Latin music continued its upward growth trajectory in 2021 and new data from MRC and Billboard reported that Latin music album consumption increased by a whopping 21.1% in 2021, outpacing any other music genre. Latin music (i.e music performed predominantly in Spanish) is now the fifth most-consumed music genre in the U.S.
With that in mind, here’s a few you need to know about.
Micro TDH – Venezuela
The 22-year-old released his long-awaited debut album for Warner Music Latina last year, Nueve. Micro TDH is a versatile talent, going from singing and playing acoustic guitar on one track to rapping over hip-hop beats on another. His latest single Negro Mate (matte black) is about suffering in an on-and-off secret relationship. Arrancame la piel (Tear off my skin) is also a very funky tune.
Tiago PZK – Argentina
The rapper’s profound and raw songwriting, influenced by his difficult childhood, struck a chord with listeners in Argentina and beyond. Last year, he collaborated with the likes of Nicki Nicole, Maria Becerra and Trueno and this month signed a record deal with Warner Latina. Expect a debut album by the end of the year.
Pehuenche – Mexico
Enchanting, dreamy and contagiously catchy; indie pop meets Mexican boleros. Songwriter Rafael Meza, Pehuenche, draws inspiration from traditional Mexican folk and 60s rock ’n’ roll in his sublime music. Eso (This) and Pasado Y Olvidado (Past and Forgotten) are particularly lovely.
Nathy Peluso – Argentina
The Coachella-confirmed artist is known for her theatrical performances and genre-hopping music, covering neo-soul, hip-hop, RnB, Brazilian samba and salsa. Born in Argentina and now based in Spain, she’s an advocate for female empowerment which she sings about on the salsa-influenced Mafiosa.
Julianna Velasquez – Colombia
Velásquez started out as an actress and recently shifted to music. The rising star writes all her own songs and released her debut album, Juliana, last year. The 11-track release earned the pop singer Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys in November.
