quietude, Rodrigo de Castro Lopes, engineer; Pete Karam, mixer; Paul Blakemore, mastering engineer (Eliane Elias)
Solar, Thiago Baggio, engineer; Thiago Monteiro, mixer; Thiago Monteiro, mastering engineer (Vanessa Moreno)
Producer of the year
Edgar Barrera
Bizarrap
Eduardo Cabra
Nico Cotton
Julio Reyes Copello
Marcos Sánchez
Field 19: Music Video
Best short form music video
“Podcast/Pedra Memória”, Kayode; Gabriel Avelar & Beto Galloni, video directors; Hugo Castelo Branco, Bruna Fernandes, André Cozman Ganut, Kozmos, Paladino, Regis Ramos & Yalla Rec, video producers
“Fixação”, Luthuly Featuring Nave; Pedro Fiorillo & Jesus Mendes, video directors; Alcino Algarrao, Alcino Araujo, Ricardo Estevam, Paulo Miguez & Pamela Taby, video producers
“Estás Buenísimo”, Nathy Peluso; Félix Bollaín & Rogelio González, video directors; María Rubio, video producer
“No Quiero Ser Un Cantante”, Sen Senra; Torso, video director; Cap Dept, video producer
“Descartable”, Wos; Tomas Curland & Rafael Nir, video directors; Mariano Jaureguiberry, Abril Neistadt, Rafael Nir & Diego Ríos, video producers
Best long form music video
Camilo: El Primer Tour De Mi Vida, Camilo; Camilo & Camilo Ríos, video directors; Mauricio Ríos, video producer
Donde Machi – Album Completo, Dawer X Damper; Ivan Vernaza, video director; Alejandro Velasco Ochoa, video producer
Fanm Zetwal, Una Historia De Vida Y Milagros, Fanm Zetwal; Claudia Hernández Romero, video director; Francisco Núñez, video producer
Universo K23, Kenia Os; Flakka, video director; Compostela Films & Art, video producer
Patria Y Vida: The Power Of Music, Varios Artistas; Beatriz Luengo, video director; Michael Fux, Beatriz Luengo, Gloria Rubin & Yotuel, video producers
So strong and deep is the tradition of the cantautor, or singer-songwriter, in Latin music that the Latin Recording Academy is carving out more space for such multifaceted artists. This year, it debuts its best songwriter of the year category as part of the also newly created songwriting field. As with the mainstream Grammy Awards, the category recognizes songwriters credited as writers or co-writers on at least six tracks where they are not the performer, producer or engineer.
In addition, another new category, best singer-songwriter song, will fall under the singer-songwriter field (which has existed since the inception of the Latin Grammy Awards almost 25 years ago and has included the best singer-songwriter album award). To be eligible for this new award, at least 51% of the lyrics on singles or tracks must be in Spanish, Portuguese or any native regional dialect and must be from a singer-songwriter album competing in the best singer-songwriter album category that year. Below are six songwriters who stand a good chance of landing in one — or both — of the newly unveiled categories.
Elena Rose
As fans wait for Elena Rose to drop her long-awaited debut album, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter has kept busy with a string of singles recorded under her own name, plus a plethora of hits in the pop and urban realms. As one of the first women to actively collaborate with reggaetón stars, Elena Rose has opened the door for a new generation of women songwriters — making her a prime pick for the first class of best songwriter of the year nominees. The prolific collaborator has co-written massive hits like Karol G and Becky G’s “MAMIII,” Bad Bunny’s “Party” and, this year, TINI and Maria Becerra’s “Miénteme.”
Edgar Barrera
Perhaps the most versatile songwriter in Latin music today, Barrera has spent over 100 weeks on Billboard’s Latin Songwriters chart, second only to Bad Bunny, thanks to credits on cross-genre hits. In the past 12 months alone, the 32-year-old has worked with regional Mexican act Grupo Frontera on all of its hits, including blockbusters like “un x100to” with Bad Bunny and “Frágil” with Yahritza y Su Esencia. He also boasts credits on Manuel Turizo’s global smashes “La Bachata” and “El Merengue,” as well as multiple singles performed by longtime collaborators Maluma and Christian Nodal, among others, making him a shoo-in for the best songwriter of the year category.
