Santana to Release Live CD/DVD Package for His Hit Spanish Project “Corazón”

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Santana is bringing his corazón to live…

Following the success of his first-ever all Spanish-language album Corazón, the 67-year-old Mexican musician and 10-time Grammy-winner is set to release a live CD/DVD package titled Corazón, Live From Mexico: Live It to Believe It.

From RCA Records/Sony Latin Iberia, the package will be released on September 9 and include a live CD and DVD, plus a documentary film shot in different Mexican locales.

The track listing for Corazón Live From Mexico includes many of the artists featured in Santana’s original Corazón, including Juanes, Gloria Estefan, Miguel, Romeo Santos, Lila Downs, Diego Torres and Niña Pastori.

But it has also been expanded considerably to include new versions of his standards like “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth” and collabs like “Corazón Espinado,” featuring Fher Olvera (lead singer of Maná) and Cindy Blackman Santana.

The set will be available for digital download and in three different physical packages: DVD, DVD/CD and Blu-Ray/CD.

Corazón debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in April and spent six weeks at the top of the chart. It’s currently No. 6 on the chart and was the third top-selling Latin album for the first six months of the year, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

But the upcoming live version was conceived from the onset as part of the overall Corazón project. The album, with all its featured artists, was recorded in the studio and released last April, but a live component was always part of the proposal.

With sponsorship from Mexico’s Tourism Board, the live show was taped in December 2013 in Santana’s home state of Gaudalajara, a documentary was filmed in different locales and a special aired on HBO Latino both in the U.S. and Latin America in the spring.

Corazón was a seminal project on many fronts. The HBO airing marked the first time ever that HBO Latino (which operates in the U.S.) and HBO Latin America joined forces to premiere a concert event.

Maldonado and Pentatonix Release A Capella Cover of Ariana Grande’s “Problem”

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Kirstie Maldonado has a series problem…

The half-Mexican American/part-Spanish artist and her fellow Pentatonix members have released a new cover, proving there’s really nothing the quintet can’t sing.

The a capella group, who won NBC‘s singing competition The Sing-Off in 2011, shared a video of them performing their rendition of Ariana Grande‘s summer jam “Problem.”

Maldonado and the gang perform every part of the hit track with Kevin Olusola showing off his impressive beat-boxing skill. Meanwhile, Mitch Grassi spits the verses originally performed by Iggy Azalea in the original.

“Problem” is the lead single off Grande’s upcoming sophomore album, My Everything. The 21-year-old singer has responded to Pentatonix’s cover on Twitter, saying”Omg y’all. my favs. been waiting! better SING i love u,” she wrote.

Pentatonix is currently working on two projects that the group plans to release this fall. Earlier this month, they announced their new EP called PTX, Vol. III will arrive in stores on September 23, marking their first project to be released by RCA Records. It will feature covers of hits and original tracks.

The EP will be followed by their second holiday album, That’s Christmas to Me, which is coming out on October 21. It will include a combination of classic holiday tracks, modern favorites and a one-of-a-kind holiday mash-up.

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.

Pitbull Reveals New Track “Fireball” on SoundCloud

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is a fireball of talent…

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has released a new track called “Fireball” from his upcoming album Globalization.

The track, which was released on Pitbull’s SoundCloud page, features guest vocals from singer-songwriter John Ryan.

“Fireball” is an upbeat and highly-danceable track that’s seemingly inspired by Brazilian music.

“I saw I came I conquered/ Or should I saw I conquered I came/ This little chico on fire he ain’t no lie/ While y’all slippin’ he’s runnin’ the game,” Pitbull raps over the horns and clanging percussion.

Ryan’s vocals then emerge on the hook, singing, “I was born in a flame/ I’mma say that every world will know my name/ I’m the best you never had/ If you think I’m burning out, I never am/ I’m on fire.”

Globalization is Pitbull’s eighth studio album. It’s scheduled for release this fall via RCA Records.

Maldonado & Her Pentatonix Members Sign with RCA Records

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Kirstin Maldonado has landed a new recording contract…

The half-Mexican American/part-Spanish singer and her fellow Pentatonix members have signed with RCA Records.

Maldonado and her a cappella quintet members, The Sing-Off season-three champions and viral stars, is known mostly for their creative covers of pop hits like Lorde‘s “Royals” and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis‘ “Can’t Hold Us,” evolution-style arrangements and original songs.

