Ricky Martin Releases ‘Headphone Edition’ of Latest Album “Pausa,” Featuring ‘Orbital Audio’ Technique

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is giving the world an aural treat…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has released a special “Headphone Edition” re-release of his latest album Pausa, which was originally released in May.

The new version, complete with a new cover, features a new audio technique called “Orbital Audio.”

The patent-pending audio technique, developed by Martin with mix engineer Jaycen Joshua, creates an immersive headphone listening experience, that’s supposed to allow the listener to “engulf listeners within the complexities of a particular track for a true musical journey you can feel.”

The album features an enhanced surround sound, where each musical layer can be clearly heard and picked apart, even as it becomes part of a whole.

In the headphone mix, “Recuerdo,” featuring Carla Morrison, starts with Morrison’s voice on the left headphone, and it gradually engulfs the entire sound before Martin comes in on the right.

But the instrumental layering is most impressive, with the listener able to extrapolate every element of sound. It’s indeed a very different experience from the original recording; almost like listening in 3D.

“This new ‘Orbital Audio’ technique has enabled me to deliver an extra layer of richness and immersion that enhances and enriches the tracks and the way fans can experience music via headphones — which is especially important in this time where fans can’t share the magic of being in a live concert setting,” said Martin in a statement.

Joshua added, “What Ricky and I did was set out to solve something that’s been bothering us as well as fellow musicians for a while. We wanted to find a new way for fans to be realistically deeply entrenched in the music.”

The new version of Pausa includes a new unreleased track, “Mi Sangre” featuring Bollywood star Neha Mahajan — produced using “Orbital Audio.”

Pausa features collaborations with Sting, Morrison, Residente, Bad Bunny, Diego El Cigala and Pedro Capó.

Nicky Jam Releases New Single “Desahogo,” Featuring Carla Morrison

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam has found a little relief…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American reggaeton singer/songwriter has released the surprise freestyle single “Desahogo,” featuring Carla Morrison.

To the beat of Morrison’s 2013 single “Disfruto,” Nicky Jam opens up about his life struggles, insecurities, and challenging road to success.

“God gave me another opportunity/ I lifted my head and don’t plan on lowering it,” he chants, also mentioning Colombia, where he previously lived, and where he revived his music career.

Throughout the lyrics, Nicky Jam sings about important life lessons like materialistic things not fulfilling him on a sentimental level, and how he was his own enemy. He also thanks reggaeton veterans Daddy Yankee and El Ñejo for being true brothers who stood by his side.

Morrison’s enthralling chorus kicks off the track and shines again toward the ending: “Me complace amarte / Disfruto acariciarte y ponerte a dormir / Es escalofriante / Tenerte de frente / Hacerte sonreír.”

“I hope this passes to get ready for another concert in el Choli next year,” he says in reference to the current health crisis. “I continue being the same but with more zeroes / I continue being the same but more sincere.”

An animated music video, directed by Marlon Villar, shows a cartoon version of Nicky Jam telling his story on the streets. The clip landed at No. 8 on YouTube’s trending page at the time of publishing.

Gloria “Goyo” Martínez Helps Launch the Latin Music Industry’s BLM-Inspired ‘Conciencia Collective’

Posted on June 27, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria“Goyo“Martínez is standing in solidarity with the Black community…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer and member of the Latin Grammy-winning hip-hop group ChocQuibTown has joined the Conciencia Collective.

The recently-announced initiative, comprised of more than 35 executives from the Latin music industry — including artists, activists, artist managers, publicists, among others – aims to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Mattermovement in an effort to create awareness about racial and social injustice.

Conciencia Collective was born amid national outrage in the U.S. over the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylorand other black citizens who’ve died at the hands of police. The intention is to “educate our colleagues, artists and peers of influence in order to gain their advocacy. Our ongoing initiatives also focus on the many issues affecting our Latin community,” according to a press release.

Goyo, a leading, Afro-Latinx voice launched the initiative with a poignant statement.

“I’m talking to you as a Black woman, rapper, singer, born in South America. In an invisible region, a jewel in my country; a Black village,” writes Goyo. “The experiences that we Black women live change you from the moment you leave your home. Society reminds you that at home, you live in a protected space. At home, we are educated with tools to go out into a racist world. As Howard C. Stevensonsaid, ‘we [as Black people] are educated with a kind of a racial literacy.'”

Goyo kicked off a “Conciencia Talk” alongside Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Rafa Pabónin partnership with Latinx-focused media/news company MiTú on Friday, June 26.

The “online dialogue” was moderated by Afro-Colombian Dr. Aurora Vergara Figueroa, director of the Afrodiasporic Studies Centerat ICESI University.

