Tag: Latin music

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Kris Cari Shares Breakneck Banger “No Pasa Na”

Carlos Luis Arroyo Cruz is a Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico-based singer/songwriter and Latin Pop artist, best known as Kris Cari. HIs work simultaneously reflects his Puerto Rican heritage and a diverse range of influences, from Miles Davis to Bad Bunny. Back in 2020, Cruz began working with the production crew at 1Face Music, which paved the way for his debut EP, 2022’s Platinum Waves, an effort that was praised for its unique sound, while helping him gain a devoted following.

“A Donde Fue,” a collaboration with Tunon received airplay from SiriusXM’s Viva Channel.

Last year was a big year for the Puerto Rican artist. “Ojos Tristes” was featured at the San Antonio Film Festival and received praise for its emotional depth. Summertime hits “Invoca” and “Un Verano Mas” managed to captivate audiences with catchy hooks and infectious energy. While “Una Carta Pa Ti” addressed driving under the influence, aiming to raise awareness within the Hispanic/Latino community about a serious issue through powerful lyrics and visuals. His sophomore EP, Arca touched upon love, heartbreak and resilience while drawing parallels with the biblical flood allegory.

The rising Puerto Rican artist’s latest single “No Pasa Na,” is a breakneck and free-wheeling merengue banger featuring a looping, twinkling keyboard figure paired with a chugging rhythm, skittering beats, a remarkably catchy hook and Kris Cari’s swaggering and punchy delivery. It’s the sort of song that would turn a small family gathering into a sweaty dance party that has your neighbors coming to join in.

Directed by Maico Jimenez, the accompanying video for “No Pasa Na,” begins a prototypical Latin family gathering: Some of the women are playing with a baby. Grandma is serving plates of food. Others are playing dominoes. The TV is on, featuring a video within a video. Suddenly, the staid gathering becomes a sweaty party.

Video by William Ruben Helms

Throwback: Happy 66th Birthday, Gloria Estefan!

JOVM’s William Ruben Helms celebrates Gloria Estefan’s 66th birthday.

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Yeisy Rojas Shares Lush and Reverential “A Mis Ancestros”

I’m currently in Philadelphia for the fourth installment of Asian Arts Initiative’s Sound Type Music Festival and Music Writers Workshop. Of course, the show must go on as much as humanly possible. JOVM is very much like the saying engraved on the James Farley Post Office, which now comprises Moynihan Train Hall, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

So let’s get to it.

Yeisy Rojas is a Cuban-born, Oslo-based, classically trained, jazz violinist, singer/songwriter and composer. Back in her native Cuba, Rojas received a classical education and performed as a violinist with the National Opera Orchestra in Havana. Her passion for jazz led her to relocate to Norway, where she pursued her Masters studies in jazz violin at Kristiansand‘s University of Agder‘s Conservatory.  The cross-cultural experience allowed Rojas to deepen her understanding of the African influences in Cuban music.

As a solo artist, Rojas’ work frequently sees her blending Cuban music, Latin jazz, funk and more with powerful social messages — in particular, she boldly speaks up against racism in her homeland and elsewhere. Her full-length debut, last year’s Gaston Joya-produced A Mis Ancestros featured the previously released “Mama Ines,” an adaptation of Nicolás Guillén’s 1930 poem “Ayer Me Dijeron Negro” (Yesterday They Called Me Black) that pairs the poet’s words with a breezy and soulful arrangement that meshes elements of Latin soul, funk and jazz in a way that reminds me very fondly of the sounds of parties in the South Bronx, Lower East Side, Corona, East Elmhurst and so on.

Rojas has picked up work as a freelance violinist to support her career, playing events across Norway, Sweden and Denmark while earning multiple invitations to perform on Norwegian national radio. Back in 2022, she opened the International Jazz Day Gala at Oslo’s Nasjonal Jazz Scene, playing in front of a full house. The success of that performance inspired the Cuban-born, Oslo-based artist to create her own international jazz celebration, A Vision for Unity which aims to bring together artists from diverse nationalities to promote unity and peace through music. “We all are a family, and no matter where we come from, the only thing we want to do is to live in peace,” the Cuban-born, Oslo-based artist says. “Not because someone came from a dictatorship means that person is the enemy.”

In just its second edition, Rojas’ Vision for Unity has become a highly-anticipated event on the music calendar for local audiences while garnering increased attention from artists’ organizations across the country.

