Alternativo

Every year, one or two songs in Spanish are able to break through the language barrier here in the States. While I appreciate the efforts of Daddy Yankee and Aventura, I wouldn’t put them at the top of list of Latinx music I love. Today I want to introduce these two artists that I really love to whoever is willing to listen.

#1 Natalia Lafourcade

Natalia Lafourcade has been killing it in Latin America for a while now. I would describe her music as a combination of rock, jazz, and folk. Personally, I love the songs that are mostly carried by her vocal performance.

Lo Que Construimos is wonderfully moving. A quick translation of the lyrics is  “what we have built is over. The wind is taking it away”. The combination of her beautiful voice and the lyrics always stays with me long after I’ve unplugged my headphones.

#2 Bomba Estereo

I get the feeling that Bomba Estereo will be the next Latin American group to cross over to America. Their music is fun and unconventional. I wouldn’t be surprised if they created their music in a makeshift scientific lab. Last year they released the music video to “Soy Yo” which became the anthem for bold Latinx youth everywhere. The song encourages you to be proud of who you are.

I would also recommend you check out “Duele,” from their new album “Ayo.” I love the eclectic collection of sounds in the song, and the video is mind-bending and surreal.  I don’t think you need subtitles to understand what is happening in the video but basically she found out her man is cheating on her. The song processes through the hurt of the betrayal.

For those who want to find more music, I would be more than happy to recommend more songs or artists from Latin America. Don’t be afraid to ask!

-Brayan De Los Rios Guisao