Quotes on solidarity and racial inequality from more than 100 Latin artists, including Leslie Grace, Anuel AA, Jesse & Joy, Myke Towers, Carla Morrison, Zion & Lennox, and Farruko, among others, will be posted weekly on MiTú’s page.

“In order to consciously educate the Latinx community and change the derogatory narratives towards people of color within our community, we commit to leading with acknowledgement in solidarity with the Black community to enable the rise of leaders in our respective communities,” the statement continues.

“We want to extend our platforms to our brothers and sisters so that their voices and needs can be heard. We want our brothers and sisters across the U.S. and Latin America to know that we see them, we hear them and we will champion equality and justice on behalf of our industry.”

Mala Rodriguez to Perform During the Virtual Edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Mala Rodriguez is offering a special alternative for people stuck at home during this coronavirus pandemic.

The 41-year-old Spanish Latin Grammy-winning rapper will take this in this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference, which will be held live online.

This year, the annual Latin Alternative Music Conference will officially kick off on Tuesday, June 9 withg a variety of virtual industry panels, workshops and showcases that will live.

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and as the nation begins to reopen gradually, the LAMC‘s five-day virtual conference includes timely panels like “The Future of Touring” with panelists Jordi Puig (OCESA), Phil Rodriguez (Move Concerts) and Sebastian De la Barra (Lotus Producciones).

And, “Mental Health and the Creative Community” presented by MusiCares and the Latin Grammys featuring Carla Morrison, Kany García, Ana Tijoux and Guaynaa.

LAMC’s Talks with Billboard Latin will feature Leila Cobo‘s fireside chats with Walter Kolm and ChocQuibTown‘s Gloria “Goyo” Martínez.’

Rodriguez will perform on June 9 as part of peermusic‘s showcase. Other participating artists include Thee Sinseers, Gaby Moreno and Lido Pimienta.

Francisca Valenzuela, Tatiana Hazel, Los Caligaris, among others will perform during the LAMC.

On closing night, LAMC will celebrate Pride Month with performances by Kany García, Mabiland, Circo and Javiera Mena.

“Providing a forum to discuss the issues we face and the potential solutions that lie ahead is key as we look towards the future,” LAMC founder Tomas Cookman said in a previous statement. “Although the days ahead may be slightly different for a time, we should always keep in mind there is very much a future as music is a human and global emotion. We are lending our hand by making the conference free for all and having a team of professionals join us in making sure the LAMC experience is as informative and technologically seamless as can be.”

Check out the full schedule on the LAMC website.

Ricky Martin Releases Surprise Six-Track Album of Heartfelt Music, “Pausa”

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is pressin’ play on Pausa…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar surprised fans on Thursday, May 28 with new music… a new EP titled Pausa, his first collective set since 2015’s A Quien Quiera Escuchar.

Martin’s new album features collaborations with Sting, Carla Morrison, Pedro Capó, Diego El Cigala, Bad Bunny, and more.

Packed with introspective, poignant and melancholic lyrics, the six-track set is born from a state of vulnerability and the need to heal through music.

“[Through this music] I share my fears, my insecurities, my moments of panic that I’ve felt throughout this quarantine,” Martin tells Billboard.

In times of turmoil, Martin offers Pausa in lieu of a different album slated to be released called Movimiento.

“I like to party but it’s not the moment for that. We had to change the concept and I’ve created two separate albums. Pausais more chill and relaxed and hopefully in September we can release the second one called Play with more upbeat music,” he says.

All songs on the EP, except for previously released “Tiburones,” are collaborations with artists Martin had never collaborated with before, including Mexican singer-songwriter Morrison.

“I’m obsessed with Carlita’s voice and I’m obsessed with the way she tells a story. So, I called her. Initially, she thought I was asking her to write a song for my album and I said, ‘No, I want to sing with you,'” Martin recalls.

From Martin and Morrison’s “Recuerdo” to the Sting-assisted “Simple,” the “She Bangs” singer opens up to Billboard about all of the collaborations featured on Pausa:

“Simple” with Sting
The stunning collaboration with Sting, who sings in Spanish, sets the tone for the rest of the album: simple yet forceful and grand. “The big things are always simple, like the love there is in a sigh and reminds me why I’m alive,” Martin sings. About how the song and the melody were created, Martin says. “I called Sting and told him, ‘Something beautiful has to come out of this moment and that has to be music.’ I called him stepping out of my comfort zone because I don’t really like asking people and he said yes, to send him whatever I had and he liked what I sent him. And, he didn’t mind singing in Spanish. It’s a dream come true.”

