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Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata” spends an 11th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Nov. 19). It’s the longest reign for any song in 2022, and the fifth-most among all titles.With Turizo adding another week at the summit, let’s look at the longest leads since the chart launched in 2018:
25 weeks, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj16 weeks, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago pzk, LIT Killa, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra13, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA12, “Hawai,” Maluma & The Weeknd12, “Calma,” Pedro Capo & Farruko11, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo
Meanwhile, Rosalía’s “Despechá” holds strong at No. 2 for an 11th nonconsecutive week. Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” rebounds to No. 3 for a fifth week after its eight-week atop the ranking, while María Becerra’s “Automático” dips 3-4.
Further, Argentinian Ysy A scores his 15th entry as every song from his latest album, Ysysmo, debuts on the tally. One song from the 12-track set, which released on Nov. 11 through Sponsor Dios, scores the week’s Hot Shot Debut: “Cómo Chilla Ella,” with Sponsor Dios and Evlay, at No. 5.
Here’s Ysy A’s complete takeover:
No. 5, “Cómo Chilla Ella,” with Sponsor Dios & EvlayNo. 13, “A Por Todo,” with Sponsor Dios & OniriaNo. 14, “Cuánto Vale Hacer El Amor?” with Sponsor Dios & EvlayNo. 16, “Cuántos Términos?” with Sponsor Dios & BaxianNo. 24, “Relojes Reventados,” with Sponsor Dios & OniriaNo. 29, “Uoh Oh Oh,” with Sponsor Dios & BaxianNo. 31 “Un Piso Más,” with Sponsor Dios, Club Hats & KokiNo. 33, “Cuál?” with Sponsor Dios & Rucci VazquezNo. 36, “Pa Esta Soledad,” with Yesan & Sponsor DiosNo. 39, “Ser El Trap,” with Sponsor Dios & BaxianNo. 42, “Heridas Al Fuego,” Sponsor Dios & OniriaNo. 45, “Todo Pago,” Sponsor Dios & Halpe
Elsewhere, Bizarrap adds a 35th entry as his latest collab with Duki, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 50,” debuts at No. 11. With the new arrival, he ties with Anuel AA, Ozuna and Rauw Alejandro for the third-most, trailing only Bad Bunny’s 53 entries and J Balvin’s 49. Duki, meanwhile, adds a 34th appearance to his account.
La K’onga takes the Greatest Gainer honors of the week thanks to “El Mismo Aire,” which ascends 97-81. Lali collects her 14th entry as “Motiveishon” starts at No. 83. Lastly, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue)” opens at No. 85.
Arthur Hanlon does it again. After thrilling audiences with his 2021 HBO Max special Piano y Mujer, the “gringo with a Latin soul” returns in time for the holidays with Piano y Mujer II, along with a diverse group of Latin female stars that includes reggaetón queen Ivy Queen and Mexican sibling duo Ha*Ash.
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The special concert, which also features Costa Rican singer/songwriter Debi Nova, Colombian singer Catalina García (of eclectic popsters Monsieur Periné) and Mexican singer Lupita Infante, is out Nov. 25 in album format on Sony Music Latin, and will stream on HBO Max beginning Nov. 29.
“I’m extremely proud. When we filmed the first Piano y Mujer, it was like a tribute and a celebration of strong, intelligent and creative women, like the women in my home,” Hanlon told Billboard. “I grew up with three sisters, my mom and my grandmother in the house – five women who listened to me play the piano every single day, who pushed me and supported me. Now, with this second concert, I am so very happy.”
The first Piano y Mujer, where Hanlon had Kany García, Natalia Jiménez, Goyo, Evaluna Montaner and Nella as guests, is still streaming on HBO Max. This makes the piano virtuoso the only music artist currently with two concerts available simultaneously on the streaming service.
Pianist Arthur Hanlon and Catalina Garcia during the HBO Max concert special “Piano y Mujer II”
Basilio Silva
Piano y Mujer II was filmed on a stage decorated with an exuberant garden, where each female artist took turns to sing next to Hanlon, accompanied by an all-female band, performing both Latin standards and new versions of their own hits. The repertoire includes classics like “Bésame mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez (Catalina García), “Quizás quizás quizás” by Osvaldo Farrés (Debi Nova) and “Ya te olvidé” by Marco Antonio Solís and originally recorded by Rocío Dúrcal, performed here by Ivy Queen in one of her most sublime renditions. New takes on current hits include “Lo Aprendí de Ti” (Ha*Ash) and “La Canción” (García).
