Smollett Signs Recording Contract with Columbia Records

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Jussie Smollett is ready to create his own music empire…

The 31-year-old Brazilian actor/singer, one of the stars of Fox’s breakout hit series Empire, has reportedly landed a recording contract at Columbia Records.

Smollett revealed the good news to Entertainment Weekly.

“There will be a Jussie Smollett album. I signed to Columbia,” he said when asked about future music plans. “So darling [Laughs] I’m label mates with Beyoncé and Adele and Barbra Streisand.”

Smollett has seen much success with his role on Fox’s smash hit, Empire, which continues to see new additions to its 13.8 million viewers with each episode.

News of the record deal comes as little surprise…

Throughout Empire’s freshman season, Smollett’s character, Jamal Lyon, has showcased some applaudable pipes. And his songs from the show has repeatedly performed well on iTunes.

Coronel Releases Inspirational Holiday Single “Feliz Navidad”

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Coronel is spreading a little love this holiday season…

The 18-year-old Mexican American cantante, who was named to this year’s Billboard‘s 21 Under 21 list, has released the lyric video for his brand new Christmas song “Feliz Navidad.”

The clip for his acoustic accordion-and guitar-accompanied inspirational ballad, not to be confused with the Jose Feliciano classic of the same name, shows Coronel greeting his female fans, and giving the luckiest of the girls a kiss on the cheek.

The lyric video was released this week, already garnering 14-thousand views on YouTube.

In October, Coronel became the youngest solo artist in 13 years to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart with his sophomore album Quiero Ser Tu Dueño. “Tenerte,” the first single from that album, rose to the top of Regional Mexican Songs, where it currently stands at No. 12.

An artist for a new Latino generation with ranchera roots and pop appeal, Coronel will be up for the Male Artist of the Year at Univision’s Premios Nuestro Awards in Feb. 2015. He’ll end this year with an appearance on Azteca America’s Christmas special Navidad Azteca, and be the subject of a mun2 special, Estrellas de Reventon: Luis Coronel on December 14.

“Feliz Navidad” is available for download on iTunes.

Calle 13’s “Multiviral” Named Best Latin Album by Apple/iTunes

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

René Pérez and Eduardo Cabra have a multiviral hit on their hands…

Calle 13, formed by the Puerto Rican stepbrothers, has earned a spot on iTunes’ year-end charts.

The duo’s fifth studio effort MultiViral, which was released on March 1, 2014, was declared the Best Latin Album by Apple and iTunes.

Last month, Calle 13 picked up the Latin Grammy award for Urban Music Album for Multi_Viral, one of two prizes the duo picked up that night as they set the record for the most Latin Grammys with an astonishing 21 career wins.

Earlier this month, the album earned a Grammy nomination in the Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album category.

Check out the full best-selling list from iTunes, as well as Apple‘s best-ofs below:

Top Songs:
01. “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
02. “All Of Me,” John Legend
03. “Dark Horse,” Katy Perry, feat. Juicy J
04. “Talk Dirty,” Jason DeRulo, feat. 2 Chainz
05. “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX
06. “Problem,” Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea
07. “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor
08. “Let It Go,” Idina Menzel
09. “Turn Down for What,” DJ Snake & Lil Jon
10. “Rude,” MAGIC!

Top Albums:
01. Frozen Soundtrack
02. 1989, Taylor Swift
03. Ghost Stories, Coldplay
04. In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith
05. Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack
06. Beyoncé, Beyoncé
07. Pure Heroine, Lorde
08. x, Ed Sheeran
09. The Outsiders, Eric Church
10. 5 Seconds of Summer, 5 Seconds of Summer

