If quarantine has given us anything during these trying times, it’s time. All of a sudden, we have time to read a book, enjoy old and new music and discover fresh artists who weren’t on our radar and should be.
While they might not be topping the charts (yet) nor have a huge following, these 17 Latin artists, who are kick-starting their careers, have gifted us with their beautifully-crafted music and distinctive voices that we want to share with our readers.
Below, check out the new hidden gems, in alphabetical order, we discovered during the quarantine. (Next week, we’ll be posting about duo/groups you should check out.)
Abdiel Larralde
Hailing from Cuba, Abdiel Larralde first got on our radar when he participated in the Univision reality show La Banda. His crisp voice also captivated the ears of Puerto Rican artist Wisin, who officially endorsed him on social media in early April. “I met this boy in a singing competition and he surprised me so much that I approached him to work,” he expressed on Instagram, assuring that a lot of music will be dropping soon. In the meantime, check out one of his covers below.
Andres Martinez
Bringing a fresh sound to the Nicaraguan music scene is Andres Martinez, a rising local talent from Chinandega who is creating a buzz in the middle of the pandemic. Martinez’s musical artistry shines in his catchy pop-urban melodies and heartfelt lyrics, where he not only sings but also composes and produces. He’s currently making the rounds with his single “Jugaste Conmigo,” released under the independent label Lo Mas Ranqueado.
Beéle
At only 17 years old, Beéle is an upcoming Colombian artist who first got on our radar with his 2019 single “Loco,” a breezy reggae-infused dancehall track about being crazy over a girl. His breakout track puts in perspective his musical proposal, bringing to the table his enthralling soft vocals and lots of tropical vibes. Seven months after its release, Natti Natasha, Manuel Turizo, and Farruko jumped on the remix, adding their distinctive flow to the track. “Loco” and its remix are Beéle’s first tracks released under Hear This Music.
Dylan Fuentes
In early March, Dylan Fuentes got signed by the NEON16/Interscope Records talent incubator, launched by Latin Grammy-winning producer Tainy and renowned music executive Lex Borrero. After forming part of Tainy’s EP The Kids That Grew Up on Reggaeton, Fuentes dropped his current single “Bipolar,” which brings to the forefront his promising sound that fuses Afrobeat, dancehall, Latin R&B, and Caribbean melodies.
EIX
EIX (real name: Christian Rohena Rodríguez) just launched his debut studio album Yo Soy Eix under the independent label Duars Entertainment. His promising collaborations with artists such as Darkiel, Brytiago, Rauw Alejandro and Eladio Carrion, put this rising act from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico on our radar. “The people who listen to my music identify with it because I sing about daily experiences of relationship, friends, and life itself,” he said. “What I want is to carry a positive message and continue working hard; This is the only way to achieve success.”
Gregorio Uribe
His charisma and contemporary-folk rhythms have established Gregorio Uribe, a Berklee College of Music alumnus, as a beloved singer-songwriter, accordionist, and big band leader in the Colombian music scene. With his faithful instrument by his side, the New York-based, Bogota-born artist bridges Latin pop and jazz with Colombian folk music, such as cumbia and vallenato. In 2015, he released “Cumbia Universal” featuring Rubén Blades. He’s currently making the rounds with his single “Media Naranja” in collaboration with Bacilos’ Jorge Villamizar.
Jona Camacho
The multifaceted artist Jona Camacho is among a new generation of talented songwriters who is making a splash in the Latin R&B genre with his chameleonic voice that allows him to show off his vocal range.
Kris Floyd
Shedding light on a new wave of urbano Latinx artists is Kris Floyd, an emerging rapper and songwriter from Puerto Rico. His raw lyricism and unique, deep vocals also got him Tainy’s radar and nabbed him a collaboration on the producers’ EP The Kids That Grew Up On Reggaeton-Neon Tapes. Floyd’s melancholic sound can be heard in his new infectious trap “Complicado.”
Luis Figueroa
From YouTube sensation to now forming part of the Magnus Media family, Luis Figueroa is an upcoming artist who’s showcasing his catchy pop-urban music one single at a time. The Philadelphia-born Puerto Rican artist is a Berklee College of Music alum who is signed to Marc Anthony’s entertainment company Magnus Media.
Mati Gómez
Signed to La Industria Inc, Chilean singer-songwriter Matí Gómez is gaining momentum in the Latin urban scene with his distinctive voice. The up-and-coming artist has already collaborated with major artists like Nicky Jam and Reik.
Micro TDH
In the middle of quarantine, Micro TDH (real name: Fernando Daniel Morillo Rivas) has connected with his fans to create a new song called “Desamor,” a heartfelt bop he put together from tweets. The Venezuelan singer and composer is also making the rounds with his urban-infused sensual electro-funk “Amor de Red Social.” In 2018, he collaborated with Piso 21 on their vibrant “Te Vi,” which peaked at No. 28 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated May 11, 2019.
Mora
Mora caught our attention when he formed part of Bad Bunny’s chart-topping sophomore set YHLQMDLG as a producer and featured artist. The Puerto Rican rising talent is one of the masterminds behind the album’s lead single “La Dificil,” “Solia,” and “Una Vez,” in which he collaborates with Bunny. Ready to continue making a name for himself in the industry, Mora is making the rounds with his single “Pegate.”
Nahuel Pennisi
Argentine singer-songwriter Nahuel Pennisi is turning heads with his breathtaking vocals and beautiful ballads. The talented 29-year-old blind artist, whose “Avanzar” was chosen as winning song in the songwriter & performer in the folk category at this year’s Viña del Mar, is now signed to Sony Music.
Neto Bernal
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter Neto Bernal is a promising regional Mexican artist who started singing at the young age of five. Signed to Fonovisa Records, Bernal’s enchanting vocals have gained him over 28 million views on his “Si Quieres” cover.
Nobeat
Hailing from Santa Marta, Colombia comes Nobeat with his captivating hybrid sound and deep, raspy vocals. The 20-year-old artist and producer dropped his debut single “Perreo Santo,” a pop-ballad-turned-reggaeton-and-dembow fiesta, in late April under Interscope Records.
Ruben Salazar
After writing songs for artists like Gerardo Ortiz and Julión Alvarez, the singer-songwriter from Sinaloa, Mexico is making a name for himself as a regional Mexican singer. His distinctive deep and hoarse voice has made him a standout rising artist.
st. Pedro
The multi-instrumentalist Spanish singer-songwriter st. Pedro went from being a finalist on La Voz Spain in 2017 to becoming one of Interscope Records and Lionfish Entertainment’s latest bets in the R&B scene. Recently, his quarantine-inspired “Phone Sex” quickly became the ultimate social-distancing anthem for young lovers separated by COVID-19.