“The formula is a smash hit by each singer, and a second song that each of them have always wanted to sing,” explains Hanlon, who did all the musical arrangements and co-produced along with Eddie Pérez.
For example, Ha*Ash, the duo of Mexican-American singers Ashley and Hannah Pérez, harmonize beautifully on their hit “Lo aprendí de ti” and also on a gorgeous version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” And Lupita Infante shines with a powerful bilingual rendition of Harry Nilsson’s “Without You.” The ’70s star had recorded a little known Spanish version of the song, titled “Sin Ti,” before the English version became a hit in the 1990s when Mariah Carey covered the song.
Hanlon met Nilsson when he moved to Los Angeles as a young pianist fresh out of Manhattan School of Music who dreamt of a recording career in Latin music. Nilsson, says Hanlon, became a kind of mentor, and personally played him the Spanish version of “Without You.”
“He was way ahead of his time,” says the pianist. “I was very impressed […] And now, when we were looking for the right song, I remembered that one. I thought, now is really the perfect time to record this, with someone like Lupita who’s an amazing vocalist.”
Hanlon also performs two of his own compositions: The instrumental track “Toccata,” which he wrote in Colombia during the Feria de Cali, inspired by the music he heard late at night; and “We’re Going To Make It Tonight,” a bilingual song conceived especially to close the concert and performed by all the guests together onstage.
In the video, Hanlon says the seeds for Piano y Mujer were planted during his teen years in Detroit, where, as a 15-year-old, he played in a local band at events and parties. Often, when hosts couldn’t afford the full band, Hanlon’s agent would offer the pianist with a female singer. Being able to bring that concept to life in a big way with not one but two HBO specials “is a dream come true,” says Hanlon.
Piano y Mujer II took about six months to bring to life, from January 2021, when the project was approved, until July, when it was filmed in a Miami studio. Hanlon says it was important to him, particularly coming out of the pandemic, to take time to personally meet with every one of the singers and work on the arrangements.
“I feel people know when something has been forced or rushed,” he says. “I totally believe in connecting over empanadas, coffee and wine.”
With so many great female Latin artists, and such a rich and wide songbook, he hopes for new renditions of the project.
“Some of my artist friends have said, ‘Ay Arthur, how cool, congratulations — and what about me?’” he says with a laugh.
“For me, the thrill of the music, is that the piano, more than an instrument, is a vehicle to transport people to another place, and with these women I have the opportunity to do so. This project is out of this world for me.”
Pianist Arthur Hanlon and Debi Nova during the HBO Max concert special “Piano y Mujer II”
Basilio Silva
Y Mujer… The Guest Artists Speak
Catalina García: One of the beautiful things for me was to return to the origin of the song: The voice, accompanied by such a special instrument, which can create rhythm and harmony. And of course, knowing it’s a project that honors women as interpreters and composers, and of course, being part of a group of powerful women who have listened to each other during our lives.
Ha*Ash: It’s always a pleasure and a joy to work with Arthur and we feel honored to be part of this beautiful project with him and such talented women. We were able to perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a song that is particularly significant for us, and that made the experience all the more special.
Lupita Infante: When he brought me the song and he told me the story behind it and why it’s so special to him, I knew we were making history together. I’d never heard a Spanish version of “Without You” and when I did, it brought tears to my eyes.
Debi Nova: The experience of being part of Piano y Mujer II was wonderful. Not only is Arthur a musician I profoundly admire, but I also have the honor to be surrounded by women who greatly inspire me. Both songs I perform are very close to my heart.
Ivy Queen: For me it’s about listening to my songs in different way, from a different perspective, because I feel the piano is as pure as the guitar, as intimate and romance. And we gave my song a different twist here.
Editor’s Note: Hanlon is married to Billboard’s Chief Content Officer, Latin/Espãnol, Leila Cobo.
On Saturday (Nov. 26), Mexico and Argentina will meet up for a highly anticipated game between two 2022 World Cup favorites.
