Every month, Advertising sign Latin and Billboard Español Editors highlight a group of up-and-coming 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 we think our readers should do something to discover.
Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin features a wave of up-and-coming artists that we've discovered either through networking or coming across their music at a showcase and beyond. Check out our picks this month below:
Name: Alvaro Rod
Country: Peru
Why they should be on your radar: With a demanding stage presence, but even stronger vocals, Alvaro Rod immediately caught my attention at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards (aka Premios Heat), where he was nominated for best salsa artist and performed alongside other talented Peruvian artists. Rod released his debut single 'Vamos a Escapar' in 2019 and has since established himself as a promising artist in the salsa music scene, alongside Christian Alicea, Luis Figueroa and Daniela Darcourt. The singer-songwriter caught the eye of the masses, sharing stages with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and La India. He has also gained traction on social media thanks to his quad Live session album, where he covers timeless hits from Camilo, RBD and Luis Enrique, giving them a modern twist. — JESSICA ROSE
Song for your playlist: “Dime Cómo Hago”
Artist: Alison Menrod
Country: Mexico
Why they should be on your radar: Watching Allyson Menrod's latest music videos, it's hard to imagine her leading a professional double life. “I'm a 'Hannah Montana': In the mornings I'm a pharmaceutical chemist, a biologist and in the afternoons/evenings I'm a pop singer,” she says. Billboard Español. But with nearly 15 years on the song (including a stint in 2019 The Voice Mexico) and writing her own songs, it's clear what her true passion is. Her most recent release is 'Sin Tu Amor', an empowering self-love track about how great it feels to get out of a toxic relationship. Menrod, whose musical influences lie mainly in 80s American pop and R&B, has something to say and does it in a fun and honest way. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for your playlist: “Sin Tu Amor”
Name: Amy Gutierrez
Country: Peru
Why they should be on your radar: I first met Amy Gutiérrez when she approached my colleague and I at the Heat Latin Music Awards 2024 in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), where Advertising sign are part of an educational panel. After the talk, Gutiérrez came up to us to introduce herself and thank us for such an inspiring panel. I didn't know she was a force to be reckoned with: she sings, she dances, she's humble, she's sweet and she was a winner La Voz Kids Peru 10 YEARS ago. Originally from Callao, Gutiérrez's talent shined at the awards show, where she took center stage to perform alongside other Peruvian actresses, including Yahaira Plasencia and Alvaro Rod. In 2023, her debut album was released Valienteshowing off her ability to navigate from salsa to romantic ballads, and is currently making the rounds on a sugary cumbia called “Cuando me veo en tus ojos” — part of hitmaker Master Chris' La Nueva Cepa album, released in June. — JR
Song for your playlist: “Cuando Me Veo en Tus Ojos” (Master Chris feat. Amy Gutiérrez)
Artist: Annabella Mondi
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Anabella Mondi is an independent artist and producer based in Miami who combines Venezuelan folk with electronic beats and other contemporary rhythms. The self-proclaimed Llanera Global, as her latest album is titled, has been developing her style for years under her own label, Tactus Pro, with more than 40 songs released — aiming to bring her country's music to new generations and audiences. He has an interesting approach, which he conveys with confidence and coherence. — SRA
Song for your playlist: “Meaculpa”
Artist: Andre
Country: Peru-Spain
Why they should be on your radar: I met Andre earlier this month at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York, where, after the Wonder Women in Latin Music panel I moderated, she approached me and began to explain the concept behind her music. As a trained opera and classical artist, and also a proud Peruvian-Spanish singer-songwriter, Andre has put all his bets on a more local approach to alternative music, to stand out with a distinctive sound that combines folk genres such as Creole music, the Peruvian polka and marinera, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms such as festejo and landó. (All of which incorporate classical and modern pop elements.) Her debut album Sagrado Corazon, released in May, showcases Andre's uniqueness as she sings in Spanish and the indigenous Quechua language native to Peru. Throughout the album, which is broken down into different acts, Andre sings with emotion about love that is no longer reciprocated. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for your playlist: “Pisco y Hielo (Acto: 1 Escena: 1)” (feat. Wariwillka)
Artist: Gigi Méndez
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Gigi Méndez became the first woman to write the official song of La Vinotinto—as Venezuela's national soccer team is known—for Copa América 2024. With an exciting music video directed by Poe Polanco and Edixon Ochoa, which has more than 5.7 million views Since its release on June 28, “Somos Vinotinto” has inspired her countrymen with joy and excitement inside and outside of Venezuela, where she is known as “the toughest of the new school,” and put her on the international map. “I'm living this moment in my career with enthusiasm, focus and, above all, discipline,” he said in a press release at the time. “My team has done a great job and this achievement is down to them.” We can't wait to see what he brings us next. — SRA
Song for your playlist: “Somos Vinotinto”
Artist: John de la Torre
Country: Colombia
Why they should be on your radar: With his tejana and tailored suit representing the local Mexican genre, I met Jhon de la Torre after this year's Masterclass: Optimizing Your Relation with the Advertising sign panel for Premios Heat 2024. He humbly and sweetly introduced himself, sharing all about his new album, More Ranchero Que Nunca, where she combines rachera with a touch of popular music fueled by acoustic guitars and country music elements that make her stand out. Clear examples are “La Miradita,” Lo Que Duele” and “Que Importa Ya”, which captivate us with his powerful vocals. Like Amy Gutiérrez, De la Torre is involved La Nueva Cepathe new set of famous producer Master Chris with 12 artists from different regions and musical genres. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for your playlist: “Ni Plata Ni Nada”
Artist: Maruja Limón
Country: Spain
Why they should be on your radar: With their recent performance at the Sounds From Spain event at DROM during LAMC 2024, Maruja Limón dominated the scene, breathing new life into flamenco with a mesmerizing fusion. This Barcelona quintet – consisting of Esther González and Sheila Quero on vocals, Vicky Blum on guitar, Eli Fàbregas on percussion and Milagros González on trumpet – combines the soulful strains of the traditional style with a bold blend of rumba rhythms and risky rates. heat. Their latest EP, Te Como La Cara (A), released in March, is a refreshing showcase of fervent guitar hooks and powerful brass clashing beautifully, complemented by moving percussion. The raspy vocals oscillate between playful teasing and deep, poignant periods of storytelling, capturing the timeless spirit of flamenco and pushing this celebrated art form into an exciting, contemporary spotlight. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your playlist: “Miralas”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/on-the-radar-latin-emerging-artists-july-2024-1235742888/
