Tag: shakira

How Spotify Spotlights Breaking Latin Talent

February 4, 2020

In the past year, Spotify’s ¡Viva Latino! playlist highlighted nine rising artists in its original video series Radar Latino and helped bring their success to new heights. As the flagship playlist for the biggest hits in Latin music, ¡Viva Latino! closely followed this crop of artists, who were poised to become the next hitmakers on the list, amplifying them for fans with in-depth video profiles.

Representing a wealth of different styles and countries, these artists enjoyed an average 49% increase in streams after being featured. They found their own measures of success, earning cosigns with Shakira and reaching other career milestones.

Puerto Rican urban pop singer Darell, the first artist showcased with a Radar Latino feature on ¡Viva Latino! in 2019, made his major-label debut in February with the low-slung thumper “Caliente,” a team-up with hugely successful countryman Farruko. Laying claim to a slow, hypnotic flow, he released a stack of notable singles in 2019, including the supple headline cut “No Vuelvas Más” (“Don’t Come Back Anymore”).

In March, soulful New York/Chilean singer Paloma Mami saw her delicate urban ballad “Fingías” launch with a Radar Latino profile and song placement on the ¡Viva Latino! playlist, leading to her biggest spike for single-day streams to date. The single went gold on the Latin pop chart, and Paloma quickly followed it with the C. Tangana collaboration “No Te Debí Besar” and the sultry summons “Mami” (anchored by the English vocal hook “I like it when you call me mami”). Despite only singing professionally since June 2018, she’s now one of the hottest female artists in Latin music, and her plays increased by more than 100% in the week after that playlist appearance.

Commanding more than 20 million monthly listeners, Panamanian reggaeton singer Sech had a banner year that kicked into high gear after his Radar Latino feature in ¡Viva Latino!, which highlighted the release of his debut EP, Sueños. He went on to perform at Spotify’s ¡Viva Latino! Live in Miami and enjoy one of the biggest hits of the summer in “Otro Trago” (“Another Drink”), which hit number one in multiple countries and achieved diamond sales. The former producer and lyricist for other artists hails from Panama City, where his father is a well-known local pastor. Thanks to “Otro Trago” and its remix, Sech is still riding the wave of his explosive Latin music success story. He told For The Record, “[Being featured on ¡Viva Latino!] is something I’m very proud of, as there are thousands of artists that could’ve gotten it, and it’s truly an honor to be one of them.”

After being featured in ¡Viva Latino!, Argentinian rapper/singer Cazzu saw her streams increase more than 200%. She has amassed more than 20 million streams for her infectious yet emotional single “Visto a las 00:00,” which debuted on the playlist in June along with her Radar Latino video profile. Cazzu also released her second album, Error 93, to great acclaim in June. She’s one of the most distinctive artists from the Radar Latino class of 2019, earning a cult following for her alternative style and embrace of trap’s chilled-out swagger; “Mucha Data” especially showcases her purring, coolheaded vocals over ultra-skeletal production.

A Puerto Rican singer and multi-instrumentalist who aims to unite music and dance at the level Michael Jackson did, Rauw Alejandro released his silky, slinky single “Detective” alongside his feature in ¡Viva Latino!. Arriving hot on the heels of his debut EP, Trap Cake, Vol.1, that romantic highlight provided a serious boost for the artist, with his audience now topping 15 million monthly listeners. Almost as passionate about soccer as he is about music, the prolific collaborator kicked off 2020 with a guest spot on Jay Menez’s intricate Latin trap cut “Solo.”

After his breakthrough single “Soltera” appeared on ¡Viva Latino!, teenage Puerto Rican artist Lunay released his debut album in late 2019. He was profiled on the playlist in August with that song’s remix, featuring Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny; it topped the pop charts in Spain. Influenced by Puerto Rico’s native La Plento music, Lunay mingles those proud roots with up-to-the-minute reggaeton and Latin trap. The melodious, charismatic singer is also a tireless collaborator, having achieved back-to-back gold sales via recent team-ups with Zion & Lennox (“Llégale”), Myke Towers (“La Cama”), and Anuel AA and Ozuna (“Aventura”).

 

A winner of X Factor in his native Colombia, Camilo is an affable, versatile Latin pop singer as well as a successful songwriter for such artists as Becky G, Natti Natasha, Juanes, and Leslie Grace. After his poignant 2018 turn on Mau y Ricky’s “Desconocidos,” the deeply spiritual artist (who begins every day with a meditative ritual that he calls “airplane mode”) was showcased in a Radar Latino profile on ¡Viva Latino! in tandem with his mainstream breakthrough “Tutu.” The track has since topped the charts in seven countries and earned a remix costarring none other than Shakira.