Edén Muñoz
The former frontman of norteño group Calibre 50 has emerged as a successful solo artist and a sought-after songwriter for artists like Pepe Aguilar and Christian Nodal, among others. In June, the SESAC Latina Awards honored Muñoz as regional Mexican songwriter of the year for the fourth consecutive year thanks to a long string of hits. At this year’s Latin Grammys, Muñoz may be a contender in the best singer-songwriter album and song categories with his first solo studio album, Consejos Gratis (for which he wrote 13 out of its 14 tracks), boasting clever lyrics full of wordplay with uptempo fare and romantic ballads.
Gale
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter got her start writing for other artists while she honed her solo chops. Now, in the wake of the release of her debut album, Lo Que No Te Dije, Gale could be nominated in all three songwriting fields. Her personal strain of alt-rock and pop was highlighted throughout her album and best heard on the uptempo, rock-leaning “Problemas” (making her a likely nominee in the best singer-songwriter album and song categories). She could also be a contender in the best songwriter category thanks to co-writes for the likes of Manuel Turizo and Marshmello (“El Merengue”), Juanes (“Ojalá”) and Aitana, Emilia and Ptazeta (“Quieres”).
Juanes
The Colombian veteran arguably reshaped the singer-songwriting mold when he burst on the scene with his 2000 debut album, Fíjate Bien. In 2023, he’s still innovating, albeit in a more collaborative fashion. On his new album, Vida Cotidiana, Juanes brings in many co-writers, including Tomás Torres and Alexis Díaz-Pimienta. But the album’s standout song, “Gris,” a revealing look into his longtime marriage, is his alone. A Latin Grammy favorite, Juanes is a contender for the best singer-songwriter album and song categories.
Keityn
The Colombian songwriter-producer was ASCAP’s 2023 songwriter of the year — a perfect setup for his inclusion in the inaugural group of best songwriter nominees. A favorite co-writer for two of the biggest Colombian stars of the moment — Shakira and Karol G — he worked alongside Bizarrap and Shakira on the surprise smash “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” which spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart earlier this year. Keityn also has songwriting credits on Shakira and Karol G’s “TQG,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100. It’s no small feat for a 26-year-old — nor is regularly writing hits for Manuel Turizo, J Balvin and Maluma (including the global smash “Hawái”).
This story will appear in the July 15, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Regional Mexican music — an umbrella term given to the broad range of subgenres with folk roots that include banda, mariachi, norteño and corridos — has long been absent from the main categories of the Latin Grammy Awards. Though regional Mexican has its own field with five categories, a living regional Mexican artist hasn’t taken home the trophy for album, record or song of the year in the 23-year history of the Latin Grammys. (Juan Gabriel won posthumously in 2016 for Los Dúo, Vol. 2.)
The absence reflects an unspoken stigma: Regional Mexican is considered unsophisticated music for the masses and, therefore, unworthy of a win in the Big Four categories. Only one act associated with the genre — Monterrey, Mexico, DJ collective 3BallMTY — has won a Big Four award (best new artist), and that was over a decade ago in 2012.
But now, with a 42.1% increase in consumption of regional Mexican music year over year, according to Luminate, the genre’s crossover may be impossible to ignore. The growth started in May 2021, when Gera MX and Christian Nodal’s collaboration “Botella Tras Botella” became the first regional Mexican song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 in its 63-year history. Two years later, regional Mexican is the dominant Latin genre on the Hot 100: For the week ending June 25, 13 of the 17 Spanish-language tracks on the chart fell under the regional Mexican umbrella as acts like Grupo Firme and Fuerza Regida sell out arena tours alongside veterans like Pepe Aguilar. Also in June, Génesis, the new album from ascendant superstar Peso Pluma, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
“Regional Mexican is no longer seen as the ugly duckling,” says Maria Inés Sánchez, head of marketing at AfinArte Records and a vocal advocate of the genre, on its potential presence at the Latin Grammys. “This will definitely be the year — and it’s just the beginning.”
Following are 10 regional Mexican acts that have a chance at a main-category nomination.