“Recuerdo” with Carla Morrison
Possibly one of the most beautiful ballads released this year (so far), the heart-wrenching lyrics in this emotional track call for an introspection of the mind and soul. “This is a special song and it’s born out of the sadness I was feeling. Carla was also going through a rough moment and we had this urge to write again. We wanted to make sure that we each didn’t lose our essence when creating this fusion and it was born very organically.”

“Cae de Una” with Pedro Capó
As a true testament to Martin and Capó’s ability to turn heartbreak song into a bright melodic tune, “Cae de Una” becomes an instant hit with its infectious beat and the two Puerto Rican powerhouses trading cheeky verses. “You’re probably in a bar dancing without me. Don’t know whose skin you’re touching to forget the love you have for me,” they sing.

“Quiéreme” with Diego El Cigala
Martin and Spanish singer Diego El Cigala join forces for this flamenco-tinged pop song that is a standout duet in the EP. “We sent this song to producer Raul Refree in Barcelona because I wanted to see what he could do with this song. I didn’t say anything to him because I didn’t want to have any sort of influence on him and I’m now presenting you the end result,” Martin says. The result is an explosion of sounds and an exchange of dramatic and powerful vocals.

“Cántalo” with Residente & Bad Bunny
The previously released “Cántalo,” featuring fellow Puerto Rican hitmakers Residente and Bad Bunny, is a hybrid of sounds and genres including tambora, trumpet, salsa and trap. The thought-provoking track born post the #RickyRenuncia movement, calling for the removal of the now former Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rosselló, some of the lyrics include: “Hoy no nos paran ni con tranquilizante de elefante/ El dinero, aunque sea abundante, no vale” (Nobody stops us today/ Not even with elephant soothing/ Money, although abundant, it is not worth).

Venegas to Perfom at Chicago’s Ruido Fest

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Julieta Venegas is ready to make some ruido in the Windy City…

The 46-year-old Mexican American singer will take the stage at Chicago’s 2017 Ruido Fest.

Venegas, a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning singer, joins a lineup that includes Cultura Profética and Molotov.

Adding a norteño twist to the alt-rock set of performers is legendary band Intocable, who will perform alongside Alejandro Marcovich, former Caifanes guitarist.

Other bands set to perform include Bomba Estéreo, Fobia, Duncan Dhu, Titan, Mon Laferte, Javiera Mena, Alex Anwandter, Adan Jodorowsky and Buscabulla. More artists will be announced in the upcoming months.

The third annual Ruido Fest will take place on July 7-9 at Addams/Medill Park with tickets for the three-day fest on sale now.

“We are very appreciative of the support of the local and international community that have supported,” Ruido Fest founder Max Wagner said in a statement.

“We always are looking to reward the faith that the fans show in us by striving to bring in the best talent, and provide opportunities for artists that don’t receive a lot of chances to perform in this country. Our goal this year, and every year, is to provide the best experience and best value possible for our loyal fans.”

Last year’s performers included Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Panteon Rococó, Carla Morrison, Natalia Lafourcade, Aterciopelados and Maldita Vecindad.

Jesse & Joy Receive Nominations in All Three Major Latin Grammy Categories

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a rare triple for Jesse & Joy…

The Mexican pop duo, comprised of Jesse Huerta and his sister Joy Huerta, lead the pack of nominees for the 17th annual Latin Grammy Awards with four nods.

Jesse & Joy, big winners at the Latin Grammys in 2012, are the only artists to snag the triple crown this year, meaning they earned nominations in all three of the top categories.

They’re nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year for their acclaimed hit single “Ecos de Amor,” as well as Album of the Year for the duo’s latest studio effort, Un Besito Más.

Jesse & Joy’s album is also nominated in the Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album.

But Jesse & Joy aren’t the only artists to receive four nods…

Colombian star Fonseca is nominated for two albums: Conexión, up for album of the year, and Homenaje (A La Musica De Diomedes Díaz), up for Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album.

Other four-time nominees include Brazilian singer/songwriter Djavan, sound engineer Ricardo López Lalinde and producer/engineer Julio Reyes Copello (the last two for their work with Fonseca, Andrés Cepeda and Diego Torres).

Artists with three nods each include Spaniard and Latin Grammy darling Pablo Alborán, Argentine alt/folk/rocker Kevin Johansen, Colombian newcomer Manuel Medrano and Argentine singer/songwriter Diego Torres.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the nominations was the absence of one dominating name, trend or hit. The only big smash hits present in the main categories, for example, are Enrique Iglesias and Wisin’s “Duele el Corazon” and Carlos Vives and Shakira’s “La Bicicleta,” both up for record and song of the year.