There’s also Puerto Rico’s Guaynaa. A former horse jockey who grew up listening to music with his troubadour grandfather, Guaynaa was still splitting his time between horse racing and music when French superstar DJ Snake shared his breakthrough track “Rebota” on social media. The unexpected boost encouraged the rapper and reggaeton singer to devote himself fully to music. Since then he has been profiled by Billboard and collaborated with Mala Rodriguez (“Dame Bien”), Mon Laferte (“Plata Ta Ta”), and Yandel (“Full Moon”), always showing off his cool, confident flow and pop sensibilities.

¡Viva Latino! capped the year by spotlighting Mariah, a Miami singer with Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage who grew up listening to reggaeton (and yes, was named after Mariah Carey). Her breakthrough came with last year’s swaggering reggaeton earworm “Perreito,” which made it onto Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in 16 countries. Produced by Nely El Arma Secreta, the track has since been remixed with guest spots from Darell and Arcangel. Mariah quickly followed it up with “Una Noche Más,” a more traditional track that shows off her softer side, and teamed up with fellow Radar Latino selection Guaynaa on the just-released “Taxi.” “I never thought I would be on this level,” said Mariah to For The Record. “And now I wake up and I’m traveling the world. It’s a great honor to have been featured as one of Spotify’s Radar Latino artists. I’ll never forget it.”

As 2020 builds steam, fans around the world can check out more of the year’s rising Latin artists on Spotify’s Radar Latino playlist.

Los Cañonazos Bailables: Los clásicos de la rumba colombiana llegan a Spotify

December 19, 2019

Una de las tradiciones en el mes de diciembre en Colombia es reunirse con familia y amigos durante los nueve días antes de la Navidad para celebrar las “Novenas” para disfrutar platos típicos, risas y, un poco más entrada la noche, música bailable colombiana para prender la rumba.

¿De dónde viene ese ritmo que convirtió una tradición en un baile de barrio? La respuesta está en Los Cañonazos Bailables, el compilado anual de éxitos que produce la reconocida disquera Discos Fuentes.

Los Cañonazos Bailables cambiaron la forma de escuchar y comercializar la música al reunir por primera vez en la historia de la música en Colombia –y en América Latina– los éxitos bailables en una misma entrega. El primer volumen de Los Cañonazos incluyó éxitos de Lucho Bermúdez Y Su Orchestra, Pedro Laza Y Sus Pelayeros y Los Teen Agers.

Después de 1960, Discos Fuentes seguirían publicando cada año un nuevo volumen de Los Cañonazos Bailables, que se convertiría en una pieza clave en la cultura y un acontecimiento anual para los amantes de la rumba. Aún hoy, canciones que fueron grandes éxitos de este compilado como El Preso de Fruko y Sus Tesos con Wilson Manyoma, Rebelión del Joe Arroyo y La Verdad o Isla para Dos de Galileo Y Su Banda, despiertan entre los colombianos un incontrolable impulso de bailar y un sentimiento de nostalgia a las fiestas.

Los Cañonazos Bailables son solo uno de los destacados aportes de Discos Fuentes a la cultura musical en América Latina. La compañía fue fundada en 1934 en Cartagena por Antonio, uno de los seis hermanos de la familia Fuentes, después de un viaje a los Estados Unidos. Impresionado con la tecnología de la industria musical, Antonio regresó a Colombia con la idea de grabar las canciones de los artistas locales. 

En una época en que la música se consumía a través de la radio y la gente iba a bailar a los salones inspirados en Cuba, Discos Fuentes llevó la música y el baile al público masivo gracias a la introducción de tecnologías innovadoras para la época como la producción de discos en serie. Con presentaciones como la de Lucho Bermúdez o la de Pacho Galán, la disquera le apostó a la reivindicación de los ritmos tradicionales de la región caribeña junto con grandes actos al mejor estilo de las big bands americanas. La música tropical colombiana conquistaría muchos corazones –y caderas– y atraería la atención de los públicos internacionales.

“Cuando le preguntas a los jóvenes por artistas colombianos de talla internacional, muchos no recuerdan que hace 40 años llenábamos escenarios en todo el mundo con artistas como Los Corraleros de Majagual”, señala Tony Peñarredonda, actual gerente general de Discos Fuentes, recordando los grandes éxitos de la música colombiana antes de Shakira, J Balvin y Maluma. “Teníamos al Joe Arroyo, Rodolfo Aicardi, Latin Brothers y Fruko y Sus Tesos en el Madison Square Garden de Nueva York. Era el inicio de una explosión de nuestro folclor por todo el mundo”.

