nochelatina Music Features

Q&A Sessions: Sergio Vallin

11/17/2009 2:40:00 PM

Since 1994, Sergio Vallin has been a part of Maná, the Grammy-award winning Mexican pop-rock band that has captivated millions of fans around the globe. But Vallin’s musical beginnings were humble in comparison to the great popularity of the iconic band. As an 8-year-old, he played in a school band with two siblings and later learned to play the guitar, which he grew a deep passion for.

Many musical experiences later, Vallin has branched off on his own to record his debut album, Bendito Entre Las Mujeres. Released in late September, the album has 11 tracks, each one with a different female vocalist and resulting in variouis musical styles. Some of the artists featured in the album are Paulina Rubio, Joy Huerta (Jesse & Joy), as well as his sister, Rocío Vallin.

In a recent interview, Vallin shares his strengths as a musician, how he really feels about women, and going solo for the first time.

nocheLatina: Tell me about your first discovered music and how it influenced and defined your path.

Sergio Vallin: My first contact with music was in elementary school. At that time, I still wasn’t sure what path I would follow, but little by little, I started taking music more seriously. When I was 13, my family moved to Aguascalientes and that is when I started taking classical guitar lessons. From that first moment, I fell in love with the instrument and knew that’s what I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to.

nocheLatina: How do you define your musical formation over the years?

Sergio Vallin: I took classes for many years, both in the House of Culture and with private teachers. I was also heavily influenced by all the artists I discovered, including Joe Satriani, Paco De Lucía, Al Di Meola, Santana, The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Kiss, and AC/DC. The list would never end! I always like to search for new elements, sounds, instruments, and techniques from other genres to enrich my music.

nocheLatina: Besides those legendary artists, what other musicians with less recognition have made a mark in your musical formation?

Sergio Vallin: My uncle Ciro was influential in my life. When I was a child, he was the first person to teach me how to hold a guitar. I was also influenced by those who dedicated their lives to music, such as musicians of the streets and those that are on the trains.

nocheLatina: At one time you used to be a guitar instructor. Now you provide tips on your website. Do you think you’ll resume teaching sometime in the future?

Sergio Vallin: I’m glad you mentioned that because it’s a concern of mine. I would have given anything when I was a child to have resources, like the Internet. It used to be such an adventure to go and buy a book or an album in a music store. Now you can find everything on the Internet. That’s why I wanted to put something on my website, a small section where I can share basic guitar techniques. Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to return to teaching and have some kind of space for students. I would love that.

nocheLatina: In 1994, Alex, Fher and Juan asked you to join Maná. In your opinion, what do you offer to the band?

Sergio Vallin: The audition with Alex, Fher, and Juan was long. I played for a while and we talked a lot. I think the thing that convinced them was that I was a very versatile musician. Even though I never joined a band like the others they auditioned, I had played in various venues and was open to covering more musical genres.

nocheLatina: Maná was on the rise, but at your arrival, the group’s popularity was growing at a breathtaking pace.

Sergio Vallin: It was a radical change in my life. I was a newlywed and had a son. I was in a stage in my life where I was working a lot in every way possible to support and move my family forward. To become a part of Maná was a unique opportunity. Although I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with my family, it has also given me a lot of satisfaction, personally and professionally.

nocheLatina: Has your musical style gone where you wanted to take it?

Sergio Vallin: I’ve always tried to be innovative in one way or another. I’ve been able to play with elements ranging from flamenco to tres cubano!

nocheLatina: Where did the idea for Bendito Entre Las Mujeres come from?

Sergio Vallin: When I had a group with my siblings I composed songs that my sister Rocio interpreted. That is when I began to explore how to compose music and put myself ‘at the feet of a woman’ in the first person. I think I’ve been able to understand women on various levels. That is how the idea was born, to regain that sensitivity and create this tribute for women.

nocheLatina: Did you write all the lyrics?

Sergio Vallin: Yes, except for ‘Fragilidad’ which is a cover of Sting’s ‘Fragile,’ a song that I love.

nocheLatina: What was the basis for choosing the artists that joined you in this project?

Sergio Vallin: I knew a lot of them. Thanks to my label, I had the pleasure of meeting the rest for this project. It’s a blessing for me to sing with these 11 stars that equally shine in this album.

nocheLatina: What was your experience like?