The great variety of nominees could be for many reasons, Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, tells Billboard.

“Many artists have changed their release strategy. Where they once released albums every year, now they’re releasing every two years or 18 months, and that may have opened up the space for other artists previously recognized by the Academy who are now returning, like Andres Cepeda, Carla Morrison or Bebe.”

For the first time, the Latin Recording Academy offered digital voting to its membership of creators across all disciplines of music — recording artists, songwriters, producers and engineers.

Following Wednesday’s (Sept. 21) announcement, the final round of voting for the 17th annual Latin Grammy Awards opens September 27 and closes October 13 at 6 p.m. PT.

The Latin Grammys will air live on Univision from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 17.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year
Pepe Aguilar, “Cuestión De Esperar”
Pablo Alborán, “Se Puede Amar”
Andrea Bocelli, “Me Faltarás”
Buika, “Si Volveré”
Djavan, “Vidas Pra Contar”
Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele El Corazón”
Jesse & Joy, “Ecos De Amor”
Laura Pausini, “Lado Derecho Del Corazón”
Diego Torres, “Iguales”
Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Biccleta”

Album of the Year
Pablo Alborán, Tour Terral Tres Noches En Las Ventas
Andrea Bocelli, Cinema (Español edition)
Andrés Cepeda, Mil Ciudades
Djavan, Vidas Pra Contar
Fonseca, Conexión
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo 2
Jesse & Joy, Un Besito Más
José Lugo & Guasábara Combo, ¿Donde Están?
Diego Torres, Buena Vida
Julieta Venegas, Algo Sucede

Song of the Year
“A Chama Verde,” Patty Brayden, Ned Claflin & John Finbury, songwriters (John Finbury feat. Marcella Camargo)
“Bajo El Agua,” Manuel Medrano, songwriter (Manuel Medrano)
“Céu,” Celso Fonseca, songwriter (Celso Fonseca)
“Duele El Corazón,” Enrique Iglesias, Patrick A. Ingunza, Silverlo Lozada, Servando Moriche Primera Mussett, Hasibur Rahman, Francisco Saldana & Wisin, songwriters (Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin)
“Ecos De Amor,” Jesse & Joy, Danelle Leverett, Jason Reeves & Rune Westberg, songwriters (Jesse & Joy)
“En Ésta No,” Sin Bandera, songwriters (Sin Bandera)
“Es Como El Día,” Kevin Johansen, songwriter (Kevin Johansen + The Nada)
“Hermanos,” Moska & Fito Páez, songwriters (Fito Páez & Moska)
“La Bicicleta,” Andrés Castro, Shakira & Carlos Vives, songwriters (Carlos Vives & Shakira)
“La Tormenta,” Flavio Cianciarulo, songwriter (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs)

Best New Artist
Sophia Abrahão
Alex Anwandter
The Chamanas
Esteman
Joss Favela
Ile
Mon Laferte
Manuel Medrano
Morat
Ian Ramil

Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album
Pablo Alborán, Tour Terral Tres Noches En Las Ventas
Jesse & Joy, Un Besito Más
Pablo López, El Mundo Y Los Amantes Inocentes
Luciano Pereyra, #TuMano
Reik , Des/Amor

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Adrian, Lleno De Vida
Andrea Bocelli, Cinema
Andres Cepeda, Mil Ciudades
Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2
Diego Torres, Buena Vida

Best Urban Fusion/Performance
Alexis y Fido, “Una En Un Millon”
El Dusty feat. Happy Colors, “Cumbia Anthem”
Jacob Forever, “Hasta Que Se Seque El Malecon”
Tubarao feat. Maneirinho & Anitta, “Pra Todas Elas”
Yandel, “Encantadora”

Best Urban Music Album
J Balvin, Energia
El B, Luz
Emicida, Sobre Crianças, Quadris, Pesadelos E Lições De Casa…
Farruko, Visionary
Arianna Puello, Despierta

Best Urban Song
“A Donde Voy,” Miguel Correa, Cosculluela, Daddy Yankee, José Gómez, Roberto Martínez Lebrón, Jorge Oquendo & Orlando Javier Valle Vega, songwriters (Cosculluela feat. Daddy Yankee)
“Acércate,” De La Ghetto, songwriter (De La Ghetto)
“12 Rosas,” Juan Alonzo V. Angulo, Francisco Espinoza, David Rolas, Sito Rocks & Rafael Vargas, songwriters (David Rolas feat. Fulanito & Sito Rocks)
“Encantadora,” Egbert Rosa Cintrón, Farruko, Eduardo A. Vargas Berrios & Yandel, songwriters (Yandel)
“Hardcore & Feroz,” Arianna Puello, songwriter (Arianna Puello)

