Niko Eme – Traicionera

Niko Eme Traicionera

Nothing gets a the blood flowing hotter than a rapid mambo and tale of betrayal.  "Traicionera" ("Traitor") has us sitting on the edge of our seats, feet tapping and body swirling, as Niko Eme sings about a woman who thrives off of passion and apathy.  No matter how much love you give her, you'll only feel worse in the long-run ("Te Regale Mi Amor / Y Ya Nada Queda").  Few artists can infuse as much passion and meaning into an energetic dance or mambo track like the Twin Cities' Niko … [Read more...]

Target Spring Campaign Includes Miami Band Hola Hi

Target Spring Campaign Espanol Hola Hi Spanglish Noise

I ran into Miami indie-pop band  Hola Hi at the Latin Billboard Top Stop Music Showcase, where the duo was excited to share that Target picked up their song "Aire de Primavera" for its 2013 spring campaign.  Not only does the song specifically reference spring, but its upbeat Spanish lyrics are a nice nod to the Hispanic community that leaves a positive impression.  My only thought is that it would be nice for Target to have included the band and song name in the YouTube video credits, but … [Read more...]

Mana – Labios Divididos (Ft. Thiaguinho)

Mana Thiaguinho Labios Divididos

Less than a week from performing at the 2013 Latin Billboards, Mexican band Maná has a new track today that features the Brazilian singer Thiaguinho.  I honestly am not familiar with Thiaguinho, but my attempts to translate his Portuguese biographies indicate a background rooted in Samba.  He received some buzz while participating on a reality show Fama, which is a Brazilian spin-off of the reality pop-star series Operacion Triunfo and Star Academy.  Thiaguinho now has over 10 albums and … [Read more...]

Spanglish Noise Travels To The 2013 Latin Billboards!

Latin Billboard Awards 2013 Spanglish Noise

It's official!! I (Joseph) am traveling to the 2013 Latin Billboards next week, April 22-25th in Miami.  While the televised awards show on Thursday April 25th (Telemundo: 7pm ET / 6pm CT) claims most of the media attention with its Red Carpet event (La Alfombra Roja) and live performances, there is just as much excitement scheduled behind-the-scenes...at least for my interests in music and marketing/branding.  The purpose of this post is partly press release - I want to connect with as many … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Fito Blanko – Vamo Alla (Behind The Scenes)

Fito Blanko Vamo Alla Behind The Scenes

Fito Blanko, the newest member of Pitbull's label Mr. 305 inc, just released a behind the scenes look at his upcoming video "Vamo Alla."  Directed in Miami by Rob Dade and produced by Jessy Terrero, this promises to be very professional project.  We get to hear from Sensato and Fuego in the sneak peek, so take a look and stay tuned for the official release on April 16th, 2013. Want to learn more about Fito Blanko?  Check out the exclusive interview or search the site. … [Read more...]

Tommy Torres & Nelly Furtado – Sin Ti

Tommy Torres Nelly Furtado Sin Ti

I can't lie: Tommy Torres has long been one of my favorite Latin artists.  Not only is the man a genius producer, arranging the instrumentation so that every string chord, every piano progression, and every drum entrance sound natural and effortlessly complement the song's story, but he also has a voice full of passion and meaning!  While his last album Tommy Torres was my favorite, in part due to the way he interweaved Puerto Rican music into the tracks, the new 12 Historias certainly is a … [Read more...]

La Santa Cecilia – El Hielo (ICE)

La Santa Cecilia El Hielo

It's difficult to discuss the topic of immigration without emotion.  When this theme is presented by the soulful vocals of "La Marisoul" and her flavorful Los Angeles band La Santa Cecilia, the message resounds with an added power that only music can provide.  The video follows the recent budget-friendly trend of lyric videos, but the social message presented in the piece is anything but simple. For those who don't know, "El Hielo" means "The Ice" in Spanish.  In the context of this song, … [Read more...]

Spanglish Talents On The Voice: Season 4

The Voice Season 4 Monique Karina Midas Whale Cathia Agina

Colombian music icon Shakira arrived to The Voice: Season 4 blind auditions with an enjoyable enthusiasm and critical ear for talent.  And what an addition she's been!  From conversing in Spanish to pulling out a mock English:Country dictionary, the opening nights have been a blast.  Now that a Latin Crossover Superstar is seated amongst the judges, it's only fitting that some aspiring young Spanglish talent has followed.  Who am I referring to?  Read on to find out. 1.  Monique … [Read more...]

Kewin Cosmos – Encuentro y Olvido EP

Kewin Cosmos Encuentro Olvido EP EYO

Smooth, dark, and full of emotion, the opening notes of Kewin Cosmos’ new EP Encuentro y Olvido (EYO) are captivating from the very start.  This is raw and heartfelt Spanish R&B, where every breath is real, and every lyric vivid.  The project generally features piano-accompanied romantic ballads, but you will at times hear dub-step and dance elements.  If this is your first encounter with Kewin’s music, I encourage you to listen to his interview to gain a better understanding of his … [Read more...]

Cabas – Somos Dos

Andres Cabas Somos Dos

Colombian singer Andres Cabas is a talented musician, most notably skilled at piano and percussion, who is notorious for being perhaps one of the only Latin Grammy Award nominees to skip the limousine glamor in favor of arriving to the show on foot.   This speaks volumes about a man who has shared the stage with the likes of Shakira and Lenny Gravitz.  Not every artist is capable of proudly putting forth a greatest hits compilation, but Cabas' most recent release Increible, Pero Cierto is … [Read more...]