“We are thrilled to have Pentatonix join RCA,” said RCA president and COO Tom Corson. “Their musicality and special vocal abilities have enabled them to create innovative original songs as well as re-create some of today’s biggest hits. Pentatonix is unique to our business and we look forward to working with them as we take their talents to new and exciting heights everywhere in the world.”

“We’re really excited to start this new chapter of our career with RCA,” said the group — consisting of Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola — in a statement. “We feel like we’ve found a home where we can truly develop our artistry with the best in the industry.”

Following their Sing-Off win in 2011, the electro-infused quintet has released three albums via Madison Gate Records (PTX Volume 1, PTXmas and PTX Volume 2, selling over 500,000 copies combined) and collected over 445 million views and more than 5.6 million subscribers on YouTube.

The group wraps its sold-out European tour on May 18, following a sold-out North American tour.

Pitbull Releases Official World Cup Song “We Are One (Ole, Ola),” feat. Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ole. Ola! Pitbull has released “We Are One (Ole, Ola),” his easy, breezy World Cup song.

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar’s new track – the official FIFA song for the upcoming World Cup – was released Tuesday in advance of the official FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil album.

“We Are One,” which includes a whistling melody and stadium chants, features Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.

Acoustic guitar sets up a beachy backdrop for “We Are One” before Pitbull launches into some easy motivational rhymes to a marching dance beat. J.Lo comes in with a more aggressive run, peppered with a few words in Portuguese, and Leitte’s muscular vocals briefly demonstrate why she is one of Brazil’s most popular singers.

“Show the world where you’re from, show the world we are one,” goes the chorus.

Pitbull, Lopez and Leitte will perform the song at the World Cup opener in Sao Paulo. A video shot in South Florida is set to debut later this month.

The track is the first single on the 17-song album, which will be released on May 12, exactly a month before the tournament kicks off.

Shakira, Ricky Martin, Sergio Mendes, The Isley Brothers and Baha Men are included on the list of Brazilian and international artists who perform on 17 tracks.

One Love, One Rhythm, the World Cup album, released on FIFA partner Sony Music Entertainment‘s RCA Records, will also include the official anthem, “Dar um Jeito (We Will Find A Way).”

Carlos Santana, Avicii and Alexandre Pires are set to perform that theme at the World Cup closing ceremonies in Rio on July 13.

Buyers who pre-order the album now on iTunes receive a free download of “We Are One.”

‘One Love, One Rhythm: The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Album’ Tracklisting:

1. Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte – We Are One (Ole Ola) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Song)
2. Santana & Wyclef feat. Avicii & Alexandre Pires – Dar Um Jeito (We Will Find A Way) (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Anthem)
3. Arlindo Cruz – Tatu Bom De Bola (The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup TM Mascot Song)}
4. Ricky Martin – Vida (Spanglish Version)
5. David Correy – The World Is Ours
6. Psirico – Lepo Lepo
7. Sérgio Mendes & Carlinhos Brown – One Nation
8. Shakira – La La La (Brazil 2014) feat. Carlinhos Brown
9. The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing (Studio Rio Version)
10. Bebel Gilberto and Lang Lang – Tico Tico
11. Adelén – Olé (Stadium Anthem Mix)
12. Magic! – This Is Our Time (Agora e’a nossa horra)
13. Baha Men – Night & Day (Carnival Mix)
14. Rodrigo Alexey feat. Preta Gil – Go, Gol

King’s “Vida” Named the Winner of Sony’s “Supersong” 2014 World Cup Song Contest

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like World (Cup) is Elijah King’s oyster…

The Puerto Rican singer, who has made several appearances on the Billboard Latin charts since 2009, has been named the winner of Sony’s “Supersong” 2014 World Cup song contest.

King’s bilingual English and Spanish-language song “Vida” will now be recorded by Ricky Martin.

“Vida,” which has a tropical pop feel, will be produced by Salaam Remi, known for his work with The Fugees, Amy Winehouse and Nas.

The song will be included on FIFA partner Sony’s official 2014 World Cup album, to be released on RCA Records in May. And a video for “Vida,” Martin’s second World Cup song, will be shot in Brazil in March, to be included in a TV special that will air on Sony Pictures TV channels.

King was most recently featured on “Te Gusta” a song by Venezuela’s Grupo Treo that reached No. 4 on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart in 2013. His 2011 solo single “Quitate la Ropa” peaked at No. 30 on the same chart.

The Miami-based singer/songwriter beat out four lesser-known finalists who entered the contest by uploading their songs to supersong.com, including Brazilian Rodrigo Alexey, a jingle composer who has a studio in Sao Paulo; and American-born Nicolas Salazar, who works as a musician and actor in Bogotá.