Best Rock Album
Andrea Álvarez, Y Lo Dejamos Venir
Marilina Bertoldi, Sexo Con Modelos
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, La Salvación De Solo Y Juan
Massacre, Biblia Ovni
Spinetta, Los Amigo

Best Pop/Rock Album
Caramelos De Cianuro, 8
Jotdog, Universos Paralelos
La Santa Cecilia, Buenaventura
Meteoros, Meteoros
Julieta Venegas, Algo Sucede

Best Rock Song
“Abismo,” Asier Cazalis, songwriter (Caramelos De Cianuro)
“Fantasma Soy,” Gustavo Cordera, songwriter (Gustavo Cordera)
“La Tormenta,” Flavio Cianciarulo, songwriter (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs)
“Nada Salvaje,” Luisina Bertoldi, Brenda Martín & Gabriel Pedernera, songwriters (Eruca Sativa)
“Niña Dios,” Massacre, songwriters (Massacre)

Best Alternative Music Album
Bebe, Cambio De Piel
Esteman, Caótica Belleza
Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas, L.H.O.N.
Mon Laferte, Mon Laferte – Vol. 1
Carla Morrison, Amor Supremo

Best Alternative Song
“Ángeles Y Serafines,” Gustavo Cortés, Ricardo Cortés & Nicolas González, songwriters (Sig Ragga)
“Averno, El Fantasma,” Vicentico, songwriter (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs)
“Deus,” Felipe Antunes & Otávio Carvalho, songwriters (Vitrola Sintética)
“Es Como El Día,” Kevin Johansen, songwriter (Kevin Johansen + The Nada)
“Vez Primera,” Carla Morrison, songwriter (Carla Morrison)

Best Salsa Album
Grupo Niche, 35 Aniversario
India, Intensamente India Con Canciones De Juan Gabriel
José Lugo & Guasábara Combo, ¿Dónde Están?
Bobby Valentín, Mi Ritmo Es Bueno
Johnny Ventura, Tronco Viejo
Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album
El Gran Martín Elías y Rolando Ochoa, Imparables
Fonseca, Homenaje (A La Música De Diomedes Díaz)
Kuisitambó, Desde El Fondo
Pipe Peláez y Manuel Julián, Vestirte De Amor
Various Artists, Mujeres Por Colombia – Vallenato Volúmen 2

Best Contemporary Tropical Album
Héctor Acosta “El Torito,” Merengue Y Sentimiento
David Calzado y Su Charanga Habanera, Vivito Y Coleando
Guaco, Guaco Histórico 2
Toño Restrepo, En La Sala Con El Joe
Daniel Santacruz, Toda La Vida
Charlie Zaa, Mi Mejor Regalo

Best Traditional Tropical Album
Rafael Pollo Brito, Pa’ Tío Simón
La Sonora Santanera, La Sonora Santanera En Su 60 Aniversario
Jesús “Chino” Miranda, El Malquerido: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro, El Más Grande Y Universal
Various Artists, Cuba Y Puerto Rico Son…

Best Tropical Fusion Album
Cali Flow Latino, Full HD
Cosa Nuestra, Pregoneros De La Calle
Explosión Negra, Levántate
Gente De Zona, Visualízate
“Treo, Genera

Best Tropical Song
“Esta Noche Hay Fiesta,” Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Maia)
“La Bala,” Antonio Ávila, songwriter (Johnny Ventura Featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa)
“La Carretera,” Prince Royce & Daniel Santacruz, songwriters (Prince Royce)
“No Me Daba Cuenta,” Orlando Rodríguez Di Pietro, songwriter (Gabriel C)
“Vine A Buscarte,” Omar Alfano, Fonseca & Yadam González Cárdenas, songwriters (Fonseca)

Best Singer-Songwriter Album
Francisco Céspedes, Todavía
Djavan, Vidas Pra Contar
Pedro Guerra, Arde Estocolmo
Kevin Johansen + The Nada, Mis Américas, Vol. 1/2
Alejandro Lerner, Auténtico
Manuel Medrano, Manuel Medrano

Best Banda Album
Julión Álvarez, Mis Ídolos, Hoy Mis Amigos!!!
Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga, Raíces
Banda Los Recoditos, Me Está Gustando
Banda Troyana, Tengo Ganas De Ser Fiel
La Séptima Banda, A Todo Volumen

