Espinoza Paz Signs Global Deal with Virgin Music Group

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Espinoza Paz has a new global deal…

The 42-year-old Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican musician and composer has signed a global deal with Virgin Music Group.

Born Isidro Chávez Espinoza in Sinaloa, Mexico, the prolific singer-songwriter is known for his deep and emotional songs penned for other artists – such as Jenni Rivera and Banda MS – and for himself.

“What I value most about this music company, Virgin Music, is that they respect my artistic vision and my career,” Paz said in a statement. “From the first moment, I was certain that they not only believed in my music, but also in my ability to create, grow and evolve as an artist.”

After spending years as songwriter for regional Music artists, he released his first album as a singer in 2008 and since, he’s scored a total of five No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. And five top 10 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Lo Intentamos,” “Un Hombre Normal,” and “El Culpable.”

“Espinoza Paz has proven for more than a decade to be one of the most prolific Mexican singer-songwriters of the genre. Being able to have his entire catalog and his future projects within Virgin Music represents having a large part of the history of the Regional Mexican genre of the last 15 years,” added Victor González, president of Virgin Music Group Latin America & Iberian Peninsula. “We are very proud to be part of this new stage in his career where he will undoubtedly continue to surprise us with his talent.”

In 2021, Paz released three back-to-back albums titled Que Te Duela Más Que a Mí, volumes one, two and three.

Most recently, he’s released collaborations with Memo Garza (“La Sonrisa Obligatoria”), Luis R Conriquez (“Ciega Por El”) and Pipe Bueno (“El Original”).

Banda MS Releases New Album “El Trabajo Es La Suerte”

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Banda MS is feeling lucky…

The Mexican band, whose full name is Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, has released their new 18-track album El Trabajo Es La Suerte.

It’s the band’s first album since Con Todas Las Fuerzas, which was released two years ago.

Staying true to their ranchera-tinged ballads and their showstopper bandasound, Banda MS recruited songwriters like Eden Muñoz, Espinoza Paz, Omar Tarazon, Joss Favela and Jhonny Zazueta to pen songs for the well-rounded album.

During aninterview with Billboard in May, Banda MS’ lead singers Alan Ramírez and Oswaldo Silvas shared details about the album.

“We had 10 songs for the album and we thought, ok, these are enough,” Ramírez said. “But then we started getting other songs and had like 20 in total and so we had to start selecting which ones we really wanted on there, the best ones and the ones we like the most.”

Jenni Rivera Earns Third Posthumous Top 10 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Engañémoslo”

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jenni Riverahas another Top 10 hit…

The late Mexican American bandasinger has notched her third posthumous top 10 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplaychart as “Engañémoslo” rises 13-8.

The track was recorded by Rivera prior to her death in 2012 and co-written by Rivera alongside Espinoza Paz.

It’s also the theme song of a campaign launched by the Rivera family in support of women empowerment throughout Mexico and U.S.

“I assumed she didn’t get to record it,” Paz commented via a press release. “What a pleasant surprise to find out she did.”

“Engañemoslo” lifts to 4 million in audience impressions (up 14%) earned in the week ending May 3, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

The song marks the second previously unreleased recording by the Rivera family following Rivera’s death. It follows the No. 7 peak (Sept. 7, 2019) “Aparentemente Bien” which was written by Erika Enderand Argentina’s Alejandro Lerner.

In between, “Que Me Entierren Cantando” (No. 38 peak) was released by her brother Lupillo Riverawhich includes pre-recorded vocals from the late banda singer-songwriter.

With the new single, Rivera has earned top 10s spanning three decades dating back to 2005 with the No. 7 high “Qué Me Vas a Dar.”

Since then La Diva de La Bandahas placed six top 10s in the 2000s six in the 2010s and her current hit at No. 8.

New Posthumous Jenni Rivera Single, “Engañémoslo,” Released

Posted on February 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jenni Rivera’s legacy lives on with new single…

The late Mexican-American singer’s estate has released a new posthumous single titled “Engañémoslo.”

The powerful and empowering mariachi song centers on having the strength to leave a violent relationship and the importance of self-worth.

The track, written by Espinoza Paz, is the latest single to be released by Rivera’s family and it was among the 11 songs that the family recently found in a hard drive.

“[Engañémoslo] will lift you up and we invite you to this movement because it’s about men, women, equality, we’re not trying to step on anybody, we just have to remember that we’re equals,” Rivera’s sister, Rosie, previously told Billboard. “That powerful, vicious woman is back.”

The chart-topping artist, who passed away in 2012, recorded multiple songs throughout her career written by Paz including “No Llega el Olvido” and “Inolvidable.”

Paz, who wrote “Engañémoslo” many years ago, didn’t know whether Rivera had recorded the song or not. To his surprise, she did.