Apple’s Best-Ofs:
Best Artist: Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Best Album: 1989, Taylor Swift
Best Song: “Fancy” Iggy Azalea, feat. Charli XCX
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Best Pop: 1989, Taylor Swift
Best Rock: Lazaretto, Jack White
Best Alternative: Lost in the Dream, The War on Drugs
Best Hip-Hop/Rap: Under Pressure, Logic
Best Country: Pain Killer, Little Big Town
Best R&B/Soul: JHUD, Jennifer Hudson
Best Dance: New Eyes, Clean Bandit
Best Singer/Songwriter: Utah, Jamestown Revival
Best Latin: MultiViral, Calle 13
Best Electronic: Our Love, Caribou
Best Jazz: Time and Time Again, The Cookers
Best Classical: John Luther Adams: Become Ocean, Ludovic Morlot & Seattle Symphony Orchestra

Fonseca Pens Anthem for Change, “Rise Up,” with Jon Batiste

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Fonseca is encouraging the masses to rise up…

The 35-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter has partnered with American jazz artist and composer Jon Batiste to co-write “Rise Up,” the theme song to a special one-day summit of the same name.

Fusion, the television and digital company launched as a joint venture between Univision and Disney/ABC Television, will host its first RiseUp summit on November 19 in Washington, D.C.

The one-day event will bring together global activists, artists, politicians and technologists from around the world.

As part of “RiseUp,” Fonseca and Batiste penned the theme song, which is available on iTunes now.

The track is being called an anthem for change (“Stand Up to the world, rise up for what you care,” says the chorus) with jazz and pop influences. All proceeds from the song will be donated to UNICEF.

Fonseca and Batiste will perform “Rise Up” at the summit during an evening concert directed by producer Andres Levin. It will also feature his fusion band, Yerba Buena.

The RiseUp summit will spotlight recent youth-led movements and activism in places as far-flung as Venezuela, Egypt, Taiwan and Turkey.

Daddy Yankee Releases First English Track “This Is Not a Love Song”

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is switching tongues…

The 37-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer-songwriter and actor has released the uptempo song “This Is Not a Love Song” en ingles.

Daddy Yankee’s new track was produced by the Cataracs, who’ve worked with everyone from Enrique Iglesias to Beyonce. It also features newcomer Duncan.

There are currently no plans for an English-language album, according to a spokesperson for the entertainer, one of the most revered rappers in Latin music.

But Daddy Yankee is releasing the 10th-anniversary edition of Barrio Fino on October 7.

Yankee, who has been working with producers like Diplo and Jim Jonsin, was searching for the right English-language song. When the Cataracs song surfaced, it struck a chord.

“Over these past 10 years I focused on bringing my music to the forefront of the Latin music world, but when I got this track from The Cataracs, I knew I had to run with it,” Yankee said in a statement. “Most people have only ever heard me in Spanish so it shocks everyone to hear me rap all in English. The hook helps bring it to life. Duncan’s voice is one of a kind and he just adds that magic touch to the record.”

A decade ago, Barrio Fino was heard around the world. In the U.S., sales have totaled 1.08 million to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums on July 31, 2004. It spent 24 weeks at No. 1 and holds more weeks at No. 1 than any other urban album in the chart’s history. Only four other albums have had more weeks at No. 1. The ranking:

Gloria Estefan, Mi Tierra (58 weeks at No. 1)
2. Selena, Dreaming of You (44 weeks)
3. Luis Miguel, Segundo Romance (29 weeks)
4. Ricky Martin, Vuelve (26 weeks)
5. Daddy Yankee, Barrio Fino (24 weeks)

The album peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 on April 16, 2005.

“Ten years ago ‘Gasolina’ introduced me and my music to the mainstream market and helped pave the path for many artists that came after me with a vision and a dream,” Yankee added.

“This Is Not a Love Song” went on sale Tuesday (Sept. 9) through iTunes and other digital platforms.

Maldonado & Pentatonix to Release Two Albums This Year

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s back to the studio for Kirstie Maldonado.

The half-Mexican American/part-Spanish artist and her fellow Pentatonix members have released a special teaser video announcing their plans to release new music this year.

Pentatonix will actually release two albums this year.