Earlier this year, the Cuban-born, Norwegian artist was highlighted by Billboard as an emerging start and by Rolling Stone en Español as an artist you need to know. Building upon a growing profile within the international Latin music scene, Rojas shares A Mis Ancestros‘ latest single, album title track “A Mis Ancestros” is a gorgeous and soulful synthesis of bebop-era jazz, salsa, son cubano that not only showcases Rojas’ prodigious talent, but proudly and unabashedly displays a deep, reverential pride for her homeland and her ancestry. The song is a fairly autobiographical story that will be familiar for countless immigrants across the world. The nostalgia for the homeland — the language, the dear ones, the smells, the food — not only sparks memories and comparisons, it also sparks a much deeper appreciation for their culture.

Directed by Marcus Støren, the accompanying video for “A Mis Ancestros” follows a young woman, who has bravely made the journey from her homeland to Norway to make a new life for herself. While looking at an old photo of her mother, she manages to travel back in time to reunite with her mother, who reminds her that she’s beautiful and should be proud of herself; that her skin coloring and her curly hair come from the Motherland; that Black is always beautiful. Through his journey, she meets her ancestors, who welcome and guide her.

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Fort Myers, FL’s La Vibra Norteña Shares Aching “Adios Amor”

Fort Myers, FL-based Mexican music outfit La Vibra Norteña formed back in 2019. And since their formation, the band has specialized in norteño sax — or norteño with saxophone and accordion. Their debut single, last year’s “Mil Veces,” showcased their contagious energy while establishing a distinct take on norteño.

Building upon a growing profile within the regional Mexican music scene, the Fort Myers-based outfit released “Bachata Rosa” earlier this year. “Bachata Rosa” showcased their versatility and growth as musicians while showcasing material that paired emotional lyrics with captivating melodies.

La Vibra Norteña’s latest single “Adios Amor” is a gorgeous bit of norteño that pairs with traditional oompah oompah-like groove the genre is known for with a gorgeous melody and achingly earnest vocals in a heartfelt, bittersweet ballad. If you’re leaving your lover for a period of time — and maybe you’re a bit uncertain when you might reunite, this song will express the hurt and longing you may feel right now.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

Formed back in 2016, the Austin-based outfit Superfónicos — Jaime Ospina (vocals, gaita, percussion), Nicolás Sanchez Castro (bass, melodica, vibes backing vocals), Nick Tozzo (Congas, tambor alegre, timbales, percussion), Daniel Sanchez (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Chris “Zumbi” Richards (trombone, bombardino), Evan Marley Hegarty (keys), Erick Bohoroquez (guitar, backing vocals), and Andreas Villegas (guitar, backing vocals) — have specialized in a sound that features elements of Colombian funk, cumbia and Afrobeat, informed by the fact that most of the band’s members have deep roots in Colombia.

While highlight the country’s Caribbean coastal sounds, it is also a celebration of the human spirit, telling stories of the displaced, folkloric tales form the countryside, and the reminder to let go and embrace experiences that are more connected to the earth and our ancestors.

The band has played Austin City Limits Festival twice — in 2018 and 2021. They’ve also shared stages with the likes of Ozomatli, Aterciopelados, Jungle Fire, Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Meridian Brothers, Sudan Archives and Allah-Las.

2018’s Suelta EP was recorded with Black Pumas‘ founder Adrian Quesada, 2019’s Cumbealo EP was record with Spoon‘s Jim Eno, and their full-length debut, the recently released Renaceré was recorded with Grupo Fantasma’s, Caramelo Haze’s and Money Chicha‘s Beto Martinez.

Renaceré translates into English as “I will be reborn” and thematically, the album’s material touches upon rebirth resilience and the cyclical nature of life through the lens of their unique take on Colombian Roots fusion, which owes as much to Africa and the Americas, as it does to Colombia — and the bandmembers’ Colombian heritage. According to the band’s Jamie Ospina, “This record is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and life. We all went through hard times in the last 4 years but here we are; breathing, singing, dancing and what not.” Nicolás adds, “The cycle of life and the concept of rebirth play heavily into the theme of the record. Many ups and downs happened during this period, for the band and society as a whole, but ultimately we came out of the process stronger, like a blade forged in the flames.”

The album’s recording process spanned several years, beginning just before COVID-19 lockdowns and concluding earlier this year. Most of the album was recorded at Beto Martinez’s Lechehouse Music, where Martinez captured the sounds and textures of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast with gaita flue and tambor alegre. “We also use the Bombardino (Euphonium) on many tunes. It is commonly used in Colombian Cumbia arrangements but is not as common stateside,” the band says. Additional recording took place at Public Hi-Fi with Spoon’s Jim Eno and Electric Deluxe with Aaron Glemboski.