“Destiny has brought us back together,” the Sinaloan singer-songwriter tells Billboard.

Ozuna Named Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at BMI Latin Awards with a Record Nine 2018 Hits

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Ozunais on Cloud Nine…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer/songwriter was named the Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at the 26th annual BMI Latin Awards.

Ozuna was recognizedfor writing a record-breaking nine of the most-performed Latin songs of 2018, including “Ahora Dice,” “Criminal,” “El Farsante,” “Escápate Conmigo,” “La Modelo,” “La Rompe Corazones,” “Se Preparó,” “Te Boté (Remix)” and “Tu Foto.”

Ozuna attended the night’s festivities and took the stage to accept each one of his nine awards.

Legendary Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Quinteroof Los Tucanes de Tijuana received the BMI President’s Award.

Quintero, who has seen the fortunes of his Tucanes de Tijuana ebb and rise through the years, is in the midst of a major resurgence that includes an appearance at Coachella next month. On Tuesday night, his words of appreciation were mostly to his wife.

“I have few opportunities to recognize her,” he said, admitting he was nervous. “My wife. I call her mi cielo (my heaven). Thank you, mi cielo, for giving me the freedom I need. It’s important to say that when your partner gives you too much freedom, you can make mistakes. But when you give your partner the liberty they need to grow, it’s amazing. And it’s reciprocal.”

Producer Sebastian Krys was honored with the BMI Champion Award. Krys was not only honored for his work as a producer (Elvis Costello, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, La Santa Cecilia, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias, among many others), but also for his work as a philanthropist through his Los Producersinitiative — which raises money for multiple music education initiatives — asked songwriters to “dig deeper” in a time of short attention spans.

“You create the raw material on which our culture is based,” he said. “Most of our music does not reflect our truth. I challenge each of you to speak from your truth. We cannot allow popular music to become a version of Instagram. Some people say ‘this is what the labels want’ or ‘this is what the platforms want.’ But as Henry Fordsaid, if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. Be bold, be brave, be real influencers.”

Other winners of the evening included J Balvin, who won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year for “Mi Gente,” and Espinoza Paz, named Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Ésta Es Tu Canción,” “Las Cosas No Se Hacen Así” and “Ojalá Que Me Olvides.” Omar Robles won Regional Mexican Song of the Year for “El Color de Tus Ojos.”

Banda Sinaloense MS Earns 10th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Songs Chart

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a perfect 10 for Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga…

The Mexican banda leads Billboard’s Regional Mexican Songs airplay chart for a 10th time, as their new single “Mejor Me Alejo” jumps 4-1 on the chart dated October 6.

The song ascends to the summit due to a 30 percent lift in audience (8.3 million) in the week ending September 30, according to Nielsen Music.

The lead single from Con Todas Las Fuerzas, written by Espinoza Paz, is the band’s 10th No. 1, dating back to 2014’s “Hermosa Experiencia,” which topped the list for six weeks.

“Mejor Me ALejo” likewise ascends on the overall Latin Airplay chart, zooming up the tally 17-9 and securing the band’s 13th top 10.

Paz Signs Deal with Universal Music Publishing Group

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Espinoza Paz is going Universal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has joined the Universal Music Publishing Group roster after signing an exclusive, worldwide publishing deal with the company.

The announcement was made by Alexandra Lioutikoff, UMPG EVP Latin Music, and Yadira Moreno, Managing Director of UMPG Mexico and Central America.

“Espinoza is the consummate hitmaker with a rare ability to write songs that truly connect with music fans. We are proud to be part of the career of one of the most important songwriters in Mexico and the U.S. Latin market,” said Moreno in a statement.

Lioutikoff adds: “We are honored this is the first time Espinoza Paz has signed a publishing deal with a major music publisher and chosen Universal Music Publishing Group. Espinoza is such an important songwriter who’s had a constant presence on the charts for years with songs that have such wide reach and continue to touch people’s hearts.”

The “Perdí la pose” singer, known for his achingly beautiful and poetic lyrics, has written for Latin superstars including Paulina Rubio, Julión Álvarez, Banda MS, Calibre 50 and Thalía.

The latest chart-topping hits penned by Paz include Banda Carnaval‘s “Desde cuándo no me quieres,” which peaked at No. 6 on Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated October 1) and the Latin Grammy-nominated song “Te dirán” by La Adictiva Banda San José de Mesillas, which peaked at No. 2 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart (October 15).

Paz recently made a comeback on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart with his latest album, No Pongan Esas Canciones, debuting at No. 1 on the chart two weeks ago (chart dated Oct. 8). It became his fifth chart-topping album.