Best Tejano Album
Ram Herrera, Mucho Mas Que Amor
The Legends, La Historia De La Musica Tejana
Marian y Mariel, Vulnerable A Ti
Michael Salgado, Por Cielo Y Tierra
Jay Pérez, Un Amigo Tendrás

Best Norteño Album
Joss Favela, Hecho A Mano
Intocable, Highway
Los Ramones De Nuevo León, Tierra Mojada
Los Tigres Del Norte, Desde El Azteca
Pesado, Tributo A Los Alegres De Terán

Best Regional Song
“Amor De Los Pobres,” Javier Manriquez, songwriter (La Original Banda El Limón De Salvador Lizárraga)
“Ataúd,” Erika Ender, Manu Moreno & Mónica Vélez, songwriters (Los Tigres Del Norte)
“Me Está Gustando,” Salvador Aponte, Dany Pérez & César Valdivia, songwriters (Banda Los Recoditos)
“Te Dirán,” Espinoza Paz, songwriter (La Adictiva Banda San José De Mesillas)
“Volví Pa’l Pueblo,” Joan Sebastian, songwriter (Joan Sebastian)

Best Instrumental Album
Víctor Biglione, Mercosul
Hamilton de Holanda, Samba De Chico
João Donato, Donato Elétrico
Carlos Franzetti, Argentum
Bruno Miranda, Mosaico

Best Folk Album
Grupo Mapeyé, En Las Islas Canarias
Los Huayra, Gira
Palo Cruza ́O, En Armonías Colombianas
Nahuel Pennisi, Primavera
Marco Rodrigues, Fados Do Fado

Best Tango Album
Ariel Ardit & Filarmónica De Medellín, Gardel Sinfónico
Julio Botti, Pablo Ziegler & Saul Zaks Conducting The Unversity Of Southern Denmark Symphony
Orchestra, Sax To Tango
Nicolás Ledesma y Su Orquesta, Cuando Llora La Milonga
Omar Mollo, … Tangamente
Leonardo Pastore, Carlos Gardel Original

Best Flamenco Album
Remedios Amaya, Rompiendo El Silencio
José Mercé, Doy La Cara
Niña Pastori, Ámame Como Soy
Antonio Reyes y Diego Del Morao, Directo En El Círculo Flamenco De Madrid
María Toledo, Magnética

Best Latin Jazz Album
Mario Adnet, Jobim Jazz (Ao Vivo)
Antonio Adolfo, Tropical Infinito
Raul Agraz, Between Brothers
Carrera Quinta, Big Band
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Cuba: The Conversation Continues

Best Christian Album
Christine D’Clario, Eterno (Live)
Generasion, Ciudad De Luz
Alex Sampedro, Alex Sampedro
Emir Sensini, Deseo Tu Gloria
Marcos Vidal, 25 Años

Best Portuguese Language Christian Album
Paulo César Baruk, GraçA Quase Acústico {Rs}
Ceremonya, A Vida Num Segundo
Padre Fabio De Melo, Deus No Esconderijo Do Verso
Adelso Freire, Reaprender
Anderson Freire, Deus Não Te Rejeita

Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album
Céu, Tropix
Tiago Iorc, Troco Likes
Larissa Luz, Território Conquistado
Mariza, Mundo
Thiago Ramil, Leve Embora

Best Portuguese Language Rock Album
Boogarins, Manual
Ian Ramil, Derivacivilização
Scalene, Éter
Jay Vaquer, Canções De Exílio
Versalle, Distante Em Algum Lugar

Best Samba/Pagode Album
Martinho da Vila, De Bem Com A Vida
Eduardo Gudin, Notícias Dum Brasil 4
Corina Magalhães, Tem Mineira No Samba
Rogê & Arlindo Cruz, Na Veia
Various Artists, Sambas Para Mangueira

Best MPB Album
Dani Black, Dilúvio
Roberta Campos, Todo Caminho É Sorte
Celso Fonseca, Like Nice
Roberta Sá, Delírio
Elza Soares, A Mulher Do Fim Do Mundo

Best Sertaneja Music Album
Paula Fernandes, Amanhecer
Leonardo, Bar Do Leo
Lucas Lucco, Adivinha
Michel Teló, Baile Do Teló
João Victor, Sóis

Best Brazilian Roots Album
Lucy Alves & Clã Brasil, No Forró Do Seu Rosil
Heraldo do Monte, Heraldo Do Monte
Elba Ramalho, Cordas, Gonzaga E Afins
Almir Sater & Renato Teixeira, AR
Alceu Valença, A Luneta E Tempo – Trilha Sonora Original