It’s the second game for both teams — part of Group C along with Poland and Saudi Arabia — who each played their first match on Tuesday (Nov. 22). The Argentina team led by fútbol icon Lionel Messi was expected to win against Saudi Arabia, but was humbled after losing 2-1. Argentina will be looking to rebound from their stunning loss.
Meanwhile, La Selección Mexicana was able to walk away with a scoreless draw thanks to their goalie, Guillermo Ochoa, who delivered a heroic save on Robert Lewandowski’s penalty kick. With a missed opportunity to gain any points in their group where, like in all other groups, only two teams advance to the next round, Mexico is looking for a win or tie against Argentina.
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With all that being said, is anyone in the mood to stream some Argentina and Mexico anthems ahead of the big day? There’s nothing like music to bring us together regardless of which team you’re rooting for. The obvious ones that come to mind for Argentina are Diego Torres‘ hopeful and uplifting “Color Esperanza” and Trueno and Nathy Peluso‘s “Argentina.” For Mexico: Vicente Fernández‘s “El Rey” or the mariachi anthem “Cielito Lindo” — the latter is traditionally sung by zealous Mexican fans during matches.
Below, we’ve put together the ultimate 16-song playlist to stream ahead of the Mexico vs. Argentina game. Enjoy, and may the best team win.
It’s been 20 years since Jennifer Lopez dropped This Is Me … Then, and in honor of the set’s anniversary, the star has announced a follow-up to that album titled This Is Me … Now, set to drop next year.
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Calling it a “musical experience,” the project will chronicle the “emotional, spiritual and psychological journey” that Lopez has taken over the past two decades, according to a press release. In a teaser in which she announces This Is Me … Now, J.Lo says: “We captured me at this moment in time. If you have, like me at times, lost hope, almost given up, don’t. And that’s real. And I want to put that message out to the world.”
Lopez talked about this new album in her recent Vogue cover story describing it as a “culmination of who I am as a person and an artist.” She added: “People think they know things about what happened to me along the way, the men I was with — but they really have no idea, and a lot of times they get it so wrong. There’s a part of me that was hiding a side of myself from everyone. And I feel like I’m at a place in my life, finally, where I have something to say about it.”
This Is Me … Then — which featured tracks such as “The One” and “All I Have,” featuring LL Cool J — peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart (dated Dec. 14, 2002). After releasing a handful of singles and the soundtrack for her film Marry Me over the past near-decade, This Is Me … Now will mark J.Lo’s first album in eight years, following A.K.A. in 2014. The tracks on the 2023 album, whose exact release date has not yet been revealed, are described as “plaintive, confessional songs, reflections on the trials of her past, upbeat jams celebrating love and sex.”
See the exclusive This Is Me … Now teaser below:
When GALE wrote her first song at age seven, she thought she might be a superhero.
Titled “Amor Sincero,” the salsa track was dedicated to a boy who didn’t like her back. “When I finished writing it, I was like, ‘Wait, did I just create something that didn’t exist just by using a melody and chords?’” she recalls. “I thought I had a superpower. Since then, I’ve just kept going.”
Expressing herself through music came easily to the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, who grew up surrounded by artistic minds. Her father is also a musician — who, along with his band, performs at local events. Her grandfather was a professional cuatro player. Meanwhile, her mother was an actress who performed theater. “I was always free to experiment,” says the 29-year-old, who’s written songs for artists such as Fanny Lu, Juanes and Manuel Turizo, and is currently working on her first album.
Even before learning to perform professionally at Escuela Libre de Música, her father had been preparing her for the big stage since she was a little girl. “He used to make me perform every single time at every family reunion,” GALE says. “He would tell me, ‘If this is what you want to do your whole life, you need to practice.’ I was like, ‘I just want to go play hide and seek with my cousins!’ But then I’d sing 10 songs and I’d enjoy it.”
Now, GALE has become a go-to songwriter for a handful of artists — and on Nov. 17, she won her first Latin Grammy, thanks for songwriting credits on Christina Aguilera’s Aguilera, which scored best traditional pop vocal album, and is also nominated for best Latin pop album at February’s Grammys. “If you work hard and you manifest it, it happens. It’s grounding.”