Boneta to Serve as a Presenter at the Latin Grammys

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Diego Boneta is heading to the Latin Grammys…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer/actor will join Zoe Saldaña, Rita Moreno, Miguel Bose, Yandel, Julieta Venegas, Leslie Grace, Victor Manuelle, current nominees including René Camacho, Pedro Capó and Aída Cuevas and over a dozen other Latin personalities in presenting awards at the Latin Grammys on Thursday night.

A total of 22 well-known presenters will cross the stage at the 16th annual Latin Grammy Awards, joining 32 performers, including Fifth Harmony, Latin chart-topping artists Nicky Jam and J Balvin, OMI of “Cheerleader” fame, Ricky Martin, regional Mexican star Espinoza Paz, urban sensation Maluma and six-time Grammy winners Banda el Recodo. Will Smith is set to appear with Colombian duo Bomba Estereo, and Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Roberto Carlos will also perform.

The show will be broadcast live on the Univision Network Thursday night (Nov. 19) at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Actress Roselyn Sanchez and model and Univison presenter Jacqueline Bracamontes will host the awards.

Fifth Harmony to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Ally Brooke Hernandez, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui are ready to make their Latin Grammys debut.

The Latina singers and their fellow Fifth Harmony members have been added to the performance lineup for this year’s awards show.

No word on what song the all-girl group, named to this year’s Billboard 21 Under 21 list, will perform, but the ladies did release a Spanish version of their hit single “Worth It.” Entitled “(Worth It) Dame Esta Noche,” was released earlier this summer.

In addition to Fifth Harmony, the Latin Recording Academy has booked OMI, Ricky Martin, Espinoza Paz, Maluma and Banda el Recodo to take the stage at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 19 for Latin music’s biggest night.

Six-time Grammy winners Banda El Recodo, Latin urban phenom Maluma and regional Mexican star Paz each received one nomination this year — best banda album for Mi Vicio Más Grande, best urban performance for “El Tiki,” and best regional song for “Perdí La Pose,” respectively.

Pop idol Martin is also among this year’s nominees, having scored three nods: record of the year and song of the year for “Disparo Al Corazón” and best contemporary pop vocal album for A Quien Quiera Escuchar.

Previously announced performers include Julión Álvarez, Bomba Estéreo with Will Smith, J Balvin, Choc Quib Town, Silvestre Dangond, Nicky Jam, Natalia Jiménez, Natalia Lafourcade, Juan Luis Guerra, Major Lazer and mØ, Matisse, and Raquel Sofía.

Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Roberto Carlos will also grace the stage for a special performance.

Don Francisco to Receive an All-Star Send-Off as “Sabado Gigante” Ends Its Historic Run

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an all-star send-off for Don Francisco…

The 74-year-old Chilean television host will have an A-List roster of talent on hand when his popular Univision program Sábado Gigante airs its final episode on September 19.

The longest-running variety show in history, created and hosted by television icon Mario Kreutzberger (more commonly known as Don Francisco), will draw to a clsoe after an unparalleled 53-year cycle.

The network confirmed to Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter exclusively that the lineup for the finale includes global superstar Shakira, Spanish heartthrob Enrique Iglesias, Colombian rocker Juanes, Mexican pop diva Paulina Rubio, Italian pop singer Laura Pausini, Latin urban king Daddy Yankee, salsa icon Marc Anthony, regional Mexican acts Espinoza Paz and Intocable, pop balladeer Luis Fonsi, bachata idol Prince Royce and the original crossover queen, Gloria Estefan.

Their participation will be a mix of live performances and other surprises, the details of which will be revealed by Univision in the coming days.

Many of those artists have a unique attachment to Don Francisco, who gave them a platform long before they became household names.

Upon hearing the news in April that the show was ending, many prominent members of the music community shared heartfelt messages on social media dedicated to Kreutzberger, who will continue his relationship with Univision by hosting specials.

At the time, Yankee told Billboard, “Don Francisco was the first person who gave me a shot on national television. I’ll always be indebted to him. His contribution to — and influence in — the Latino community has no limit. He is an example and a true leader.”

Likewise, Royce told Billboard, “Don Francisco and Sábado Gigante have been hugely important in my career. It was the first show where I performed on television even before I was known. Mario opened the doors to Chile for me by inviting me to be a part of his beloved telethon and I’ve joined him for two years in that beautiful labor of love which he puts on from the heart for the kids and families of his country. He has a giant heart and that’s why he’s so big, our dear Don Francisco.”

Iglesias, who first visited the show in 1995 when he was still a relative newcomer, reacted to the news by saying, “Fifty-three years on TV is easy to say, but it’s an incredible record. Don Francisco will always be unique and irreplaceable. I am so grateful because I started my career on the show and I’m sure a lot of my colleagues will agree with me that he has been like a father figure to all of us. Thank you Don Mario.”

Promos for the special “Sábado Gigante: Hasta Siempre” started airing on Univision on September 12 leading up to the grand finale.

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