Yahritza y Su Esencia
The Washington state family band is fronted by Yahritza, whose glorious voice floats over the guitars of her brothers Mando and Jairo. Nominated last year for best new artist, the trio stands a chance in the song and record of the year categories this year, with a new Columbia Records deal and a poignant single, “Frágil,” featuring Grupo Frontera.
Carín León
León’s velvety voice, melodic approach and outside-the-box collaborations with C. Tangana and Matisse make him better known in pop and alternative than other regional Mexican acts. His new album, Colmillo de Leche, arrived in May just ahead of the eligibility cutoff, making him a top candidate for an album of the year nod.
Eslabon Armado
Last year, the Mexican American group known for its romantic sierreños was shut out of the Latin Grammys, even though the band’s 2022 album, Nostalgia, became the first top 10 regional Mexican title ever on the Billboard 200. This year, the act returned with a vengeance: Its runaway smash, “Ella Baila Sola” with Peso Pluma (a No. 4 hit on the Hot 100), should be a contender for both song and record of the year.
Edén Muñoz
The former Calibre 50 frontman has emerged as a formidable solo artist who collected his fourth consecutive SESAC Latina songwriter of the year award in June and is also making waves as a producer. (Credits include Ángela Aguilar’s “Qué Agonía.”) His first solo album, Consejos Gratis, arrived in October and could be a contender.
Grupo Frontera
The sextet from the border town of McAllen, Texas, got its start late last year covering pop songs to its Mexican cumbia beat, but with the help of a mentor in songwriter-producer Edgar Barrera, the band has quickly evolved. Hit singles with Bad Bunny (“un x100to”) and Carín León (“Que Vuelvas”) should give the act a shot at both song and record of the year, as well as best new artist.
Ángela Aguilar
The 19-year-old daughter of ranchera icon Pepe Aguilar lost best new artist to Karol G in 2018, but that hasn’t stopped her from bringing traditional Mexican music to the masses. In the five years since, she has become a fixture of the Latin Grammys telecast, while also touring alongside her famous father and releasing major collaborations with artists like Steve Aoki and Fito Páez. “Qué Agonía,” her successful duet with Yuridia, could get a nod for song or record of the year.
Fuerza Regida
The quintet from San Bernardino, Calif., is known for bold music that straddles Mexican and U.S. sensibilities, mixing tuba and guitars with delicious crunch. Although the act’s in-your-face sound and cheeky lyrics may not suit all voters, Fuerza Regida has a finger on the pulse of the streets — don’t discount the group for album of the year with its back-to-back releases Pa Que Hablen and Sigan Hablando.
Peso Pluma
The 24-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, is the genre’s current golden boy, debuting just one year ago and already charting 11 tracks on the Hot 100 and 20 on Hot Latin Songs. A disruptor who collaborates both within and outside the genre, Peso Pluma could take home best new artist.
Natanael Cano
Since bursting onto the scene three years ago, the 22-year-old has been considered by many to be the originator of the current corridos tumbao movement — and yet he has not received a single Latin Grammy nod. While his new album, Nata Montana, released in June, didn’t make the deadline, a trio of singles on the Hot 100 do: “PRC” (with Peso Pluma) and “Pacas de Billetes” and “AMG” (with Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros).
Christian Nodal
Widely seen as a successor to the grand ranchera tradition of Alejandro and Vicente Fernández, Nodal may be the most versatile regional Mexican singer today. Although he has already won Latin Grammys in the regional Mexican field, newfound awareness (including a single with Romeo Santos, “Me Extraño”) may boost his chances at main category nods.
This story will appear in the July 15, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Laura Pausini has been named the Latin Recording Academy’s 2023 Person of the Year.
The Italian pop legend, one of the most celebrated performers in Latin music for the last 30 years, “will be honored for her career as a multifaceted, multi-lingual performer as well as for her continued commitment to supporting social justice causes that are close to her heart, including equality for women and LGBTQ+ people and world hunger,” according to an official statement released Wednesday (May 31) morning.