Creating a path for herself is what GALE — who grew up listening to Shakira, Avril Lavigne and Selena Quintanilla — focused on since moving to Miami from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. “First, I knew had to work my ass off to make things happen,” she explains. “What I always wanted was to have my own project as an artist and that’s what I was going to do no matter what. But how would I get there? I figured I’d start writing with other artists and build those relationships. Then get a publishing deal and get signed by a label.”
So, she started door-knocking and visited publishing companies to show them the catalog of songs she had recorded in her closet. Her first big break came in 2019, when peermusic invited her to a session with Colombian artist Fanny Lu, which is when they co-wrote “En Mis Tacones.” Since then, she says, doors opened thanks to “word of mouth because producers started recommending me, Fanny Lu wanted to work with me again.”
She eventually got a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and a record deal with Sony Music Latin. Then, she landed on Aguilera’s project — co-writing (along with DallasK and Josh Berrios) the Ozuna-assisted “Santo,” which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart in February.
She remembers meeting Aguilera during a writing session for “Brujería.” “She sat next to me and asks, ‘Is that you singing [on the demo]?’ I was like, ‘Yeah,’ and she said, ‘What a beautiful voice.’ In my mind I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’ve practiced singing Mi Reflejo every single day, I know the album from top to bottom. I’ve practiced performing all your songs…’ But what I really said was, ‘Thanks, you have a beautiful voice as well.’ It was a moment,” she says laughing.
Thankful that songwriting for other artists has opened doors, she’s now also focused on her own project, with plans to drop her debut album in 2023 — which would include her three singles, “Inmadura,” “Prolemas” and “D-Pic.” Describing her style as “Bad Bunny meets Dua Lipa meets Avril Lavigne,” her first songs showcase her raw, edgy songwriting skills and her pop-punk and rock influences. And, instead of going the collaborations route, she decided her first wouldn’t feature other artists. “It’s me saying, ‘This is who I am and this is it, I hope you like it,’” she says. “Collaborations will come because they’re also important and valuable. But for now, it’s just me.”
Below, learn more about this month’s Latin Artist on the Rise, in her own words:
Name: Carolina Isabel Colón Juarbe
Age: 29
Recommended Song: Oh snap, that’s hard. Because my three singles are all different, but they’re similar in that they’re raw and honest. I guess if someone is more into the romantic, nostalgic vibe, then listen to “Inmadura.” But if someone is like in their badass era, then they have to listen to “D-Pic.” And “Problemas” is like the perfect mix musically of what I do: pop, rock and urban. But if I had to pick, I’d say “D-Pic,” because it’s a statement. You’ll get a real representation of who I am as an artist.
Biggest Achievement: Starting to take my songs that are born from a vulnerable and intimate place and perform in front of a live audience. One of my favorite performances was the one I did at Latin Music Week in September. It felt magical. The connection with the people was amazing. I thought, “D–n, I am ready for this.” I will share that before going onstage, I called my dad and he said, “Mi amor, don’t worry, from the stage you can’t see anyone because of the spotlight. You just do your thing.” First thing when I go up on the stage, I see everyone’s faces.
What’s Next: I am working on my debut album, which is almost done. It’s very special, because it’s born after a breakup, the exact moment when I decided to end things with this person that I knew, since the very beginning, that this person was not my person. But I wanted to make it work. When I broke up with them, all these songs started coming to me and they represent different stages. Because it hurts to hurt someone, it’s a roller coaster of feelings.
I’m very excited for the album. It’s coming early to mid-next year. And I’m definitely doing more shows next year. In fact, I’m performing at Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Puerto Rico in January, which is a huge event. It’s legendary in my country.
Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda extend their perfect top 10 streak on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart as De Hoy En Adelante, Que Te Vaya Bien debuts at No. 8 on the Nov. 26-dated list. It’s the 10th consecutive top 10 for the act — the entirety of its chart entries.
The 12-track set was released Nov. 11 via Fonovisa/UMLE. After its first tracking week ending Nov. 17, De Hoy En Adelante generated 2,000 equivalent album units, according to Luminate. Most of the album’s opening sum derives from streaming equivalent album units. That equates to 3.04 million on-demand official U.S. streams generated for the songs on the album.
On the Regional Mexican Albums chart, each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album.
