Alejandro Fernández Releases New Single “Inexperto En Olvidarte”

Posted on January 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Fernández can’t forget…

The 51-year-old Mexican singer has released his new single “Inexperto En Olvidarte” via Universal Music Latino.For his first song of the year, Fernández goes the traditional route with a heart-wrenching ranchera.

It’s a quintessential song for Fernández, who’s long mastered the mariachi ballad — and this one is no exception.

Penned by Amanda Coronel and Fernanda Díaz, the track thrives thanks to its delicate mariachi arrangement, accompanied by an accordion for the ultimate norteño touch.

“Inexperto En Olvidarte” is Fernandez’s first single from his upcoming album, due later this year.

Chiquis Releases Mariachi Version of “Paloma Blanca” to Honor Late Mom Jenni Rivera

Posted on December 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Chiquis is celebrating her late mother with a new version of her debut single…

The 37-year-old Mexican American singer has released a mariachi version of debut single “Paloma Blanca” to commemorate Jenni Rivera’s death 10 years ago, on December 9, 2012.

The new interpretation comes eight years after the original banda track debuted in 2014.

Accompanied by the all-female Mariachi Divas, Chiquis belts out a heartfelt love letter to La Diva de la Banda, expressing how much she misses her, what she would’ve changed about their mother-daughter relationship, and her biggest life lessons learned.

The song was produced by Cindy Shea, Ulises Lozano El Licenciado and Janney “Chiquis” Marin, and co-written by Marin and Claudia Brant.

“When ‘Paloma Blanca’ was originally released, I wasn’t entirely happy with the way it was recorded. I have always wanted to re-release it,” Chiquis said in a press statement. “My vocals and delivery have greatly evolved over these last eight years and I feel better than ever about my music so I decided to record it alongside Mariachi Divas. It will always be dedicated to my mom who passed away ten years ago but I also wanted to re-record it for her fans as well as mine.”

Bringing the emotional lyrics to life, a music video helmed by director Oscar Eden shows Chiquis performing the song dressed as an angel as well as never-before-seen footage of her mother.

The sweet tribute comes a month after Chiquis received her first-ever Grammy nomination for best regional Mexican album and her second Latin Grammy win in the best banda album category with Abeja Reina.

Jessi Uribe Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with Luis R Conriquez-Collab “Si Ya Hiciste El Mal”

Posted on November 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special first for Jessi Uribe…

The 35-year-old Colombian singer has secured his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated November 19 as “Si Ya Hiciste El Mal,” his first collaborative effort with Luis R Conriquez, rises 2-1.

Uribe is one of the forerunners of Colombian ranchero, a branch of regional Colombian music that borrows from Mexican mariachi, ranchera and corrido formats.

He becomes the second Colombian singer-songwriter to score a No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2022: As “Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” hits No. 1, it sends Camilo, a core Latin pop Colombian artist, to No. 2 as “Alaska,” with Grupo Firme dips after its one-week command (chart dated November 12).

“Honestly, I’m extremely happy and grateful,” Uribe tells Billboard. “It’s a dream fulfilled. I have been a regional Mexican music lover since childhood, I am singer of regional Colombian music and to be the first one to achieve this, is an honor. Thanks to Luis, my team, and the listeners who have given us so much love.”

“Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” climbs from the runner-up spot after a 3% increase in audience impressions, to 7.1 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending November 13, according to Luminate.

The song gives Uribe his first leader on an airplay chart. He previously scored a No. 6 best with “El Alumno,” with Joss Favela, in May. Meanwhile, Conriquez clocks his second ruler: “JGL,” with La Adictiva, topped Regional Mexican Airplay for one week (September 10).

“Working with Jessie was a beautiful experience,” Conriquez tells Billboard. “We traveled to Colombia to record the song and our bonding was beyond great.”

Further, thanks to its radio reception, “Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” debuts at No. 50 on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart. It earns Uribe his first chart appearance. Conriquez claims his ninth entry.