85 años después del nacimiento de Discos Fuentes, la música se escucha diferente. Gracias al streaming, sus canciones están trascendiendo fronteras. Asimismo, su música está evolucionando para responder a las nuevas audiencias, cada vez mejor perfiladas gracias a la data y la información que ofrece la tecnología. Ejemplo de esto son artistas como Afrosound y la DJ Electropika, quienes han tomado las raíces musicales y el folclor latino con instrumentos como la gaita y el acordeón, y le han sumado nuevos elementos provenientes del rock, el pop y la música urbana.  

A través de Spotify, la disquera quiere proyectar su idea de música para la posteridad. Una propuesta creativa, más que comercial, seguros de que lo que surge como una manifestación del ingenio y del gusto en la música, puede convertirse en un éxito. “Lo que está naciendo son nuevas propuestas donde hay más apertura, los artistas no están encasillados y son más abiertos a nuevos ritmos. Lo más importante es que tengan calidad y que realmente transmitan alegría, baile y movimiento, que es lo que buscamos con la música”, concluye Peñarredonda.

¿Quieres explorar más? Revisa playlists de la disquera como los Cañonazos bailables 59, Discos Fuentes Top 100 y DICIEMBRE COLOMBIANO.

El Trascendente y Vivaz legado de Soda Stereo y Gustavo Cerati

September 16, 2019

Una tarde de 2012, en el recital de U2  llevado a cabo en La Plata, Argentina, durante la gira Tour Latinoamericano 360° de la banda, un inspirado Bono miró hacia la audiencia y exclamó “¡No olviden a Gustavo Cerati!”. La multitud de 60.000 fans inmediatamente ovacionó de pie, mientras Bono dedicaba su canción “Moment of Surrender” a Cerati —el adorado líder de la banda argentina Soda Stereo. Fue un momento sumamente emotivo, ya que Cerati había caído en un coma sin final a la vista. El conmovedor tributo de Bono al cantante que murió hace 5 años sería el primero de muchos. A partir de este momento, una enorme diversidad de artistas, desde Shakira hasta Coldplay, se han tomado el tiempo en sus giras para reconocer al enorme talento e impacto que ha tenido Gustavo Cerati en el rock.  

Para los fanáticos, septiembre trae la oportunidad de recordar el incomparable legado de Cerati —el icónico rockero alternativo, cuya presencia permitió atraer la atención internacional a la música de Latinoamérica. 

Conocido por su carisma, curiosidad y voluntad para experimentar, Cerati nació en Buenos Aires el 11 de agosto de 1959. Como fanático del rock and roll desde sus inicios, empezó a tocar la guitarra a los 9 años de edad, citando a Jimi Hendrix como una gran influencia. A sus 13 años ya había formado su primera banda. Otras de sus inspiraciones incluyeron al guitarrista Luis Alberto Spinetta, pionero del Rock Argentino y de la banda Almendra, y a Andy Summers de The Police.

En 1982, cuando Argentina emergía de tiempos sombríos y agitación política de varias décadas, Cerati formó Soda Stereo junto a Héctor “Zeta” Bosio como bajista, y Charly Alberti como baterista. El trío lanzó su primer álbum dos años después, conformado por canciones como “¿Por qué no puedo ser del jet-set?” y “Sobredosis de T.V.”, que tocaban temáticas relacionadas a la cultura como la lucha de clases, acompañadas de acordes sorprendentes y riffs de guitarra. Sin embargo, fue Nada Personal, el álbum lanzando al año siguiente, el que les dio proyección desde Río Grande al Río de la Plata, con canciones como “Juegos de seducción”, “Nada personal”, y “Cuando pase el temblor” —que tomaron por asalto el espectro radial, especialmente de México, Chile, Uruguay y Argentina.

Después del éxito repentino, Cerati decidió cambiar su rumbo y colaborar, en 1992, con Daniel Melero, su cercano amigo y, además, miembro de la banda argentina de tecno-pop Los Encargados. El resultado de dicha fusión fue  Colores Santos, un álbum de pistas soñadoras e introspectivas que recuerdan el sonido espacial y sintetizado de bandas británicas como New Order, gracias al uso pionero de Cerati de los samplers Akai MPC60 and Emax II. 

Cerati continuó experimentando y expandiendo su curiosidad, incluso en el sexto álbum de Soda Stereo ”Dynamo”. Más shoegaze que rock tradicional, el álbum representó un desviación completa del trabajo anterior de la banda, y marcó un nuevo momento en la evolución y escena del Rock Argentino. Hoy, Dynamo es considerado un ejemplo central del característico sonido shoegaze, comparándolo también con Loveless de My Bloody Valentine, fundamental para el género.