Renaceré latest single “La Verdad” is a lush and strutting bit of psychedelic cumbia anchored around buzzing and twinkilng keys, shuffling rhythms, expressive horn bursts paired with an incredibly catchy hook and chorus. The song’s narrator tells a tale about a juglar (a troubadour) searching for his lost love and losing his mind. Ultimately, the song — and its narrator — suggests that those who are deemed crazy often hold the truth.

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Miami’s CENCA Shares a Sultry and Buoyant Feminist Anthem

Initially starting her career in earnest back in 2015 under the name Cristina E, emerging Miami-based Latin music artist CENCA released her debut single “Recommitted,” before joining a local band by the name of Lovechild. After a four year stint as Lovechild’s frontperson, CENCA decided to step out into the spotlight as a solo artist.

As a solo artist, the emerging Miami-based artist found and gradually transitioned to a new sound that features elements of Reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats. CENCA’s latest single “Tequila” is a buoyant, sultry and summery bop that reveals a grown and sexy, club and lounge friendly quality — but as the Miami-based artist explains, the song is anchored around a defiantly feminist anthem, featuring a message about freedom and inner strength.

“‘Tequila’ is a song that reflects the struggle to free oneself from a dead-end relationship and find the courage to go against the current.” The song encourages the listener to trust themselves, recognize that they’re enough and leave anything behind that no longer serves them. And the song also encourages the listener to have the courage and clear-headedness to see dysfunctional and repetitive cycles and to break them, in order to achieve significant change.

Directed by Andre Nagle, the accompanying video for “Tequila” sees CENCA recognizing that she’s in a dead-end, dysfunctional relationship and finding the courage to leave it for the comfort, emotional sustenance and support of her friends.

Video by William Ruben Helms

Throwback: Happy 77th Birthday, Linda Ronstadt!

JOVM’s William Ruben Helms celebrates Linda Ronstadt’s 77th birthday.

Video by William Ruben Helms

Lyric Video: Miami’s Yari M Releases a Shimmering Bop

With the release of her debut EP, 2021’s six-song Yo Soy, emerging and rising Miami-based Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Yari M quickly established a sound that meshed Urban Latin R&B and pop rhythms. Yo Soy EP track “Freshy” garnered some traction with a remix that featured Randy and Brray, which amassed over 1 million YouTube and Spotify streams.

Building upon growing momentum, the emerging and rising Puerto Rican artist appeared on Randy’s 2021 album Romances de Una Nota, showcasing Yari M as the only female artist on the album, among a collection of notable Latin artists.

2023 saw the release of “Esta Lloviendo,” a bachata tune that debuted at #19 on Billboard‘s Tropical Airplay Chart, amassing over 500,000 streams. “Esta Lloviendo” was released through her label Black Diamond Music, where she’s the Vice President and the owner of the first Dolby Atmos studio in Miami. which allows her the creative space to create and bring her artistic vision to life.

Yari M’s career has been frequently marked by her commitment to growth and her desire to bring a fresh sound to her audience. She’s currently working on her first album while working with various Latin artists to expand both her repertoire and her sound.

Her latest single “La Noche” is a slickly produced bop featuring glistening synth arpeggios, skittering reggaeton-meet-trap like beats serving as a lush and woozy bed for Yari M’s coquettish and yearning delivery. The result is a summery track that’s lounge and club friendly.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

New Audio: Reijy Shares a Catchy and Summery Bop

Jhon Edison Villamizer is a rising Cúcuta, Colombia-born, Medellín-based singer/songwriter, best known in Latin music world as Reijy. Villiamizer’s career started in earnest over a decade ago, with a string of hits that captivated audiences in his hometown while revealing an artist . He has collaborated with a who’s who list of acclaimed Latin music artists including Feid, Amaro, Kevin Florez and a lengthy list of others.

Solidifying himself as an up-and-coming artist in Colombia, Villamizer recently relocated to Medellín, where he signed with DINASTIA Inc, one of the country’s highly renowned labels.