The track also makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart jumping 10-8, the closest Conriquez has been to the top after another No. 8 high (“JGL” in the Sept. 10-dated ranking).

Ángela Aguilar Teams Up with Yuridia for New Single “Qué Agonía”

Posted on October 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ángela Aguilar is agonizing…

The 19-year-old Mexican-American singer has joined voices with Yuridia to release the new single “Qué Agonía.”

The song is the fifth single from Yuridia’s newly released Regional Mexican album, Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, produced by Eden Muñoz.

The track and the album were released on Thursday, October 20.

With beautiful orchestration, and sublime harmonies from the two powerhouses, “Qué Agonía” — written by Aguilar — is a romantic Mexican ballad about being in love long after a breakup.

“The truth is, I didn’t forget you… and although a lot has happened, and life changed for us, the feeling is alive”, they sing.

In the official video, they appear accompanied by an all-female mariachi band, among other musicians.

Pablo Alborán Teams Up with Carin Leon to Release New Single “Viaje a Ningún Lado”

Posted on October 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Pablo Alborán is dipping his toe into Regional Mexican music…

The 33-year-old Spanish musician and singer-songwriter has joined voices with Carin Leon to released the magical collaboration, “Viaje a Ningún Lado.”

Accompanied by a beautiful fusion of acoustic guitars, mariachi and flamenco melodies — and the deep power of interpretation of both singer-songwriters — the lyrics wrap around a story of a love that may have already left, and it’s time to let go.

“I rather you leave now before I start feeling alone with you, before I learn more about you from the things you don’t say, before doubts raise another wall between us,” they sing in the chorus.

The new single will form part of Alborán’s next album La Cuarta Hoja.

J Balvin Becomes First Latino Artist to Headline NFL Kickoff Concert

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin has earned a place in NFL history…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer performed at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California, on Thursday, September 8 as part of the NFL Kickoff Experience to celebrate the beginning of the 2022 NFL season, becoming the first Latino artist to headline an NFL kickoff concert.

J Balvin performed ahead of the first game of the year, which saw the Buffalo Bills battle with reigning Super Bowl champs, the Los Angeles Rams.

Attendees defied the L.A. heat wave and made their way to the beach for a free day event that featured all sorts of activities and activations, including a beach football field.

Before Balvin took the stage, a local mariachi band serenaded the sweaty crowd before the Alabama State Marching Hornets took over for a riveting number.

Opening for Balvin was West Coast-based DJ and producer Tokimonsta, who was able to get the concertgoers out of the shade and closer to the main stage where they danced to her eclectic set.

Then, an inflatable giant hand appeared onstage holding up an equally large smiling face balloon — Balvin’s signature smiley face— which could only mean that the chart-topping artist was ready to take make his grand entrance. While his set was scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm, Balvin took the stage 10 minutes earlier to perform a nearly one-hour show.

He appeared in a two-piece, army-like outfit styled with a matching balaclava that only exposed his eyes.

“Cómo está la vibra esta tarde, how’s the vibe today?” he asked the crowd.

Balvin kicked off with the fan-favorite “Mi Gente” and went on to perform back-to-back hits like “Reggaeton,” “Nivel de Perreo,” “Con Altura,” “Loco Contigo,” “Blanco,” “Ritmo,” “Amarillo,” “Ginza,” “I Like It” and “In Da Getto.” He also brought out a special guest, Trueno, an emerging rapper from Argentina, to perform their collaboration “Un Paso.”

“My name is Jose but they call me J Balvin,” he added. “Where are all the warriors that fight for their dreams? I see my Latino gang representing here.”

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Throughout the years, artists like Shawn Mendes, Meek Mill, Meghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran have performed at the NFL Kickoff Concert.

Lupita Infante Releases Two Versions of New Single “Pa’ Dentro”

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lupita Infante is the toast of the town…

The 35-year-old Mexican American singer has released the new single “Pa’ Dentro” via Sony Music Latin.

