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Our recommendations this month are up-and-coming artists we met during BillboardLatin Music Week 2022 in Miami. Check them out below:

Blondiak

Country: Colombia

Why should they be on your radar: Singer-songwriter Blondiak struck me as a likeable and humble musician, eager to grow and continue to perfect his craft. The urban Latin artist from Colombia, who works independently with the support of his family through his own company, BK MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT LLC, has released a dozen songs on his YouTube channel, including the reggaetón tunes “Se cansó” (She got tired) and “Algo más” (Something more), and the tropical-infused banger “Guaya”, which he released earlier this month. Blondiak, 22, was nominated for a Latino Show Award in his native country this year, in the developing artist category. Based in Miami for four years, he says he is 100% dedicated to music and among his next projects is the release of an album, collaboration with other artists and the promotion of his music across Latin America. I’m curious to see where it will be in five years. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song for your playlist: “Guaya”

King David Dembow

Country: Porto Rico

Why should they be on your radar: During Latin Music Week, a very enthusiastic emerging artist approached me, introducing himself as “a Boricua who makes dembow music”. With a royal name, King David Dembow released his first official single last year, ‘Rompele’, and is signed to independent label High End Entertainment. The dembowséro The newcomer has released numerous singles that showcase his fast beats and witty lyrics, as heard on “Calle,” “Ella Eh,” and the recent “Calor.” —JESSICA ROIZ

Song for your playlist: “Calor”

Daniel Arana

Country: Mexican American

Why should they be on your radar: Daniel Arana is all about intentionality. The Mexican-American urban artist has released his debut album, VALLEY, during a full moon – when energetically it’s strongest – and his lyrics emphasize love and queer relationships. “My goal is to help mainstream Latin music become more LGBT friendly and help the Latinx community become more open-minded while helping those struggling to be who they are,” he said. declared to Billboard team during latin music week. Although it is sonically more traditional, with reggaetón drums powering its songs, lyrically it is less traditional. For example, “Lento,” which is part of his latest album, is about going out and embracing your queer identity. —GRISELDA FLORES

Song for your playlist: “Lento”

Eduardo Galan

Country: Venezuela

Why should they be on your radar: Venezuelan Eduardo Galán really stood out not only for his commanding presence but also for his charisma and bubbly personality. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that his song “Te Prometo” (I Promise You) is just an extension of that – an infectious, positive tropical pop tune that invites you to dance and smile. “And I promise to take you to paradise, to make you touch the sun”, sings in his mother tongue the singer-songwriter, who lives in Spain. “This life is too short not to try,” he continues. It certainly gives the music its best shot.

Also note: his ballad “Bienvenida” (Welcome) dedicated to his granddaughter, with a nice video clip featuring his then pregnant wife. With a musical style somewhat reminiscent of Chino y Nacho or Chayanne, Galán releases music independently through the Eduardo Galán group. He plans to release two new singles in November and January – a Cuban jazz and a merengue, he said Spanish billboard — as he prepares for his first gigs in Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Seville next year. — S.RA

Song for your playlist: “Te Prometo”

J Molina

Country: Mexico

Why should they be on your radar: J Molina represents a growing number of Mexican-born artists taking up reggaetòn. The singer-songwriter, born in Monterrey, Mexico, and currently residing in Texas, was one of many up-and-coming artists I met at Latin Music Week, where he spoke passionately about the growth of the reggaeton scene in Texas. After launching his career in 2010, Molina has taken it upon himself to create his own opportunities – launching his independent label The Kingz Factory in 2021 to release his own music and help develop up-and-coming local urban bands, such as La Yadi, which is featured in his latest single “Tabú”. With a few singles to his credit, Molina’s reggaetón can be described as melodic and subtle as opposed to hard-hitting or searing. Its rhythmic beats are fueled by traditional reggaetón drums. —GF

Song for your playlist: “Taboo”

Nora González

Country: Mexico

Why should they be on your radar: I first discovered Nora González in 2021 when she was a two-time Latin Grammy nominee and was thrilled to see her networking at Latin Music Week. González, who also has promising collaborations with Lupita Infante and Vicente Fernandez Jr., is still a rising figure in his own right. Her power and mature voice bring a refreshing, bilingual twist to traditional mariachi music, which eventually dubbed her the “Charra Millennial”. Hailing from Chihuahua, Mexico, and alumnus of Berklee College of Music, González recently made the rounds with her seven-track set Xtina, where she gives Christina Aguilera’s greatest hits a regional Mexican homage. González is signed and managed by CHR Records. —JR

Song for your playlist: “Pero Me Acuerdo De Ti”

shiela

Country: Mexico, Nicaragua

Why should they be on your radar: If her mix of cultures – Nicaraguan-Mexican-American – is any indication, Shiela is an emerging Latinx artist who delivers innovative Latin R&B beats. With her sultry vocals, the Texas-born, Miami-based artist brings powerful lyricism to life, as heard in recent singles “Estas Mal” and “Soltera.” Shiela draws inspiration from artists such as Sade and Selena Quintanilla and has previously graced the renowned stages of SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival on several occasions. Shiela officially launched her career in 2017 with debut single “Runaway” and released her bilingual debut album. Chilita in 2021. —JR

Song for your playlist: “Is Evil”

Victor & Gabo

Country: Venezuela

Why should they be on your radar: Victor & Gabo is a Venezuelan duo formed by Víctor Portillo and Carlos Espinoza that I met on the first day of Latin Music Week. They shared a bit about their history and their passion for music. Listening to them now, they are a fusion of urban and romantic tropical cool melodies, featuring Gabo chanteos and Victor’s sweet upper range. Theo du recently released his new single, “Cantinero,” a song that blends regional Mexican music with pop and Latin beats, proving their versatility. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song for your playlist: “Canteen”

VIKINA

Country: Cuba, Ecuador

Why should they be on your radar: If there’s anyone I’ve personally seen in turmoil since our college days, it’s Vikina. Dipping their toes into Latin pop, reggaeton and even being part of a band, the Miami-based bilingual act has finally defined their sound, embracing the growing realm of Latin EDM. Third runner-up to the Daddy Yankee-produced Univision reality show, “Reina de la Cancion,” and signed to Pitbull’s label, Mr. 305, Inc., Vikina is poised to continue taking on the world with her fierce personality and… sweet voice. “I’ve always identified as an urban artist because of my flow but my heart has always been with dance music,” she noted in her Spotify bio. — J.R.

Song for your playlist: “Me Dejasté Sola”

Chulito wanton

Country: Cuba

Why should they be on your radar: Among the many budding artists at Latin Music Week, I came across Wanton Chulito (real name: Yoandris Wanton). Originally from Santiago de Cuba, the Texas-based singer-songwriter fuses traditional Cubaton rhythms with other genres such as bachata and dembow. With a mission to get more eyes and ears to his music, Wanton has strategically collaborated with many artists, including Dominican actor Bulova and Cuban artist El Taiger. —JR

Song for your playlist: “Candela” (feat. Bulova)