“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”
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Born in Faenza, Italy, Pausini started her music career at age 19, rising to fame in 1993 after winning the 43rd Sanremo Music Festival. Her records have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide, she has done nine world tours and landed three songs in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart: “Las Cosas Que Vives,” “Víveme” and “Como Si No Nos Hubiéramos Amado” — all of them Spanish versions of songs she originally recorded in Italian.
“I am extremely honored to receive this incredible recognition from The Latin Recording Academy. To be named Person of the Year at this moment, when I am celebrating 30 years of my career, is something that I still cannot describe,” Pausini said in a statement. “The Spanish language has opened doors for me from a young age, it has made me feel at home, it has inspired me to move forward and to explore and live music without barriers or limits. To say today that I will receive this important recognition fills me with great pride, joy, strength to continue taking strong steps and to inspire the new generation of artists who lift the music they carry in their hearts on high.”
A Latin Grammy and Grammy winner, Pausini also shares a Golden Globe Award with Diane Warren for best original song, for “Io sì (Seen)” from the movie The Life Ahead, which was also nominated to an Oscar. Beyond music, she has been honored with the Starlite Humanitarian Award, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award, and was named Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, among other recognitions.
Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert, where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of her renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be celebrated in November during the 2023 Latin Grammy week in Sevilla, Spain, will be announced at a later date.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees include Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
It’s official. The Latin Grammys are moving this year to Seville, Spain for its 24th edition, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones.
It will be the first time the ceremony is held outside the United States, but not the last: The Latin Recording Academy also announced on Thursday (May 4) a three-year partnership with the Junta de Andalucía, which will sponsor the 2023 awards gala, the Latin Grammy Week and other events of the Latin Academy in the community.
“It is an honor to celebrate our Latin GRAMMY Week in Sevilla and commit to our mission of elevating Latin music and its creators around the world. We are confident that it will be a memorable celebration,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press release.
“We are thrilled to produce the Latin GRAMMYs for the first time this year in Spain, and in a new partnership with the prestigious RTVE,” added Ignacio Meyer, President of U.S. Networks at TelevisaUnivision. “This is an extraordinary moment for Latin music globally and we are confident that this partnership with RTVE, and the passion and energy that Univision brings to the show, will make history and deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences who love and enjoy music all around the world.”
Given the time difference, the ceremony will not be aired live. It will be broadcasted later that day (Nov. 16) on Univision in the U.S., at its usual prime-time, Meyer told Billboard Español from Seville, where he and Abud made the announcement shortly before at a press conference. “At 7 in the afternoon (ET) Noche de Estrellas will begin and at 8 the gala starts. What we are not totally clear about is at what time it starts live,” he added. In Spain, the event will be broadcast on RTVE.
As in past years, the Latin Grammy Week will include the Person of the Year gala, the Special Awards ceremony, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, the Best New Artist Showcase and a reception for the nominees, among other events.
The nominations for the 2023 Latin Grammys will be announced on Tuesday, September 19. Other important dates leading up to the awards ceremony include the first round of voting will be July 27 to August 7, and the final round September 29 to October 23
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The Latin Grammys are implementing some changes and additions in 2023, including a new songwriting field and categories like best songwriter of the year and best singer-songwriter song, the Latin Recording Academy announced on Tuesday (March 21).
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The adjustments are part of the Academy’s commitment to “evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape and to best serve its membership body of music creators and professionals,” the organization said in a press release.
“Our priority is to effectively represent all the Latin music creators that we serve,” added CEO Manuel Abud.
All updates go into effect immediately for the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards, which will take place in November. The registration process for this year begins on Thursday (March 23).
Here are the details:
NEW LATIN GRAMMY FIELD AND CATEGORY
Best Songwriter Of The Year: As part of the newly-created songwriting field, this new category recognizes the written excellence, profession and art of songwriting. Songwriters must have a minimum of six newly written songs in which they are credited as a songwriter or co-writer and are not the performer, producer or engineer.
NEW LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS CATEGORIES
Best Singer-Songwriter Song: To be eligible for this new category within the singer-songwriter field, the singles or tracks must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese or any native regional dialect and must be from a set nominated to Singer-Songwriter Album that year.