And, the new track comes in two different versions: mariachi and banda.

“Pa’ Dentro” expresses a single message — “tequila is your best friend” — with the banda version a true party starter.

“Pa’ Adentro” was penned by Infante and renowned Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Erika Vidrio.

“‘Pa’ Dentro’ is a song that was missing in my repertoire, a song that would allow me to toast with the public, and a jovial song that you can listen to with friends,” Infante says about the track. “It is a tribute to Mexican culture and our passion for tequila, things that always go hand in hand.”

The track is a preview of Infante’s upcoming EP.

Gigi Saul Guerrero to Direct Biopic About the Late Jenni Rivera

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gigi Saul Guerrero is bringing a Mexican American icon’s life story to the big screen…

The 32-year-old Mexican Canadian filmmaker and actress will direct “Jenni,” a film about the life of the late Jenni Rivera.

The biopic, which is authorized by the late artist’s estate, will be produced by Los Angeles-based multimedia company Mucho Mas Media and De Line Pictures.

Developed by Guerrero and screenwriter Shane McKenzie, the movie follows Rivera’s rise as a Spanish singer who successfully crossed over to U.S. and global audiences, as well as her work as a women’s rights activist. She died in a plane crash in 2012 at age 43.

Rivera’s variety of banda, mariachi and norteño music made her one of the best-selling regional Mexican artists ever, with 15 gold and platinum records and top-drawing tours.

She produced multiple television series like “Chiquis & Raq-C” and “I Love Jenni,” and in 2012 she was named one of the top 25 most powerful women by People en Español. She also established charities like the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation, which supports single mothers and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Jenni will premiere on TelevisaUnivision’s premium streaming tier VIX+ and in select theaters throughout the U.S. and Mexico. A release date has not been announced yet.

Saul Guerrero was named by Variety in 2019 as a Latinx talent to watch. Since then, she signed a first-look deal with Blumhouse Productions after the debut of her first movie, Culture Shock.

On the acting front, she has voiced characters in “Supernatural Academy” and “Angry Birds: Summer Madness.”

Gurrero also created and directed the 2017 web horror series La Quinceañera and short film El Gigante, and she co-founded the Latin genre-focused company LuchaGore Productions.

McKenzie, a frequent collaborator of Saul Guerrero’s at LuchaGore Productions, wrote the screenplays for “El Gigante,” “La Quinceanera” and “Bingo Hell.”

Jenni Rivera Enterprises will executive produce.

“Gigi is so confident in her voice and storytelling and has an innate understanding of Jenni’s life.

Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” Among Recordings Being Preserved as Part of Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry

Posted on April 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin’s breakthrough single will be livin’ for eternity…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” will be preserved as part of the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.

Martin’s hit single, released in 1999 as part of the former Menudo singer’s English-language debut album, is part of the 2022 list of additions to the registry.

“Livin’ La Vida Loca” reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries, and it’s considered one of Martin’s biggest hits and best-selling singles of all time.

In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, becoming Martin’s first number one single on the chart. Additionally, it broke several records on Billboard charts.

At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, it won a total of five awards and was nominated for several other categories, including Video of the Year, making Martin the first Latin artist in history to receive a nomination in this category.

Linda Ronstadt’s Spanish-language album Canciones de Mi Padre is also being preserved.

Released in 1987, it was the 75-year-old half-Mexican American Grammy-winning singer’s first album of Mexican traditional mariachi music. The canciones were a big part of Ronstadt’s family tradition and musical roots.

At 2.5 million copies sold in the US, the album stands as one of the biggest selling non-English language albums in American record history. It has been RIAA certified double-platinum (for over 2 million US copies sold) and also won Ronstadt the Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album.

The Buena Vista Social Club’s self-titled album has also been earmarked for preservation.

