Damian and more emerging artists (June 2023) – Billboard

Diego Aponte

Per month, painting Latin and Spanish bulletin board The editors include a small group of relatively new or unknown artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto” or “rough diamond.” These are newcomers who haven’t yet made an impact on the mainstream – but whose music excites us, and we think our readers should be interested to discover them.

Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes six emerging artists, who we could have found anywhere from a Spotify playlist to a music show. See our recommendations below.

the artist: Damien

nation: Colombia

Why they should be on your radar: I saw Damien live for the first time last year during “Noche Vallenata” night at a local restaurant in Miami, where he always performs. Moving between the classics of vallenato, salsa and merengue, the Colombian artist’s stage presence, accompanied by his live band, creates a high-energy party atmosphere. His beautiful vocal ranges enliven all Colombian Caribbean flavors by incorporating cumbia, reggae, champetta, and vallenato. Earlier this year, the Barranquilla-born artist released “El Amor No Es Amor”, the first single from his upcoming studio album. If this song is any indication, his music not only feels good, but is a reflection of a grateful lifestyle. — Ingrid Fajardo

Song for your playlist: “Love is not love”

the artist: Joaquina

nation: Venezuela

Why they should be on your radar: Exactly a year ago, singer-songwriter Joaquina was part of the first ‘graduate’ class of producer Julio Reyes Copello’s Art House Academy. Last week, the 18-year-old Venezuelan-born and Miami-raised opened Fonseca’s show at Miami’s Cassia Center. Many eyes are on Joaquina, who writes her own material and talks about teenage angst in Spanish-language indie pop/rock. With a strong stage presence, 275,000 followers on Instagram, and no fewer than three singles that have over a million streams each on Spotify, Joaquina has already landed a recording deal with Universal Music Latin. — Leila Kubo

Song for your playlist: “The best years”

the artist: Juan Waters

nation: Uruguay

Why they should be on your radar: Juan Waters has an unassuming way of composing upbeat three-minute ballads that observe the simple beauty of existence. This is what a bilingual album is The wandering rebel is an energetic ride with a big South American heart, released on June 2nd. Backed by an acoustic guitar riff, “Milanisa Al Pan”, featuring Cordoba singer Zoe Guttuso, is a comically romantic duet about enjoying Argentinian music. sandwich together. Portland-based Y La Bamba couldn’t sound better than his guest voice on “Nube Negra,” where listeners hear the Uruguayan-born, New York-based singer dream of sweeping away the dark clouds in his mind. His 12-track album is a melancholy jaunt with iconic moments that might inspire one to reflect on the ordinary pleasures of life. — Isabella Raigosa

Song for your playlist: “Black Cloud” feat. and pampas

the artist: driving

nation: dominican republic

Why they should be on your radar: Kendar caught my eye at an exhibition I attended earlier this month. At first, he’s a young but aging Dominican artist, his stage presence and powerful vocal range exuding passion and maturity. With his social media following increasing, Kendar rose to the spotlight with romantic pop songs, including “Hongos” by Ricardo Arjona, “Como Mirarte” by Sebastian Yatra, and “Dulcito e Coco” by Vicente García, to name a few. inventory. The salsa-infused jazz song “Se Llevó Mi Alma” is his first original single, which you can enjoy below:- Jessica Ruiz

Song for your playlist: “He took my soul”

the artist: Assad Doctor

nation: dominican republic

Why they should be on your radar: Puerto Rico has Jay Wheeler, but in the Dominican Republic, they have their own “romantic sound” called Lion Dr. His debut single “La Nena”, a sexy trap song, arrived in 2021, followed by the infectious reggaeton single “La Nave” in 2022. But the aspiring artist didn’t stop there: he brought his somewhat raspy vocals and catchy lyrics to to a five-track EP called in a trip, where it also delivers some soulful acoustic and R&B tracks. — jr

Song for your playlist: “the ship”

the artist: Louis Ye

nation: dominican republic

Why they should be on your radar: With his purple dreadlocks meets fade haircut, relaxed fashion style, and charming personality, Lowis Ye brings a fresh personality to the Latin music industry. The up-and-coming artist caught my eye after introducing himself to me in person after Billboard Mujeres at the 2023 Premios Heat Conventions this month. His voice later captivated me on the award ceremony red carpet, where he sang to me a cappella. Lewis, like Kendar, Leon DR, and Scarlett Evan, are winners of the La Nueva Cepa initiative, which discovers and develops emerging artists across Latin America. With hit singles like “Tu Carita,” “KDAV,” and “Un Rato,” Lowis delivers groovy afrobeats and an urban pop fusion backed by sweet love lyrics. — jr

Song for your playlist: “some time”

the artist: Scarlett Evange

nation: dominican republic

Why they should be on your radar: While many up-and-coming Dominican female artists, such as Tokischa and Yailin La Mas Viral, ditch the demos or bachata, Scarlet Evan opts for an R&B vibe. Newcomer who was a promising contestant Dominicana VoiceShe will charm you with her powerful and passionate voice and elegant aura. On her latest single, “Game Over,” her musical qualities shine through on a bilingual track where she sings about discovering her self-worth and walking away from a failed relationship. — jr

Song for your playlist: “game over”

the artist: Yadam

nation: Venezuela

Why they should be on your radar: Countless emails come through my inbox suggesting I should “listen to the artist’s new song now,” and while it’s hard to actually listen to everything that comes in, I’m glad I clicked on YADAM’s new song “Beso.” Part of the Venezuelan singer-songwriter’s new EP titled “Beso” is a palate cleanser with its soulful ’80s-inspired vibe as he sings about controlling his strong emotions sparked by a beso (kiss). Add “Beso” to your playlist but also check out the other songs from the EP, which he previously released, such as “Ojalá”, a stripped-down ballad, and the flamenco-themed pop song “Otras Mujeres”, to really enjoy. The artist’s versatility and ability to mix styles. the next? The Paris-based artist is set to release his debut album in September. — Griselda Flores

Song for your playlist: “Kiss”

the artist: yesy rojas

nation: Cuba

Why they should be on your radar: Yessy Rojas caught my eye just a few weeks ago, when she introduced herself in an Instagram direct message prior to the release of her song “Mama Ines” – the first single from her upcoming debut album, produced by Gastón Joya (ex-singer of Chucho Valdés). bassist) featuring Julito Padron. A classically trained jazz violinist, singer, and composer in her native Cuba, Rojas played with the Orchestra of the National Opera in Havana before moving to Norway in 2016 to pursue a master’s degree in jazz violin. Now, as a new performer, she beautifully blends Cuban music with Latin jazz and some funk while speaking out against racism in her country.

She wrote to me about “Mama Ines” in which Rojas plays a poem from the 1930s by the late Nicholas Guillén: “My message is directed specifically to my land Cuba, where I hope there will be more equality and rights for our African society.” Still relevant today: “Ayer me dijeron negro” (“Yesterday, I was called a nigger”). I look forward to hearing the rest of her songs. – Sigal Ratner Arias

Song for your playlist: The song “Mama Ennis”. Julito Padron