Sergio Vallin: It was hard work, but I was very satisfied. Now I am able to understand Fher and Alex who are the producers of our albums (Maná). Now that I had the chance to do it myself I am even more grateful.

To learn more about Sergio Vallin, click here.

Fresh Beats: Palo!’s This is Afro-Cuban Funk

11/12/2009 1:01:00 PM

If I had to pick a couple of terms to describe myself, they would be: funky Afro-Caribbean woman. Imagine my instant connection to the debut album of Palo!’s This is Afro-Cuban Funk. I first heard of them while listening to a Blog Talk Radio show that featured their music and immediately went to their website. Their homepage is simply amazing. Not only do you get to sample each of their songs, but you can also enjoy the phenomenal imagery that is the hallmark of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, specifically Cuba.

The first thing I noticed that sets Palo! apart from other Latin fusion bands is their inclusion of a saxophone, played by Ed Calle. Leslie Cartaya is on lead vocals and her voice is piercing in a comforting and familiar way. There’s a certain rasp to Cartaya’s pipes that works so well with the rustic sounds Palo! produces. It’s difficult to pick a favorite song off This is Afro-Cuban Funk as they have been playing on my Ipod all week. “Lengua Larga” is the first track on the album that is a wonderful introduction. We hear the traditional sounds of what we know are the staple of Caribbean music from the Spanish-speaking islands. You can’t miss the sudden howl of Calle’s saxophone at the end.

Things get real funky by track three of This Is Afro-Cuban Funk with “Tobaco y Ron Pa’ Mi Santa” and definitely by track eight, titled “Oro.” The only song that features other artists is “Pa’ Changó,” a celebratory anthem for the orisha Changó with Los Herederos. There are several songs to the santos/orishas, which is also found in many traditional Afro-Caribbean tunes, and “Pa’ Changó” takes its place among them all. I had the most fun listening to “Crescencio” because I imagined how it can drive everyone to the dance floor on a Friday night.

One of the challenges I’ve noticed with some self-identified funk and fusion bands is that many of the songs sound very similar. The tracks are so alike that the entire album can almost be one long song. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with Palo! Each track has its own unique style that is textured with exciting beats from the tropics. “Camina Con Los Codos” is a perfect example of the live vibe Palo! produces, with the added touch of some serious jazz!

Albums like This is Afro-Cuban Funk make you wish there were more than ten tracks. Yet, it does make us all want more and I’m sure Palo! has plenty to share. If there were ever a band that was looking for a tambourine player to join them, I’d be the first in line!

Q&A Sessions: Alejandra Tejada

11/10/2009 1:15:00 PM

Alejandra Tejada is the wife of Major League Baseball player, Miguel Tejada, making it a difficult start in launching a music career. Tejada had to cope with the opinion that she was being played because she was married to a star. She had to take it while slowly proving herself a talent in her own right. She soon built a following on her debut album armed with the songwriting ability worthy of the town of Bali, the Dominican Republic’s city of poets. She stayed the course and now has returned with her newest effort, Indomable, intermixing pop, dance, and bachata. While Tejada successfully made a name for herself, her musical journey is far from over. We had the pleasure of speaking to the singer who wasn’t afraid to expose her true sentiments on being the wife of a famed baseball player and a musician.

nocheLatina: Tell us about your new album. What should we expect from it?

Alejandra Tejada: This album reflects the love I have for music. It’s my style. It took a year to get it done, but you have to surprise people.

nocheLatina: Why the change in musical styles?

Alejandra Tejada: I just wanted to try something different. People live to dance today. The music is different, but the direction of it stays the same. Love and melodies remain even. It’s just a younger style.

nocheLatina: Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?

Alejandra Tejada: That is the million dollar question. Sometimes I do songs from the top of my head. Once I write the lyrics, magic happens. I start singing something and it comes to me. When I am happy or sad, the lyrics and melodies reflect my thoughts at the same time.

nocheLatina: I understand that ‘Bani,’ a town in the Dominican Republic, is known as ‘the town of poets.’ Why is that?

Alejandra Tejada: Bani is a magical place. In Bani, I think everyone likes music. They have a lot of good writers. We are the capital of writers. The first album was done in Bani. My first album is still heard in Bani. I hear my songs twelve times a day.

nocheLatina: How were you able to separate yourself from the shadow of your husband Miguel?