The rising Colombian artist plans to release a new song every month over the course of the next year, to showcase his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft. His latest single “EFECTO w” is a lounge and club friendly bop anchored around skittering trap beats, fluttering atmospheric synths and remarkably catchy hooks. The production serves as a lush and sainty bed for Villamizer’s delivery, which sees him alternating between vulnerable croon and swaggering braggadocio. The song reveals an artist, who seems to write an effortless and summery hook-driven bop.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

New Audio: Lowa OD Returns with Vibey “Ocasional”

Lowadel Olivares Dominguez is a rising, 20-something, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic-born and-based singer/songwriter, best known as Lowa OD. And in a relatively short period of time, the young and rising Dominican artist has quickly established a sound that blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms and pop melodies pareidw with unique vocals inflections.

Last year, Olivares Dominguez took the Latin music industry by storm with the release of “Ayayai,” a song that quickly became a summer anthem for fans across Central America, South America and Europe while amassing over 200,000 streams across social media platforms. Adding to a growing international profile, DJs around the world have played his music in clubs and venues, introducing him and his work to new audiences.

Now, late last year, I wrote about “Luna Y Sol,” a slick, hook-driven and radio friendly blend of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, reggaeton an Afrobeats built around a looped Spanish guitar melody, twinkling tropical-inspired production and skittering trap beats serving as a lush bed for Olivares Dominguez’s plaintive vocal. “Luna Y Sol” is a breezy and escapist bit of pop that tells the story of young love and adventure with a lived-in specificity that gives the remarkably accessible song its beating heart. 

Continuing to build upon a growing profile, the rising Dominican artist will be releasing the INEFABLE EP, an effort that thematically focuses on his different emotional experiences within the various relationships of his life. The effort’s first single “Ocasional” is a vibey bop that’s simultaneously lounge, club and radio friendly. Anchored around a reggaeton-meets-pop-meets Afrobeats production featuring skittering trap beats, glistening synths and a supple bass line serving as a lush and satiny bed for the rising Dominican artist’s easy-going yet soulful vocal.

“‘Ocasional’ or ‘Ocassional’ (in English) portrays a relationship with a woman who is after man, but the man isn’t interested in a relationship of love. This depiction of an intimate modern relationship with a smooth afrobeat style beat bumping to carry to story will get young people around the world out of their seats and moving.”

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

New Audio: Blessmon Shares Sultry “Blessi”

Blessmon is a somewhat mysterious and emerging Spanish artist, who caught my attention last year with “Ariana,” a slickly produced, lounge and club friendly reggaeton-meets-R&B bop featuring atmospheric synths and electronics and skittering beats paired with the Spanish artist’s yearning and subtly Autotuned vocal.

The Spanish artist’s latest single, the sultry “Blessi” continues a run of lounge and club friendly reggaeton for the grown and sexy cohort featuring skittering beats, atmospheric synths and the Spanish artist’s yearning delivery singing about a woman who wants his narrator to take his time — if y’all dig what I’m saying. It’s the sort of song, you want to wine down with that pretty young thing you want to see naked.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

New Audio: Indy Fontaine Share Gorgeous Ballad “El Amor No Alcanza”

Indy Fontaine is a Cuban-born, Miami-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, who can trace the origins of her career to her early childhood: Singing alongside her uncle and his old guitar, she fell in love with music when she as three. And by the time she turned six, she was enrolled full-time at music school in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, where she trained to be professional vocalist and musician.

Fontaine went on to graduate at the top of her class from Havana‘s prestigious National School of Art. By the time she graduated, she already had over a decade experience playing gigs all across Cuba, including music festivals, live radio and TV sessions and more.

Upon graduation, she joined Sol y Sun, an act that has played sets across the international music festival circuit between the States and Cuba, including some of the most popular venues in Havana. Sol y Sun also frequented national TV and radio shows.

The Cuban-born singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer relocated to the States, where she steps out into the spotlight as a solo artist. Her forthcoming 11-song, full-length debut reportedly ranges across a number of genres and styles Adult Contemporary, Easy Listening, Soft Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Rock and R&B — with songs in English and Spanish. The album’s material is rooted in the song-as-story tradition, inspired by love and real life situations.

Fontaine’s latest single “El Amor No Alcanza,” which translates into English as “Love Is Not Enough” is the Cuban-born artist’s subtly modern take on bolero, a genre that originated from Eastern Cuba that frequently focuses on affairs of the heart in a sophisticated fashion. Built around arrangement that features twinkling keys, electric guitar, a gorgeous flute line, along with bongo-driven percussion and serves as a lush bed for Fontaine’s yearning and heartbroken delivery, “El Amor No Alcanza” details the emotional drama of a tumultuous relationship with a seemingly lived-in experience — although it’s informed by a friend’s relationship.