The ensemble of Cuban musicians, established in 1996, recorded the album in March 1996 and released it in September 1997. It quickly became an international success, which prompted the ensemble to perform with a full line-up in Amsterdam and New York in 1998. German director Wim Wenders captured the performance on film for a documentary—also called Buena Vista Social Club—that included interviews with the musicians conducted in Havana. Wenders’ film was released in June 1999 to critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary feature and winning numerous accolades including Best Documentary at the European Film Awards.

The Library of Congress said its National Recording Preservation Plan provides a blueprint to implement a comprehensive national sound recording preservation program. The National Recording Preservation Board and members of the public have nominated recordings to the National Recording Registry every year since 2002. The depth and breadth of nominations received highlights the richness of the nations” audio legacy and underscores the importance of assuring the long-term preservation of that legacy for future generations.

Here’s the list of 2022 additions to the National Recordings Registry, in chronological order:

“Harlem Strut”, James P. Johnson (1921)
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Complete Presidential Speeches (1933-45)
“Walking the Floor Over You”, Ernest Tubb (1941, single)
“On a Note of Triumph” (May 8, 1945)
“Jesus Gave Me Water”, The Soul Stirrers (1950, single)
“Ellington at Newport”, Duke Ellington (1956, album)
“We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite”, Max Roach (1960, album)
“The Christmas Song”, Nat King Cole (1961, single)
“Tonight’s the Night”, The Shirelles (1961, album)
“Moon River”, Andy Williams (1962, single)
“In C”, Terry Riley (1968, album)
“It’s a Small World”, The Disneyland Boys Choir (1964, single)
“Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, The Four Tops (1966, single)
Hank Aaron’s 715th Career Home Run (April 8, 1974)
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, Queen (1975, single)
“Don’t Stop Believin’”, Journey (1981, single)
“Canciones de Mi Padre”, Linda Ronstadt (1987, album)
“Nick of Time”, Bonnie Raitt (1989, album)
“The Low End Theory”, A Tribe Called Quest (1991, album)
“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”, Wu-Tang Clan (1993, album)
“Buena Vista Social Club” (1997, album)
“Livin’ La Vida Loca”, Ricky Martin (1999, single)
“Songs in A Minor”, Alicia Keys (2001, album)
WNYC broadcasts for the day of 9/11 (Sept. 11, 2001)
“WTF with Marc Maron” (Guest: Robin Williams, 2010)

Tucson Music Hall to Be Renamed in Honor of Linda Ronstadt

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Linda Ronstadt is receiving a special hometown honor…

The Tucson Music Hall will be renamed in honor of the 75-year-old half-Mexican American retired singer, a southern Arizona native who went on to become a Grammy-winning superstar, as announced by Mayor Regina Romero.

One of the top performers of the 1970s and a popular singer well into the 21st century, Ronstadt collected nearly a dozen Grammys in several categories, including country, pop, Latin and children’s music.

She stopped singing in 2009 when Parkinson’s disease robbed her of her singing voice.

“Linda Ronstadt is a beloved daughter of Tucson. It is time to honor her legacy and her ability to tell the story of our culture through music,” Romero said in a statement.

Ronstadt arrived on the music scene in 1967 as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys, a country-folk trio that featured two of her friends from the University of Arizona in Tucson. She later found success as a solo artist in eclectic genres ranging from rock to Mexican ranchera.

She was influenced by the Mexican music she grew up listening to as a child in Tucson.

“To me, nothing is more satisfying than going home to Tucson and singing with my dad,” Ronstadt once told The Los Angeles Times.

The venue will be formally renamed on May 7 during the International Mariachi Conference Espectacular Concert. Romero’s office said Ronstadt is scheduled to be in Tucson to unveil new signage bearing her name.

“I am fortunate to be a member of a large musical family that has been associated with the City of Tucson since the 1800s,” Ronstadt said in a statement released by the city. “My entire career was informed and nurtured by the music we made as I was growing up here.”

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