Every month, Billboard 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 emerging artists that we've discovered by scrolling through social media, networking or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. Check out our March 2024 suggestions — in honor of Women's History Month — below.
Artist: Alé Araya
Country: USA (of Chilean origin)
Why they should be on your radar: Either she embodies a fairy-like figure in music videos (see below) or she channels the essence of a mythical forest creature, as depicted in this vinyl artwork For in visions, Alé Araya stands out with her seductive images. However, it is her music that truly enchants. As a singer-songwriter and producer, her compositions exude R&B sensuality infused with atmospheric yet turbulent productions, reminiscent of artists such as Kali Uchis, Ibeyi or PinkPanthress.
Her latest single, “Bella,” released on International Women's Day, serves as a tribute to “divinity, feminine ferocity and feminine transgression,” as her press kit notes. in just two and a half minutes, the Chilean descendant enchants listeners by creating her serene vocals with the ability to mesmerize. Now signed to Rostrum Records, Alé has spent the past few years honing her craft, writing and producing for notables such as Alice Glass of Crystal Castles fame, Saba, Joseph Chilliams and Lexa Gates. With a background in classic jazz and a deep understanding of digital composition, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alé is set to release her next EP in May. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your playlist: “Bella”
Artist: Greyvi
Country: Honduras
Why they should be on your radar: I discovered Greyvi while she was playing at the famous Calle Ocho festival in Miami earlier this month. With such edge and grace, the young artist – born in Honduras to Colombian parents and based between Guatemala and Miami – can easily navigate from Latin pop to urban music with her sweet vocals and intense dance moves. Further showcasing her hunger in the music business and her effortless versatility, her latest single “El Luto” is a catchy salsa bop co-produced by Colombian black hitmaker Saga WhiteBlack that tells the story of a girl who has passed and does not mourn for the heart. any longer. In 2022, she collaborated with Dominican rapper Mozart La Para on “Nos Fuimos Mundial” and released her debut EP. I'm Greyvi in 2023. JESSICA ROSE
Song for your playlist: “El Luto”
Artist: Irepelusa
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Venezuelan singer/songwriter Irepelusa just made her debut at Bogotá's Estero Picnic festival, her latest step in a career that has been slowly and steadily rising, surrounded by great musicians. Now based in Colombia, Irepelusa plays a mix of atmospheric electronica, pop, soul and R&B with frequent touches of Caribbean and urban beats. But she is also capable of changing into a clear acoustic sound with a beautiful bell-like voice. Irepelusa (real name Irene Alejandra) is preparing an upcoming album produced by Juan Pablo Vega, with a new single “Los Domingos la Paso Solita”, released in February on indie Discos La Piña. — LEILA COBO
Song for your playlist: “Nervios de Acero”
Artist: NXNNI
Country: Mexico
Why they should be on your radar: I'm always on the hunt for up-and-coming talent in local Mexican and, unsurprisingly, when I find new names, they're almost always male. So when sierreño artist Ivonne Galaz released “Fumar Beber” earlier this month, featuring only up-and-coming women in mexicana music on her track, it got me really excited. One of those featured is NXNNI, a singer and composer of corridos bélicos from Monterrey, Nuevo León, a Mexican state bordering Texas.
Like most of this generation's local acts, NXNNI is also a talented guitarist, fueling her spiky passages along with her deep and rich vocals that demand attention. After starting her career in 2021 singing corrido covers and rapping alongside local artists, she scored a record deal with Fonovisa (the Mexican music imprint under Universal) and was part of the 2023 compilation album. album/57prVFEZXN9UWNqs9Hp02b” target=”_blank”>Bélico Indie (Volume 1). Most recently, she released a cover of Belanova's 2000s pop anthem, “Rosa Pastel,” giving it a corridos bélico twist. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for your playlist: “Rosa Pastel”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/on-the-radar-latin-artists-to-discover-march-2024-1235642507/