De Hoy En Adelante marks the return of the band to Regional Mexican Albums after a five-year hiatus, following the three-week champ Ni Diablo Ni Santo in June 2017. The new set comprises 11 songs plus a norteño cover of Mexican folk-alternative singer-songwriter Ed Maverick’s “Fuente de Ortiz” originally released in 2018.
De Hoy En Adelante adds a 10th straight top 10 to Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda’s career account on Regional Mexican Albums, including five No. 1s. Here’s the complete list including the new arrival:
Peak, Title, Ddate, Weeks at No. 1No. 7, Ni Lo Intentes, Sept. 17, 2011,No. 5, Márchate Y Olvídame, Dec. 17, 2011,No. 1, En Vivo, Sept. 22, 2012, (2 Weeks)No. 1, Tu Amigo Nada Mas, March 30, 2013, (1 Week)No. 2, Soy Lo Que Quiero: Indispensable, Feb. 15, 2014,No. 1, El Aferrado, April 11, 2015, (7 Weeks)No. 2, Lecciones Para El Corazón, Oct. 3, 2015,No. 1, Mis Ídolos, Hoy Mis Amigos!!!, April 30, 2016, (2 Weeks)No. 1, Ni Diablo Ni Santo, June 17, 2017, (3 Weeks)No. 8, De Hoy En Adelante, Que Te Vaya Bien, Nov. 26, 2022,
Elsewhere, De Hoy En Adelante starts at No. 38 on the all-Latin genre Top Latin Albums chart.
The album yields a No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay: “Que Te Vaya Bien” lifts 4-1 in its seventh week. It earns the band its eighth leader there.
After releasing a handful of singles throughout the year, Paulo Londra has officially dropped his highly anticipated album aptly titled Back to the Game.
The 16-track set marks the Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter’s first album in three years, following his debut album Homerun (2019), which debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Top Latin Albums.
In his first album, Londra leaned more on his core urban sound using elements of trap, freestyle, dembow, hip-hop and reggaeton. This time around, while the 24-year-old artist stays true to his essence with a cheeky reggaeton (“A Veces,” a collaboration with Feid), he also dabbles in punk rock (“Nublado” featuring Travis Barker) and R&B (“Noche de Novela” with Ed Sheeran).
“I’m back,” he wrote on social media. “This is from Paulo to those who’ve always been there, since when I would go to the plaza in Joaco to crossing paths for the second time with Ed Sheeran. As long as one follows their passion, no one can stop you. If you ever felt empty but today you want the people around you to smile or have fun, welcome to the club.”
Earlier this year, Londra officially announced his comeback after forging a new partnership with Warner Music Latin, which marked a new phase for his career. In November 2021, Londra settled a two-year legal battle with Cristian Salazar and producer Daniel Oviedo (Ovy on the Drums), with whom he co-founded Big Ligas in 2018. After filing dueling lawsuits in 2020, Big Ligas and Paulo Londra amicably resolved their differences in a Miami courtroom.
He marked his grand return to music, dropping one of his punk-rock anthems “Plan A” in March, his first single in three years, with which he previewed the new album and presented a fresh new sound for the artist. Since, he’s released other singles such as “Chance,” “Julieta,” “Party En El Barrio” and “Luces.”
The eclectic, star-studded set also features collabs with artists such as Timbaland, Duki and LIT Killah. Below, Billboard editors recommend six essential tracks on the new set.
Every month, Billboard Latin editors will feature a small group of new or relatively unknown artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover. Check them out below:
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Artist: Alex LunaCountry: Mexico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Alex Luna’s “Te Marqué Pedo” came across one of my Spotify playlists. The first time you hear the chorus of his viral single “perdón si te marque pedo (I’m sorry if I called you drunk),” it just clicks. And that’s probably also why Christian Nodal wanted to jump on the remix. Luna’s sound is refreshing and it’s on full display in this song, which is a chill pop track that thrives sonically but also lyrically. His lyrics aren’t forced, they’re just an honest representation of a 21-year-old baring all his emotions with no filter. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Te Marqué Pedo”
Artist: Luna LunaCountry: The United States (Texas)
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: This four-piece Austin-based Latinx band will have you swooning in no time with their wistful synthpop and slow-burning indie rock selects, some in Spanglish but mainly all dedicated to hopeless romantics. I came across Luna Luna—which originally derived from the group’s Colombian-born member Kavvi with GarageBand on his iPhone—on TikTok, and quickly discovered they’re all the rage in the local Texas music and festival scenes. After a year of not releasing new music, but still very active on social media and touring, the group made a comeback with their 80s retro “Talk Too Much.” It’s their track “Commitment,” however, that can give you a real sense of Luna Luna. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Commitment”
Artist: ROBICountry: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: ROBI (real name: Roberto C. Báez Moraza) might have gotten on the radar with the viral Feid-assisted “Pantysito,” but with every single released thereafter, he’s proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Carolina, ROBI’s musical style is influenced by the island’s urban essence but also stays truthful to the genre’s he admires: pop, ballads, and alternative rock. A musician at-heart, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter plays the drums, the xylophone, dances, and composes his own music. In addition to Feid, he’s already collaborated with Jay Wheeler and Piso 21, and teamed up with the new wave of talent including Moffa, ADSO, and paopao, to name a few. — J.R.