Best Portuguese Language Song
“Amei Te Ver,” Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
“D De Destino,” Almir Sater, Paulo Simões & Renato Teixeira, songwriters (Almir Sater & Renato Teixeira)
“Maior,” Dani Black, songwriter (Dani Black feat. Milton Nascimento)
“Maria Da Vila Matilde (Porque Se A Da Penha É Brava, Imagina A Da Vila Matilde),” Douglas Germano, songwriter (Elza Soares)
“Vidas Pra Contar,” Djavan, songwriter (Djavan)

Best Latin Children’s Album
ClaraLuna, 1,2,3 Llega Navidad
Marta Gómez, Canciones De Sol
Omara Portuondo, Canciones De Cri Cri “El Grillo Cantor”
123 Andrés, Arriba Abajo
Various Artists, Canciones Y Palabras, Vol. 1
Xuxa, ABC Do XSPB

Best Classical Album
Biber: Baroque Splendor, Jordi Savall; Manuel Mohino, album producer
Danzas En Todos Los Tiempos, Edith Peña; Francisco Moya Castro, album producer
Durón: Lagrimas, Amor…, A Corte Musical, Rogerio Gonçalves & Eva Juárez
El Hilo Invisible (Cantos Sefaradíes), Cuarteto Latinoamericano & Jaramar; Gerry Rosado, album producer
José Serebrier Conducts Samuel Adler, Maximilian Hornung, cellist & José Serebrier; Philip Hobbs, album producer

Best Classical Contemporary Composition
“Beyond The Silence Of Sorrow,” Roberto Sierra, composer (Maximiano Valdés conducting the Puerto
Rico Symphony Orchestra; Martha Guth, soprano)
“Cuarteto Para Buenos Aires,” Claudia Montero, composer (Claudia Montero)
“Jardín Del Adiós,” Fernando Otero, composer (Nick Danielson, violinist; Fernando Otero, pianist)
“Mi Familia,” Gustavo Casenave, composer (Gustavo Casenave Featuring Nick Danielson & Pedro Giraudo)
“Sonata De Los Viajeros,” Leo Brouwer, composer (Brasil Guitar Duo)

Best Recording Package
Atlas, Lisa Akerman Stefaneli, art director (Baleia)
El Poeta Halley, Sergio Mora, art director (Love Of Lesbian)
Impredecible, Goster, art director (Bareto)
Relevante, Marcus Mota, art director (Mario Diníz)
Umbral, Goster, art director (Melnik)

Best Engineered Album
Delírio, Rodrigo Campello, Márcio Gama, Aurélio Kauffmann, Jon Luz & Fernando Nunes, engineers; Rodrigo Campello & Márcio Gama, mixers; Carlos Freitas, mastering engineer (Roberta Sá)
Like Nice, Moogie Canazio, engineer; Moogie Canazio, mixer; Ron McMaster, mastering engineer (Celso Fonseca)
Magnética, Salomé Limón & Caco Refojo, engineers; Salomé Limón & Caco Refojo, mixers; Caco Refojo, mastering engineer (María Toledo)
Samba De Chico, Daniel Musy, engineer; Daniel Musy, mixer; André Dias, mastering engineer (Hamilton de Holanda)
Tropix, Be Hussey, Gustavo Lenza, Diogo Poças & Rodrigo Sanches, engineers; Mike Cresswell, mixer; Felipe Tchauer, mastering engineer (Céu)

Producer of the Year
Rafa Arcaute
Eduardo Cabra
Moogie Canazio
Kim Fanlo
Rafa Sardina

Best Short Form Music Video
“Siempre Es Viernes En Mi Corazón,” Alex Anwandter (Alex Anwandter, video director; Sergio Alvarado, video producer)
“Verte Ya,” Gustavo Casas y Los Que Buscan (Adolfo Bueno, video director; Esther Padial, video producer)
“Lo Más Bonito Del Mundo,” Delafé (Delafé, video director; Delafé, video producer)
“Comix,” El Guincho feat. Mala Rodríguez (Canada, video director; Canada, video producer)
“Gallo Negro,” Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas (Hernán Corera, video director; Hernán Corera, video producer)

Best Long Form Music Video
“Desde Adentro – Impuesto De Fe (En Vivo),” Babasónicos (Diego Álvarez, video director; Gaston Etchechoury & Miguel Tafich, video producers)
“10 Años Con Bebe,” Bebe (Hernán Zin, video director; Olmo Figueredo, Germán Gutiérrez, Nerio Gutiérrez, Sara Santaella & Hernán Zin, video producers)
“Justo Ahora Y Siempre,” Dvicio (Willy Rodríguez, video director; Juan Carlos Moguel, video producer)
“Primera Fila,” Las Tres Grandes: Eugenia León, Tania Libertad & Guadalupe Pineda (Ricardo Calderón, video director; Ricardo Calderón & Ricardo Gascón, video producers)
“Sirope Vivo,” Alejandro Sanz (Carlos Sánchez, video director; Clac, video producer)

Bunbury to Tour the United States This Summer

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Bunbury is heading across the pond…

The 48-year-old emblematic and enduring Spanish classic rocker will tour the United States this spring in support of his recent MTV Unplugged album.