PTX Vol. 3 will hit shelves on September 23, followed by a second holiday album, That’s Christmas to Me, on October 21.

The upcoming EP from the viral a cappella quintet marks their first project with RCA Records, and will again feature covers of hits and original tracks.

The album will also include a surprise featured guest, as well as a song performed entirely in French.

Maldonado and her fellowGroup members Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola — who won NBC‘s singing competition The Sing-Offin 2011 — will share the upcoming Vol. 3 tracklist on Aug. 12, when its iTunes and Amazon pre-order goes live with the first of two planned instant tracks.

That’s Christmas to Me, named for an original holiday song penned by the group, will include a combination of classic holiday tracks, modern favorites and a one-of-a-kind holiday mash-up.

El Rey Network Orders Second Season of Luna’s Spy Thriller “The Matador”

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s nothin’ but net for Gabriel Luna…

El Rey Network has ordered a 13-episode second season of the soccer-themed spy thriller Matador, starring the 31-year-old Latino actor.

From writer-producer Roberto Orci, the series centers on Antonio “Matador” Bravo, a soccer star who in reality uses his sports career as a cover for his work as a skilled covert operative executing missions for a little-known branch of the CIA.

Alfred Molina, Nicky Whelan, Neil Hopkins, Tanc Sade, Yvette Monreal, Elizabeth Peña, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Sammi Rotibi, Jonny Cruz, Isabella Gomez and Peter Gadiot co-star.

“It just fit in with what we wanted to do … this is why I created [El Rey],” said filmmaker and the network’s founder Robert Rodriguez, who trumpeted the network’s commitment to diversity by saying that at least 50% of the network’s talent both in front of and behind the camera is diverse. “We are so happy with the season already, we are on episode 11. It fits right in with our network. It’s kickass, the characters are really engaging, it’s your dream kind of show to do.”

The announcement comes in advance of the The Matador’s premiere on July 15.

A sneak peek of the pilot episode becomes available this week on iTunes, Vudu, Xbox 360 and other platforms.

Coronel Named Newcomer of the Year at the Premios Los Angeles

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying including Luis Coronel is a rising star in Latin music… And, now he has the goods to prove it.

The 18-year-old singer Mexican American singer was crowned the newcomer of the year at the inaugural Premios Los Angeles, which awarded trophies to some of the most trending musical acts in Mexican music.

“I want to thank all of the L.A. fans,” Coronel said, as he picked up his trophy during the pre-taped ceremony. “You’ve never failed me. I live through you.”

Coronel has posted a number of his singles on the iTunes and Billboard charts, including “Mi Niña Traviesa,” “Será Mas Fácil,” and “Escápate.” He released his debut album, Con la Frente en Alto, in September 2013. The album reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Albums chart within three weeks of its release.

The Premios Los Angeles, which opened with a performance by the Grammy-winning band La Santa Cecilia during the live taping, was hosted by singer/songwriter Aleks Syntek. The program will air June 1 on MundoFox.

The awards, which included an online voting system available to fans, included 10 other winners including Spanish Latin singer Enrique Bunbury for best pop/rock album, Regulo Caro for best regional Mexican artist, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon for best banda artist and El Trono de Mexico for best artist tierra caliente.

Alex Rivera took home the prize for composer of the year, Buknas de Culiacan won for best altered movement artist, Amantes de Sinaloa took home the prize for best Los Angeles underground artist, Eddie Sotelo “El Piolin” won for radio announcer of the year and Elisabeth Espinoza took home the prize for crossover TV personality.

The program, which was taped at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, included performances and tributes to boxing champ Julio Cesar Chavez, L.A. politician Gil Cedillo, radio pioneer Pepe Garza and veteran regional Mexican singer Ramon Ayala.

“We are proud to have created a platform that spotlights and rewards the impressive work that our Latino artists are contributing to the world,” said Humberto Valencia, president of HUMA Productions and creator of the event. “We look forward to continuing to recognize talented Latino artists and leaders through ‘Premios Los Angeles’ in the years to come.”