Alejandra Tejada: Being the wife of a baseball player did not help at all. People don’t look at you as a person with talent. No matter how hard I tried it was a long time before they believed in me. It wasn’t easy. After they started to see my talent it was all on me, but that’s good. People come to know me as a person who works hard and takes care of the kids. I am not a party girl. I know my priorities.

nocheLatina: Tell us about how your first album put you on the map?

Alejandra Tejada: I just worked hard and when I finished it, people started to see it for themselves. The neighbors would say how good it was. I was happy with the results.

nocheLatina: David Cabrera had a major impact on your career. Tell us why?

Alejandra Tejada: He was like my husband. It was like being married. You go to the studio and do work. I discovered him and he discovered me. When he is happy, so am I. We had this chemistry. I was new and he had a lot of experience with artists. He was the type of producer where everything had to be 90% on the mark. It created a need to get it right. I’m glad I found him. He made a great album for me.

nocheLatina: When you came to the United States it must have been an adjustment.

Alejandra Tejada: Definitely. I was writing my songs. I worked with a beat. I would stay locked in, whether thirty minutes or an hour. I can write over the things I feel. The rest is for the fans. I learned that when it comes to music, you need to be career-minded. It’s a business. If you want to be a singer, you have to learn your stuff, do things for others, and still hold on to your own style.

nocheLatina: The name of the album is Indomable. Why that title?

Alejandra Tejada: It’s the sound that’s jumping out of the album. You can dance to the perfect grooves of pop, rock, and bachata.

nocheLatina: Many artists do a lot of fusion in their albums. Why did you also go in this direction?

Alejandra Tejada: I think it’s a good thing when you like something else. Nothing stays the same. Its old thoughts fused together for younger people. I love the fusion, but it’s creepy sometimes- commercial music. I don’t like that. It’s like a Nintendo game. You must give people what they like to hear, but you also need some substance.

nocheLatina: What do you want your fans to take from this album?

Alejandra Tejada: I like to share similar dreams with this album. Everything I do is from my heart.

nocheLatina: What is your favorite song in this album?

Alejandra Tejada: ‘Corazon’ because it says a lot about having heart. It’s like the Black Eyed Pea’s song, ‘Where is Love?’ It’s a heartfelt ballad.

nocheLatina: The Internet has impacted the music industry. What’s your view on it?

Alejandra Tejada: I like the Internet. Regular people have access to it and can choose what they want. However, you need to keep on checking that nothing is taken from you. Music is still a business.

nocheLatina: What does the future hold for Alejandra Tejada?

Alejandra Tejada: I wish myself luck and the determination to do more. I like that people recognize my talent. My new video came out and I had 1300 views in the first hour. I want to keep doing this and gaining more fans.

For more info on Alejandra Tejada, click here.

Q&A Sessions: Hip Hop Hoodios

11/3/2009 11:25:00 AM

The idea for a band had existed in Josh Norek’s head for many years before it was realized. The now-32-year-old, who is both Jewish and has family from Colombia on his father’s side, later met Abraham Velez, who is also 32, of Puerto-Rican and Jewish descent, and worked in the Latin alternative music industry. The pair, according to Norek, began making music together just for fun with no serious commercial expectations. They even named themselves Hip Hop Hoodíos. That was in 2001.

Now, eight years later, the Latino-Jewish urban collective just released their new album, titled Carne Masada: Quite Possibly the Very Best of Hip Hop Hoodíos. The album, a sort of “Best Hits” compilation with a few new songs, features collaborations with members of The Pinker Tones, Ozomatli, and The Klezmatics. Carne Masada’s digital edition was released this past spring and the CD was released on May 12th.

Recently, nocheLatina had the chance to talk to Josh Norek of Hip Hop Hoodíos. He talks with us about the meaning behind the group’s name, NYC’s current gentrification, and what he hopes the group accomplishes through its music.

nocheLatina: I’d like to talk about your group’s name. How did you guys come up with the name Hip Hop Hoodíos?