Bunbury will kick off the tour in Los Angeles, his current hometown, on May 19. More dates in California and Texas immediately follow.

In June, Bunbury will play two consecutive nights at both Chicago’s House of Blues and Irving Plaza in Manhattan.

El Libro de las Mutaciones, Bunbury’s MTV Unplugged album, was released in late 2015.

Draco Rosa, Carla Morrison, Zoé vocalist León Larregui and Pepe Aguilar joined him for the recording in Mexico City. It’s likely some of those artists may make appearances on Bunbury’s tour, although no guests have yet been announced.

Tickets for Bunbury’s Mutaciones tour go on sale tomorrow, February 2.

Bunbury will be touring Latin America in March and April, and will spend the summer performing in his native Spain.

These are the U.S. concert dates and venues:

May 19: Los Angeles, Hollywood Palladium
May 23: Anaheim, House of Blues
May 25: San Diego, House of Blues
May 29: San Antonio, Aztec Theater
May 31: Houston, House of Blues
June 1: Dallas, House of Blues
June 3 and 4: Chicago, House of Blues
June 6 and 7: New York, Irving Plaza

Morrison Discusses English-Language Single “The Truth” at LAMC Conference

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She’s best known for Spanish-language songs like “Déjenme Llorar” and “Compartir”… But the truth is Carla Morrison has a new single en ingles that’s just as memorable.

The 26-year-old Mexico-born alt-rock singer-songwriter, a two-time Latin Grammy winner, took part in the 14th edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) this week in New York.

“It’s not always about the song,” Morrison declared during the “DIY 2.0” panel, referring to the use of social media.

Morrison, known for pop songs with some bite, recently recorded her first English-language song as a soloist and released it without telling many people.

During her most recent tour Morrison has been performing “The Truth” and her die-hard fans seem to be appreciating the love ballad, which features the ukulele.

“If I had told my managers about the song they would probably have come up with some kind of strategy in releasing it,” Morrison said, who instead wanted to keep her new musical inspiration low-key.

While it’s still unclear if Morrison will record an all-English album, she’s definitely interested in exploring the idea.

Morrison performed a short set at the LAMC Acoustic Showcase at S.O.B.’s on Thursday night, with Astro, Alex Anwandter, Torreblanca, Catupecu Manchu, Sol Fernandez, Mitre, Ulises Hadjis and Viniloversus also performing.

A much fuller show featuring Morrison and her band was scheduled to take place on Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the LAMC/Central Park SummerStage Show at Rumsey Playfield entrance (72nd Street and 5th Avenue).

Saturday’s lineup also includes Julieta Venegas and Anwandter, while Morrison plans to perform “The Truth.”

Morrison to Headline Austin’s Pachanga Latino Music Festival

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Carla Morrison is about to pachanga in Texas…

The 26-year-old Mexican pop-rock singer-songwriter, who won a Latin Grammy last November for best alternative song, will perform at this year’s Pachanga Latino Music Festival next month.

It’ll be Morrison’s first appearance at the festival, which will be held on May 10 and 11 at Fiesta Gardens in Austin, Texas.

In addition to Morrison, other big name performers for the sixth installment of the festival include Intocable, Los Lobos and 3Ball MTY.

Intocable and 3Ball MTY will headline on Friday night, while Morrison, Celso Piña and Enjambre are among the main acts on Saturday night.

The bill also features Grupo Fantasma, Vallejo, Este Vato, Gina Chavez, Como Las Movies, Bang Data, Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia, Selena y Los Burritos, Miranda Gil and Anthropos Musicians Collective.

“We are so excited about the line-up this year,” says Rich Garza, founder of festival, in a statement. “The addition of Carla Morrison and Enjambre to this year really brings us up another notch. We love that we can showcase all this music from Mexico, Austin and beyond.”

Tickets are on sale in one-day, two-day and VIP packages. Specially-priced general admission tickets start at $39 and are available with the full line-up at the Pachanga website.

A portion of all proceeds will benefit the FuturoFund Austin charity.

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