High ten artists from 2024 Music Fronteras columns
It’s time for my high picks of the 12 months – the highest artists which have been featured in columns. In my companion column, Scorching Half Dozen, I’ll decide to high six albums or songs that I reviewed this 12 months.
So who’re my picks from the 5000 songs and albums I acquired in 2024?
Amanda Abizaid for the EP “Harmful and Younger”. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an American mom and a Lebanese father of partial Mexican descent, she combines these cultures in songs and mixes and remixes in distinctive blends, one which was chosen because the theme for the USA Community/Sky One science fiction TV collection The 4400.
Elston Torres for “That is You, That is Me”. The Cuban-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer is likely one of the pioneers of the Latin Different Rock sound in america. His debut solo album, “Particular person,” earned him a Grammy nomination. Torres has additionally written hit songs for Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, and Alejandra Guzmán.
Francisca Venezuela for “Raices,” “Rompecorazones” and her earlier track “Heroe”. Singer, songwriter, designer, activist, and shortly to be mother, this American-born, Chilean-raised artist’s music blends pop, rock, and digital genres, usually addressing themes of affection, society, and feminine empowerment, additionally the theme of the Ruidosa competition which she based.
Irene Diaz for “Harbor Stay” this 12 months and 10 years of lovely love songs like “Loopy Love”, the highest wedding ceremony track on the world. She is understood for her highly effective and emotive voice – a modern-day torch singer mixing parts of soul, pop, and indie music, together with her vocals channel these of traditional jazz singers.
Jenny and the Mexicats for timeless rock music led by a trumpetlike the 2024 singles “Qué Descaro el Tuyo,” and “Quién Me Salva,” launched in collaboration with Spanish musician Pablo Lesuit. Jenny and the Mexicats is a multicultural band consisting of English trumpeter and singer Jenny Ball, Spanish percussionist David González Bernardos, and Mexican musicians Alfonso “Pantera” Acosta on guitar and Luis “Icho” Díaz on double bass. Love ‘em.
Joshua Josué for his track “She is Guadalajara.” An Americana and Chicano Rock artist, Josué crafts a particular sound impressed by Los Lobos, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly. Josué’s soulful renditions usually pay homage to musical greats whereas contributing to the tapestry of Chicano musical historical past.
Las Choizeras for a joyful, fusion tackle mariachi. Based by Nancy Sanchez, Las Chorizeras is a vibrant all-female mariachi ensemble that blends conventional mariachi with pop, jazz, Latin different, and American nation. It’s 4 proficient musicians: Nancy Sanchez on lead vocals and vihuela, Eunice Aparicio on guitarrón, Anisettee Noperi on violin, and Darlene Perez on vocals and güiro. They rock!
Paulina Villarreal, drummer for the Mexican alt rock band The Warning, and winner of the Drumeo Award this 12 months. Paulina, 22, and her sisters Daniela and Alejandra, shaped The Warning in 2013, gaining worldwide consideration by way of viral YouTube covers. Along with Paulina’s distinctive drumming expertise, influenced by Neil Peart, she additionally contributes to the band as a vocalist and pianist and offers solo performances in varied genres.
Pedro Rey Faculty of Mariachi. There are lots of mariachis juvenils in Mexico, however for my cash, that is the most effective. They don’t have any recordings out at this level, however their dwell performances and YouTube movies attest to their talent. Led by Daniel Medeles, they function numerous younger and intensely expertise soloists baked by a exact and joyful band.
Samantha Fish for the most well liked guitar within the blues world. Her newest launch, the 7-minute lengthy “Put a Spell on You’ will give anybody chills and fever as will “Bitch on the Run.” She blends conventional blues with parts of rock, nation, funk, and soul. Since releasing her debut album “Stay Bait” in 2009, Fish has produced a number of critically acclaimed information, together with “Runaway” (2011), which gained her the Blues Music Award for Greatest New Artist in 2012.
banner: Jenny and Mexicats after a live performance in Mexico
Take a look at my Scorching Half Dozen column subsequent week for the highest 6 songs.
Patrick O’Heffernan
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