Song For Your Playlist: “Sigo Feliz” featuring Piso 21
Artist: YubeiliCountry: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: If you were in Las Vegas for Latin Grammys week, you might’ve caught Yubeili’s performance at the Los Producers event (where he performed 2Pac’s “California Love”) or perhaps heard his name for the first time as the music community in the U.S. were discovering him and his music. I heard his name at an event and immediately looked him up. A growing force in the reggaeton scene in Mexico, Yubeili — who grew up listening to Dr. Dre and Eminem — is placing all bets on reggaeton to make a name for himself in a growing urban scene in a country that has always been more known for regional Mexican. But what I found cool about his style is that he’s not confined to just reggaeton, he’s also dabbling in corridos tumbados and trap to reach a wider and younger audience that isn’t married to one style of music. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Copiloto”
Artist: Divino NiñoCountry: U.S., Colombia & Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: With their unflinching mix of glitchy reggaeton, Latin trap, and house music, Chicago dwellers Divino Niño have created a chaotic catharsis that’s as addicting as it is blissful on their bilingual LP, Last Spa on Earth. Tuning into their all-killer-no-filler fourth studio album is almost as liberating as drinking a 40 oz…to freedom, à la Sublime. Comprised of Colombian vocalist/guitarist Camilo Medina and bassist Javier Forero, Puerto Rican-Venezuelan guitarist Guillermo Rodriguez-Torres, as well as Justin Vittori (a.k.a. JV) on keys and Pierce Codina on drums, together the fiery pack of friends make glimmering productions soaked in iridescent synths, laden in rebellious lyrics, and with plenty of exciting transitions. It’s a trippy indie pop experience for the ages. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Drive”
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.
Thanksgiving is officially right around the corner.
To take something off your to-do list, let us handle your at-home party playlist. Billboard did the legwork and put together a Thanksgiving Fiesta playlist with more than 60 songs that are inspired by and celebrate the holiday for being grateful.
On the playlist, fans will find songs about feeling grateful such as Juanes’ “A Dios Le Pido,” Wisin y Yandel’s “Gracias a Ti,” Violeta Parra’s “Gracias a la Vida” and Jose Luis Rodriguez’s “Agradecido,” to name a few. It also navigates through tracks about feeling blessed, such as Juan Luis Guerra’s “Mi Bendicion,” Camilo’s “Vida de Rico” and Mario Bautista’s “Brindo” in collaboration with Banda El Recodo.
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Furthermore, the Billboard Thanksgiving Fiesta playlist has empowering and reflective songs about letting go of the past and starting brand-new, such as Becky G and Karol G’s “Mamiii,” Elsa y Elmar’s “Vuelve,” Los Enanitos Verdes’ “Eterna Soledad,” Carlos Vives’ “Volve a Nacer” and Luis Enrique’s “Date Un Chance,” among others.
And when it comes down to celebrating life overall, don’t forget to blast at full volume party bangers such as Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida,” Celia Cruz’s “Rie y Llora,” Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien,” Jorge Celedón and Jimmy Zambrano’s “Esta Vida,” and La Tropa Vallenata’s “Los Caminos de la Vida.”
The list is spiced with everything nice from salsa to reggaeton to rock, including music from Karol G, Farruko, Victor Manuelle, Marc Anthony, Ozuna and many more.
Press play while you’re cooking or gathering at home and enjoy!