Best Portuguese-Language Urban Performance: This new category within the Portuguese language field recognizes the enormous amount of Urban music that is being created in Brazil and Portugal. The singles or tracks can include a fusion mix of Urban styles with other genres as long as the Urban character predominates.
ADDITIONAL CATEGORY AMENDMENTS
Album Of The Year: Albums within the general field must contain at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. Awarded to the artist, producer(s), engineer(s), mixer(s), mastering engineer(s) and songwriter(s) of 33% playing time on the album if other than the artist will receive the award.
Song Categories: It is now required to include the date of composition when submitting product for all of the song categories.
New Criteria For Best Engineered Album: Award goes to recording engineer(s) and mixing engineer(s) credited with at least 33% of the album and mastering engineer(s) credited with at least 51% of the album within the production field.
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The Latin Grammys will take place in Spain in 2023, likely in the Southern city of Sevilla, according to sources.
In a press conference between the board of Andalucía and the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Andalucía board president Juanma Moreno said the two entities had a “three year sponsorship deal” that included hosting the Latin Grammys and “two major concerts hosted by the Academy in 2023, and another major concert in 2024 and in 2025.”
The location for all events, said Moreno, would be announced “soon, once the Academy finalizes all details.”
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“We are considering Sevilla to celebrate the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards this November, but we are still working through the logistics with our partners TelevisaUnivision. We will share additional details about the date and location of the next Latin GRAMMYs soon,” said Latin Academy Manuel Abud in an exclusive statement provided to Billboard.
Sources confirm the awards will take place in Spain and a formal announcement will be made soon. Since their inception in 2000, the Latin Grammys have always taken place in the United States, mostly in Las Vegas, although the award has also been held in New York and Miami. Rumors about the Academy taking the awards out the U.S. have swirled before, but this is the first time concrete plans have been made to host the awards elsewhere.
Although the Latin Recording Academy and the Latin Grammys were created in the U.S. as a sister organization to the Academy, its membership and its ethos have always been international representing recordings made in Spanish and Portuguese around the world.
While details of the negotiations to move the award show out of the United States were not provided, economic incentives clearly had a role.
Moreno estimated the economic impact of having the Grammys and the events in the region would be “in the nieghborhood of 500 million Euros.”
The Latin Grammys will continue to be broadcast on the Univision network.
Last Thursday (Nov. 17), the 23rd edition of the Latin Grammy Awards was full of exciting moments and surprises. John Legend joined Sebastian Yatra on stage to sing “Tacones Rojos” for the first time live; Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro turned heads at the red carpet with serious power couple looks; and Los Bukis, led by the charismatic person of the year, Marco Antonio Solís, inspired the nigiht’s biggest sing-along with “Tu Cárcel” as the closing number.
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In addition, first-time Latin Grammy winners Angela Álvarez and Silvana Estrada, 95 and 25, respectively, tied in one of the most important categories of the night for best new artist, which marked another special moment.
But beyond receiving a Latin Grammy, the best new artist nominees celebrated their Latin Recording Academy recognition as a victory.
Before the winners were announced, Billboard Español spoke with Estrada, Pol Granch, Nicole Zignago and Sofia Campos about what it means to them to receive the endorsement from one of music’s most prestigious institutions. They also shared some advice for those starting out in the business.
Silvana Estrada
One of the two winners for best new artist searched for her inner voice, recorded it on her soulful Glassnote Records debut, Marchita, and her poetic revolution began instantly. Her voice, often accompanied by the cuatro, is simply a powerful instrument, while her lyrics are at times reminiscent of Latin American greats like Chavela Vargas or Mercedes Sosa.
How does it feel to have your work recognized by the Latin Recording Academy?
It’s beautiful. I have been working on turbo for many years, so this whole experience has been very nice. All the work I do, I do it thinking of my audience, my shows, my music. Sometimes I’m like a horse [with blinders], I don’t look to the sides because I want to concentrate on my own thing, and I don’t pay attention to everything else that happens. These [Latin] Grammys are very nice because I feel very appreciated and recognized by people in the industry, who in the end are the people who really know the work behind things. I feel very grateful to all these people who are paying attention to my work, and who are also recognizing my effort.
