Sergio George – Salsa Giants (Movie Trailer)

Sergio George Salsa Giants Movie Trailer 2013

Most North Americans I've met who are not familiar with the Latin music scene are very quick to reference salsa music.  While traditional Latin genres such as bachata and merengue seem to be the ones undergoing the most transformation these days, salsa music has a very strong history here in the U.S. and abroad.  To celebrate the salsa giants of the modern era, Sergio George - an acclaimed producer who has worked with many of salsa's top artists and founded the indie label Top Stop Music (Tito … [Read more...]

Mariana Vega – No Se Van

Mariana Vega ASCAP Showcase No Se Van

The other night I had the great fortune to see Mariana Vega perform as part of the ASCAP Showcase for the 2013 Latin Billboard Conference.  On a night that featured four of Latin's Leading Ladies (Mariana Vega, Debi Nova, Kany Garcia, & Lena), the Venezuelan singer provided a tranquil and heartfelt performance that truly won me over as a new listener to her music.  Mariana's music clearly falls into the singer-songwriter category and she uses her strong vocal range to her advantage, ever … [Read more...]

Sito Rocks & Sak Noel – Party On My Level

Sak Noel Sito Rocks Party On My Level

Remember the recent hit dance song “CrazyPeople” (“Johnny, La Gente Esta Muy Loca”)?  Most of you are probably familiar with the version by Pitbull, Sensato, and Fito Blanko, and some of you might have even heard Sito Rocks’ remix as well.  But before these versions hit the disco, the original track was innovated in Spain by the Catalan DJ/producer Sak Noel. Given the energy of Sak Noel’s productions and Sito Rocks’ lyrics, their collaboration on today’s new video “Party … [Read more...]

Album Preview: Miami’s Elastic Bond Signs to Nacional Records, New Album To Be Released June 25th

Elastic Bond Nacional Records Miami Real

Nacional Records is hands down the premier U.S. label for Latin Alternative music, so it is exciting to hear that Miami band Elastic Bond just signed with the label and will be releasing their next album Real on June 25th 2013.  Elastic Bond is a 6-member ensemble formed in 2006 by Venezuelan producer Andres Ponce and the talented Honduran singer Sofy Encanto.  Their name is derived from physics, referencing the idea that they have united their diverse backgrounds and influences into one … [Read more...]

Niko Eme – Contigo

Niko Eme Contigo

Twin Cities singer Niko Eme has a hot merengue-electronico track to start off the week, which you can download below.  The song is called "Contigo" ("With You") and paints the story of being single while experiencing the early twangs of love.  At 20 years old, Niko never pretends to have the answers to love - who really does - but he excels at sharing his introspective thoughts through the lyrics. It is with great pride that I can also state that Niko Eme composed the beat to "Contigo."  I … [Read more...]

Sensei Interview & DJ Germain Mix

Sensei Canada

Summary: Keith Kanashiro, known by his Music Producer name Sensei Musica, is a Canadian producer of Peruvian descent who has been establishing a name for himself behind the scenes through such hits as “V.I.P. (Fito Blanko Ft. Fuego & El Cata),” “MAMBO (Fito Blanko Ft. Drake),” and the recent#1 hit on the Billboard Latin Tropical Chart, “Pegadito Suavecito (Elvis Crespo ft. Fito Blanko).”  Our latest interview takes us from Sensei's days in a salsa band to his upcoming projects … [Read more...]

Campo: Road To The Latin Grammys

Campo

Juan Campodónico aka Campo is a musician, producer, and composer from Uruguay – perhaps most known for his popular group Bajofondo – and he is nominated for the 2012 Latin Grammy Awards in the category Best Alternative Song for the track “1987” with Jorge Drexler. The song comes from his album Campo, which is a project he created to develop a musical identity that incorporates the sounds of his home country with new musical ideas. The result speaks for itself, introducing elements of … [Read more...]

Maffio Ft. Magic Juan – Tu Ta Loco (Video + MP3)

Maffio & Magic Juan

Few rising artists exemplify and promote the concept of Spanglish as well as Miami’s Rey del Merengue-Electronico, Maffio. What began as the distant dream of an underfunded young producer has since evolved into a budding musical career, thanks to his perseverance and the backing of his label Spanglish Global. Today’s video for “Tu Ta Loco” (“You’re crazy!”) features New York Dominican rapper Magic Juan and is produced by Maffio himself – now that’s talent! The video for … [Read more...]

Tommy Torres – Mientras Tanto

Tommy Torres

Tommy Torres has released a new video for the song "Mientras Tanto" and like always, it's filled with profound lyrics and a simple arrangement of instruments that unite to create a beautiful sound.  The lyrics can be summarized as the age-old wisdom of living in the moment, for mañana es otro día y el de hoy no se ha acabado.  Tommy outlines the uncertainties that lead to worries in life, reminding listeners that the oldest people appear to be the most calm because they know that everything … [Read more...]

Omar Rey Reyes – Mañana

Omar Rey Reyes

A violinist in a major U.S. orchestra once told me to pursue music only if I was absolutely positive that it was the one passion I could see myself engaged in for the rest of my life.  Not every musician is fortunate enough to hear this advice and the road is filled with many obstacles for those who do choose to pursue this dream.  One such dreamer is Omar Rey Reyes, whose music I recently heard for the first time, and his journey has taken him from his hometown of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, … [Read more...]