Para 1996, la banda Soda Stereo se había separado oficialmente, por lo que Cerati concentró su energía en la producción de música electrónica. Creó el proyecto tecno Plan V con DJs chilenos: Andrés Bucci, Christian Powditch, y Guillermo Bassard. Tres años después, lanzó Bocanada, un álbum ambicioso, concebido como un viaje musical entre las líneas de la electrónica y el rock, diseñado para ser escuchado en un orden específico, desde el comienzo hasta el final.  

Luego en 2006, Cerati sacó Ahí Vamos incluyendo el sencillo “Crimen”, que a la fecha, es la canción más popular del artista en Spotify —con más de 88 millones de streams. Su álbum siguiente, lanzado en 2009, Fuerza Natural, coproducido con el premiado productor Héctor Castillo, fue reconocido por usar el mandolín y la guitarra “Lap Steel”. Tenía un sonido más pacífico y orientado al folk —encajando, así, en la nueva dirección de lo que sería el último álbum de Cerati.

Los dúos musicales fueron los elementos definitorios de la carrera de Cerati, y según la crítica chilena del rock, Paula Molina, fue su compromiso con las técnicas y la experimentación de otros géneros, que luego fusionó e incorporó en su música, lo que lo hizo tan popular. Ahora, luego de haber reflexionado sobre lo que fue su legado, lo que se destaca es su habilidad para hacer que la música trasciende los géneros y cruza las fronteras —música para todos los latinoamericanos. Como otra estrella del rock argentino, Andrés Calamaro declaró: “millones de personas llorarán la ausencia [de Cerati], pero siempre recordarán que sus canciones cambiaron la música latinoamericana para siempre”.  

En distinción a su contribución a la música y al rock en español, escuchá esta playlist tributo que honra el imborrable legado de Gustavo Cerati.

The Transcendent and Vivacious Legacy of Soda Stereo’s Gustavo Cerati

September 16, 2019

One evening in 2012 during a stop in La Plata, Argentina on the Latin American leg of U2’s 360° tour, an inspired Bono looked out over the audience and exclaimed, “Don’t forget Gustavo Cerati!” The crowd of 60,000 fans immediately broke out into a standing ovation while Bono dedicated the band’s song, “Moment of Surrender” to Cerati—the beloved lead singer of Argentinian rock band Soda Stereo. It was an understandably emotional moment as Cerati had recently fallen into a coma with no end in sight. Bono’s touching tribute to the singer who passed away five years ago this month would be the first of many. Since then everyone from Shakira to Coldplay have taken time out of their tours to acknowledge Gustavo Cerati’s enormous talent for and impact on rock and roll.  

For music fans everywhere, September brings with it the opportunity to look back at the incomparable legacy of Cerati—the proud Latin American alt-rocker whose global appeal helped bring international attention to the region’s music. 

Known for his charisma, curiosity, and willingness to experiment, Cerati was born in Buenos Aires on August 11, 1959. A fan of rock and roll from the very beginning, he started playing guitar at the age of nine, citing Jimi Hendrix as a large influence. By 13, he had formed his first band. Other early inspirations included guitarist Luis Alberto Spinetta, of pioneering Rock Argentino band Almendra, and Andy Summers of The Police.

In 1982, just as Argentina was emerging from the shadow of decades-long political turmoil, Cerati formed Soda Stereo with bassist Héctor “Zeta” Bosio and drummer Charly Alberti. They released their eponymous first album two years later, with songs such as “¿Por qué no puedo ser del jet-set?” and “Sobredosis de T.V.,” tackling themes of class struggle and material culture with surprisingly infectious chord progressions and guitar riffs. But it was Nada Personal, their second album released the next year, that put them on the radar from the Rio Grande to the Río de la Plata, with the tracks “Juegos de seducción,” “Nada personal,” and “Cuando pase el temblor”—taking over airwaves, especially in Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina.

After so much early success, Cerati decided to switch gears in 1992 and collaborate with Daniel Melero, his close friend and a member of the Argentinean techno-pop band Los Encargados. The result was Colores Santos, an album of dreamy, introspective tracks that recall the spacey, synthed-out sounds of British New Wave bands like New Order thanks to Cerati’s pioneering use of the now-iconic Akai MPC60 and Emax II samplers. 