Martin’s previous World Cup song, 1998’s “La Copa de La Vida” (The Cup of Life,)” propelled him into the global spotlight, taking off after he performed it on the Grammys. It charted at No. 2 on Hot Latin Songs, and went to No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Shakira‘s 2010 World Cup hit “Waka Waka,” with South African group Freshly Ground, has sold 1.7 million downloads in the U.S.

The official 2014 World Cup song will be Pitbull‘s “We Are One“ featuring Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte. The artists will perform their song at the opening ceremony of the soccer tournament, which kicks off June 12 in Sao Paulo.

Shakira Releases Steamy Video for Her “Can’t Remember to Forget You” Duet with Rihanna

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira isn’t afraid to get up close and personal with her “Can’t Remember to Forget You” collaborator…

In the just-released official music video for their new duet, the 36-year-old Colombian singer and Rihanna are shown in bodysuits and atop bed sheets, cuddling and smoking cigars as they sing of a post-breakup longing.

The clip, which also shows Shakira playing an electric guitar and drums, was directed by Joseph Kahn, who also helmed Mariah Carey and Miguel’s “#Beautiful,” as well as “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna.

“Can’t Remember to Forget You” was released on January 13 as the first single from Shakira’s self-titled inaugural album with Sony label RCA Records, which is also her first since 2010’s Sale el Sol.

She has said in an interview that Shakira is dedicated to Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, her partner and the father of her son Milan, reports Billboard.

The singer’s video release comes just weeks before she returns as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, which is back for a sixth season on February 24.

The music video has already registered more than 1.47 million views on VEVO.

Shakira will be released on March 25.

Shakira Releases Spanish-Language Version of Her New Single “Can’t Remember to Forget You”

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira hasn’t forgotten to remember her roots.

The 36-year-old Colombian singer and returning The Voice coach has released a solo Spanish-language version of her latest single “Can’t Remember To Forget You” featuring Rihanna.

Following the English version of the song’s rapid ascent at radio, Shakira launched “Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte.”

The new version, available as a digital download, is sung solely by Shakira and is expected to make a major impact on Latin radio this week.

The reggae-inspired up-tempo track comes from Shakira’s upcoming album, due March 25. The set will be her first with RCA Records, and first English-language album since 2009’s She Wolf.

Pop radio has taken a liking to the version featuring Rihanna. Dave Adams, program director of pop station WRNW Milwaukee, told Billboard, “Their vocals complement each other well. The song has good tempo, as well as a memorable hook, so I think as a lot of potential to be a hit.”

Encompassing its first week of availability, “Remember” featuring Rihanna, debuts on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart at No. 31 and its Latin Pop Songs chart at No. 25.

Shakira’s “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” feat. Rihanna, Faring Well at Radio

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira’s collaboration with Rihanna is getting some serious love at radio.

The 36-year-old Colombian superstar’s single “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” featuring Rihanna, has vaulted into the top 20 of the Nielsen BDS-based Pop Songs and Latin Pop Songs building charts after its first day of availability.

The lead track from Shakira’s first RCA Records album, which was released on Monday, January 13, is the first single from her upcoming album, due March 25.

Airplay for the song has been boosted by hourly plays on participating Clear Channel Media + Entertainment-owned English-language pop stations. The song received 1,172 first-day plays on 143 U.S. stations, amounting to 11 million all-format audience impressions.

And response has been positive from radio and listeners for Shakira’s reggae-tinged “Remember.”

“When I heard that Shakira would be collaborating with Rihanna on her new single, I couldn’t wait to hear it,” says Clear Channel-owned WHTZ (Z100) New York program director Sharon Dastur. “After I first heard it, it exceeded my expectations in a great way. Their voices sound wonderful together.” Z100 played the song 16 times yesterday.

“Listener reaction on the phones and our social media has been great. Shakira is back.”

“My first impression of [hearing] the track was excitement,” echoes Alex Tear, WHYI (Y100) Miami VP of programming and Clear Channel national top 40 brand coordinator. “I couldn’t wait to find out our listeners’ reactions, as they are the ultimate judge and jury. Response was immediately positive and curious. Shakira’s ties with Miami and South Florida are very tight and Ri’s track record speaks for itself.

With Y100 also having played the song 16 times yesterday, “We expect this pair of dynamic females to do well,” Tear says. “We’re looking forward to more tracks from Shakira to make 2014 big for her.”

In addition to its swift radio launch, “Remember” ranks in the top 10 of the iTunes Store.

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