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. See our recommendations for February 2024 below.
Artist: Alessandra Aguirre
Country: Peru
Why they should be on your radar: Since she was a little girl, Alessandra Aguirre has been honing her vocal and songwriting skills by participating in competition shows such as Perú Tiene Talento and American Idol. Most recently, he graduated from Berklee College of Music. Her work has paid off: The pop artist, who has an impressive vocal range, signed to indie label PJ Records (founded by duo Periko & Jessi León) last year. With synth-pop as her canvas, Aguirre's mature and deep vocals take center stage, expressing a sense of urgency to get a message across in each of her songs. Her latest single “Contravía” is no exception: In it, the Miami-based singer-songwriter sings about giving it her all in a relationship where the other person wasn't reciprocating. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for your playlist: “Contravia”
Artist: La Mau
Country: Venezuela
Venezuelan indie artist La Mau brings a sweet take on urban pop, with clean, romantic lyrics that still have personality. Signed to Swag Records and distributed by Glad Empire, La Mau is sometimes reminiscent of Karol G in sound and charm, but takes a more romantic turn. With her girl-next-door vibe and disarming, down-to-earth videos, she's instantly relatable. — LC
Song for your playlist: “Solo You”
Artist: Marcelo Rubio
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: Venezuelan singer-songwriter Marcelo Rubio brings back that Latin singer-songwriter vibe like Ricardo Arjona and Alejandro Sanz, but with a modern diction that's a joy to listen to. On the straightforward track “Conversación Con Mi Ex”, a slick mid-tempo pop jam mixed with synths and keyboards, he converses with an ex-girlfriend in serious, beautiful language that also incorporates pop culture references seamlessly and makes you sit up and listen . That's pretty impressive stuff for a 20-year-old — and the labels agree. Rubio just signed a deal with Sony Music Latin. — LEILA COBO
Song for your playlist: “Conversación Con Mi Ex”
Artist: Noreh
Country: Venezuela
Why they should be on your radar: This 26-year-old singer-songwriter is already a rising star in his native Venezuela, but he's an emerging artist beyond his hometown. On the albums he's released so far — including his debut LP Social (2020), the live album Nada Íntimo (2021) and Too much TXT (2023) — offers an eclectic flavor ranging from urbano music and ballads to bolero, salsa and bossa nova. Noreh has collaborated with established names such as Jay Wheeler, Nacho, CNCO and Servando & Florentino and is now embarking on an international career. In mid-February he gave his first concert in the US, in Miami, with fellow Venezuelans Joaquina and Ricky Montaner (of Mau y Ricky) among the attendees. It will be released on March 7 BALADAS TATUADAS VOL. 1an EP of songs that combine romantic and urban music, while planning his next US shows — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for your playlist: “El Día Que Me Odies”
Artist: Reyna Tropical
Country: Mexico
Why they should be on your radar: Dripping with lush electronic textures, carefully plucked guitar and hushed vocals, Reyna Tropical emerges as the work of guitarist, producer and vocalist Fabi Reyna. Recent singles 'Conocerla' and 'Cartagena' serve as tantalizing precursors to the project's debut studio album, Malaria, out March 29 on Psychic Hotline. This title, a shocking combination “mal” (sorry) and “alegría” (joy), expresses the complex emotions of celebrating life amid mourning the death of band member Nectali Díaz, known as Sumo.
Originally a collaboration between the two Mexican expats since 2018, the act has turned into a one-woman effort. Rooted in “the duality between bad and good, bitter and sweet, sorrow and love, and death and rebirth,” as the press release says, Malaria claims a contemporary homage to diverse cultural heritages; weaves themes of queer identity, sensuality and love with Congolese, Peruvian and Colombian rhythms. Drawing inspiration from Chavela Vargas and Manu Chao, Reyna's artistry shines through her recent work. Earlier this year, the artist signed with WME for worldwide representation across the board. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your playlist: “Conoserla”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/on-the-radar-latin-alessandra-aguirre-artists-to-discover-1235617310/