Cerati continued to experiment and stretched his curiosity even further on Soda Stereo’s sixth album, Dynamo. More shoegaze than traditional rock, the album represented a complete departure from the band’s previous work and marked a new moment in the ever-evolving Rock Argentino scene. Today, Dynamo is considered a core example of shoegaze’s signature woozy sound, often drawing comparisons to My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless, a touchstone of the genre. 

By 1996, Soda Stereo had officially split, and Cerati threw his energy into electronic music and production. He created the ambient techno project Plan V with Chilean DJs Andrés Bucci, Christian Powditch, and Guillermo Bassard. Three years later, he released Bocanada, an ambitious album conceived as a musical journey straddling the lines between electronica and rock, and designed to be listened to in order, from start to finish. 

Then in 2006, Cerati put out Ahí Vamos featuring the single “Crimen,” which to date is the artist’s most popular song on Spotify—with over 88 million streams. His next album, 2009’s Fuerza Natural, co-produced with award-winning producer Hector Castillo, was notable for its use of a mandolin and lap steel guitar. It had a more folk-oriented and peaceful sound—a fitting new direction for what would be Cerati’s final album. 

Musical twists and turns were the defining element of Cerati’s career, and according to Chilean rock critic Paula Molina, it was this commitment to experimentation and to techniques from other genres that he then infused back into his own music that made him so popular. Now, as we reflect on Cerati’s legacy what comes into focus was his remarkable ability to make music that transcended genres and crossed borders—music for all Latin Americans. As fellow Argentine rockstar Andrés Calamaro put it, “millions of people will mourn [Cerati’s] absence, but always remember his songs that changed Latin American music forever.”

In honor of his contribution to music and rock en español, check out this tribute playlist that honors the enduring legacy of Gustavo Cerati.

Add These Top-Streamed Moms to Your Mother’s Day Playlist

May 7, 2019

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day present? Look no further than the gift she may have given you: a love for music. Creating a homemade Mother’s Day playlist (much like those handmade cards you drew as a kid) can help you show your appreciation.  

This Mother’s Day, give your mom a little extra themed love by stocking that playlist full of the 10 top-streamed artist moms on Spotify. You can check them out below, as well as a song to possibly share with your own mama.

1. Cardi B

Cardi B has it all: style, swag, and a new bundle of joy. Since giving birth to daughter Kulture in July 2018, the Grammy-winning rapper hasn’t slowed down for a second (not surprising, considering last year’s energetic Coachella performance with a giant baby bump).

2. Beyoncé

Beyoncé is no stranger to sharing her family life with the world. She and husband Jay Z have three kids: Blue Ivy (seven), and twins Rumi and Sir (almost two). And who could forget Beyoncé’s beautiful pregnancy announcement?

3. Adele

Adele keeps her home life private, but fans know how dedicated she is to raising her son, Angelo, born in 2012. Three years after becoming a parent, she released her record-breaking third album, 25.

4. P!nk

Since having two kids—Willow (nine) and Jameson (two)—with motocross pro husband Carey Hart, P!nk has continued to churn out emotional dance-floor-ready hits while spreading the empowering messages she’s shared with her daughter.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Qh38w01QRXK6KHIv0e3hb?si=UN3j7VU9RvO-3GAIzTgnCQ

5. Shakira

For Shakira, the Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, businesswoman, and philanthropist, every day is busy—but she’s happy to spend time with her two young sons and husband, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, whenever, wherever.

6. Kehlani

Rising R&B star Kehlani can now add “mom” to her growing resume; her daughter, Adeya, just arrived in March 2019.

7. Britney Spears

It might seem like just yesterday that Britney Spears was a teenager herself, but the superstar singer now has two of her own. Her Instagram is full of sweet tributes to her sons, Sean and Jayden.

8. Alicia Keys

It’s safe to say that Alicia Keys’ children have music in their blood; the multiple-Grammy winner shares two sons, Egypt (eight) and Genesis (four), with fellow musician Swizz Beatz.

9. Christina Aguilera

In between making music and inspiring young talent on The Voice, Christina Aguilera is a mom to two young kids, Max (eleven) and Summer (four).

10. Mariah Carey

Pop queen Mariah Carey is a legend and an icon to fans, and to her eight-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, she’s “Mom.”

But you don’t need to stop with these rockin’ moms. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz To Men is the most-added song to listener-created Happy Mothers Day playlists. It’s followed by Meghan Trainor’s track “Mom” which features vocals from her mom, Kelli. ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” are also popular picks. You’ll be in good company: Streams of user playlists titled “Happy Mother’s Day” have grown each year since 2016, increasing 19% from 2016 to 2018.

For more inspiration, take a listen to the official Happy Mother’s Day playlist.