The awards show will air on MundoFox and Ocho TV on June 1 at 7 p.m. (PT). The program is also scheduled to air in Mexico.

Lovato Announces to Tour North American Once Again This Fall

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is ready to hit the road again…

The 21-year-old singer/actress and former The X Factor judge, who recently wrapped her Neon Lights North American tour earlier this spring, has revealed plans to tour the continent once again.

Lovato’s North American trek — part of a world tour — begins September 6 in Baltimore, and continues through late October.

In her previous tour, the “Made in the U.S.A.” singer was joined by Little Mix and Fifth Harmony. This time around, Christina Perri and MKTO will serve as support on the new dates.

Tickets for the 25-date tour, which is produced and promoted by Live Nation, go on pre-sale to Citi cardmembers on June 3.

Lovato has been celebrating the one-year anniversary of her Demi album with her #DEMIVERSARY social media campaign; the album returns to No. 18 on the Billboard 200 chart this week thanks to discount pricing, as it was recently listed at $4.99 at digital retailers like iTunes and Amazon MP3.

The singer recently released “Really Don’t Care,” featuring Cher Lloyd, as the latest single from the album.

Here’s a look at Lovato’s upcoming North American tour dates:

Sept. 6: Baltimore, MD (Baltimore Arena†)
Sept. 7: Albany, NY (Times Union Center†)
Sept. 9: Pittsburgh, PA (Petersen Events Center†)
Sept. 12: Raleigh, NC (PNC Arena*)
Sept. 14: Miami, FL (American Airlines Arena†)
Sept. 15: Orlando, FL (Amway Center†)
Sept. 17: New Orleans, LA (Lakefront Arena*)
Sept. 19: San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center*)
Sept. 21: Tulsa, OK (BOK Center*)
Sept. 23: Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center†)
Sept. 25: Denver, CO (Pepsi Center†)
Sept. 28: San Diego, CA (Viejas Arena†)
Oct. 2: Seattle, WA (Comcast Arena†)
Oct. 4: Edmonton, AB (Rexall Place†)
Oct. 5: Calgary, AB (Scotiabank Saddledome†)
Oct. 7: Saskatoon, SK (Credit Union Center†)
Oct. 11: Moline, IL (iWireless Center†)
Oct. 14: Chicago, IL (United Center†)
Oct. 15: Louisville, KY (KFC Yum! Center†)
Oct. 17: Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena†)
Oct. 19: Montreal, QC (Bell Centre†**)
Oct. 20: Hamilton, ON (FirstOntario Centre†)
Oct. 22: Manchester, NH (Verizon Wireless Arena†)
Oct. 24: Hershey, PA (GIANT Center†)
Oct. 25: Newark, NJ (Prudential Center†)

† – Date with Christina Perri and MKTO

* – Date with MKTO only

Ramirez Renews Her “Grey’s Anatomy” Contract for Two More Years

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Sara Ramirez will be on call for a little longer…

The 38-year-old half-Mexican actress/singer has signed a new two-year deal to continue portraying Dr. Callie Torres on Grey’s Anatomy.

Ramirez joins the ABC medical drama’s lead actors Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo, who inked new deals in January.

Ramirez joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as a recurring star for the show’s second season in 2006. She was then promoted to series regular in the third season.

Ramirez provided a cappella vocals in the song “Silent Night” for the soundtrack of the show’s sixth season episode “Holidaze,” which airied November 19, 2009. On December 21, 2009, that version of the song was released as a single on iTunes. Ramirez’s voice was also showcased in the musical episode of Grey’s Anatomy, Ep. 718 “Song Beneath the Song“, which aired March 31, 2011.

In addition to Ramirez, Dempsey and Pompeo, James Pickens Jr., Chandra Wilson and Justin Chambers renewed their contracts as well.

Now that the majority of t show’s stars have signed new deals, an 11th season renewal for the series from Shonda Rhimes is considered a formality.

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