What advice would you give to an upcoming artist who dreams of being nominated for a Latin Grammy?
For someone who is just starting out, you have to focus on the music first. It is very easy to get distracted. But if you have a good song, if you put a lot of effort and hard work into [putting together] a solid project, if you have a song that moves you, or a beat that makes you dance — you do it for the quality of the music, and everything else will follow. On the other hand, if the order of these factors is reversed, then it’s not so good.
Pol Granch
Pol Granch has a captivating flamboyance that simply mesmerizes, and when you pair that with his neon-hued provocative electro-pop — as heard in tracks off his 2022 album Amor Escupido — it all comes together and you’re instantly a fan. Although at times he reminds of a young Miguel Bosé, the Madrid artist claims influences by the likes of SoundCloud legends like the late Lil Peep.
How does it feel to be recognized by the Latin Recording Academy?
Complete gratitude because, in one way or another, they have recognized my work and it makes me have more motivation, more self-confidence, and much more desire to move forward.
What advice would you give to an emerging artist who is starting their career in music?
I always say this, but it’s the truth: If this is your dream, if you can imagine such a thing, you can become it 100%. To keep pushing forward despite any negative thing that can happen along the way. You have to know from the very first moment that if you want to work in this, you will face the opinions of everyone, and well, that’s what it is. But always go forward, like a racehorse.
Nicole Zignago
Zignago went from being a behind-the-scenes creator to becoming her own spotlight. She began making a name for herself co-writing hits for Sofia Reyes and Mariah Angeliq. As a solo artist, the Peruvian singer-songwriter caused hype with her 2022 debut EP, Así me siento hoy, a deliciously sensual slice of electro-pop.
What went through your head when you heard about your nomination?
What can I say? It was crazy. I was literally in bed, it was early in the morning and I was watching the nominations. They called my name right at the end of the category. So it was a huge surprise. I cried. My family called me, my friends, and my head exploded. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was very little. The fact that I was nominated in this category is super important, because it is a nomination that only happens once in a lifetime — once you are nominated for another category, you can no longer be nominated for best new artist. The fact that my first nomination is in this [category] is a huge blessing, and I’m super-happy.
What advice would you give to an artist who is just starting out and wants to make music as a career?
I would tell them to have a very clear north, to know very well what they want to do. I know that this may change over the years. The way to reach that north can always change but have a purpose. That will always make them find their core, and it will guide them to where they need to go in this career.
The heart and instinct are also very important. To surround themselves with good people — people who really love them and want to see them succeed. To have a lot of patience and discipline. To know that this is a 25/8 job, not 24/7. Remember to be present and grateful, because this road goes by very fast and if they choose this career, it will go by even faster because it is a lot of work. To give themselves time to rest. To give it their all, like jumping into a swimming pool without knowing what is going to happen. That’s how I describe it: like jumping into the void, but with a lot of conviction, knowing that this is for you.
Sofía Campos
When listening to her gorgeous blend of lackadaisical yet joyful pop, it’s clear that the Argentinian singer-songwriter is not afraid to bare her heart. Her second 2021 release, Lugares Imaginarios, is the kind of album that sparks curiosity with inquisitive musings, accompanied by her beautiful acoustic guitar strumming.
How does it feel to receive this recognition from the Latin Recording Academy?
It feels like a gift from music and for my effort. I always wanted to make songs with a lot of love, and suddenly the [love] comes right back. It feels very special, like something that will never be repeated.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in music?
I don’t feel like I’m in the position of giving someone advice. But I can share things that I say to myself, like trying not to lose focus. I think it’s important to remember why you’re doing things, like why you’re making songs, why you want to sing, why you want to upload this song to [music] platforms, why you want to do this concert. It’s good to connect with the important reasons, like why you enjoy singing. Because it’s what makes you happy.
To not get lost in some of the colder things of the industry, like numbers — whether it’s the number of listeners, money, tickets, and whether it’s sold out or not. I feel like those will make you frustrated or stressed, but they are a good way to guide your decisions. Focus your frustrations on the things that are worthwhile, and not on what’s not worthwhile. Connect with the essence of why you do things, and the real reason.
All interviews were originally conducted in Spanish.