Josh Norek: It’s a play on words. Normally, the word for Jewish in Spanish is 'Judío.' We spell it ‘Hoodío,' like from the hood. We’ve always had a pretty strong sense of humor. We approach everything from a bilingual perspective. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. The name is how we are.

nocheLatina: I understand the album is a ‘Best of’ collection with five new tracks. Are there any particular messages or themes within the album that you’d like to share?

Josh Norek: Yea, there are particular messages. The song ‘Times Square (1989)’ sort of deals with the gentrification in New York City. Times Square in the 80's was a lot grittier, a lot more dangerous, but now I think that Times Square has also become a lot more Disneyland. There are pros and cons of the changes in New York.

nocheLatina: What spurred you to want to write about this subject?

Josh Norek: It’s something kind of personal. My great-grandfather owned a storefront on the corner of 43rd St between 8th and 9th avenues. That building sat vacant for years and then in the early 90's, this Mafioso porn shop and this gay store called ‘Male Box’ opened up there. My running joke is that Mafia money, in true NY fashion, financed my education. When Giuliani became mayor, the city purchased a lot of property around there. We were forced into selling the property to the city.

nocheLatina: What is your opinion of New York City and its current gentrification? Do you wish it was 20 years earlier?

Josh Norek: That’s a hard question. No, I don’t miss the danger that was there, it was definitely a very dangerous place. It did have much more soul, however; there were a lot more places to see more live music. I think a lot of us would like to see an in-between.

nocheLatina: Do you have a favorite song on the album?

Josh Norek: This album is sort of a ‘greatest hits,’ collection. As far as new songs, I think ‘Times Square (1989).’ There’s also a traditional Jewish song called ‘Hava Nagila.’ We, of course, made a merengue mix- it was something fun that we did. It just seemed like a funny concept.

nocheLatina: How do you determine which genres to mix together for a song?

Josh Norek: I wish there was a scientific approach to that. We are a little different from other hip-hop groups in that we also play our own instruments. For ‘Kike on the Mike,’ Abe came up with a guitar melody. There really isn’t a fixed plan when we start writing, but it’s whatever comes natural. The bottom line is that there is no formula but we have a lot of fun collaborating with other artists, like The Klezmatics, a Grammy-winning klezmer band and members of Santana. Each collaborator also brings something to the table.

nocheLatina: How does being a bicoastal group work in terms of making music together?

Josh Norek: Sure, people always ask us that. If we lived in the same city, we probably would have broken up years ago. The nice thing is you have your space, though you have to take sort of longer to create an album. In a way, it makes you more focused and with technology, you can e-mail the ideas to one another. We don’t always have to be in the same place anymore.

nocheLatina: Your band’s music has been featured in a number of films and television shows including MTV’s ‘Life of Ryan’ and the Warner Bros Pictures release Pride & Glory. What, in your opinion, do you think attracts film and TV show producers to your music?

Josh Norek: I think they’re looking for music that fits a certain vibe. They put our song ‘Masa Judía’ for a drug dealing scene in Washington Heights, but the song, its beats, convey what they thought would be playing in the radio. They liked the song for the scene. We also had a song in a Volkswagen commercial. It’s a crazy sort of cumbia meets other genres and it fit with the vibe that they wanted in the ad.

nocheLatina: After listening to your group’s music, what do you hope your listeners get out of it?

Josh Norek: We always hope that our music helps bring people together from different backgrounds. I think that when we do shows, we always have a different audience. When we perform in NY and the east coast, our audience is about 70 percent Jewish and 30 percent Puerto-Rican and Hispanic. In the west coast, we have a more Chicano, Latin alternative audience. It’s always cool when you can bring people together and it’s really nice just to have multiple genres.

nocheLatina: Do you guys have any upcoming projects that we should know about?

Josh Norek: We are working on a remix right now for ‘Times Square (1989)’ with Monareta, an electronic DJ crew. We expect the release for that for early 2010.

nocheLatina: What is your ultimate goal in life?

Josh Norek: I think we’ve met a lot of our goals. It’d be great to just continue putting out albums. There are very few albums I like from people over 30. I’d like to think that hopefully people would listen to us later on. We make music for ourselves, first and foremost. If not, then what’s the point? It’s for fun.

For more information on Hip Hop Hoodíos, click here.

Win Tickets to Noche de Estrellas: A Celebration of BMI’s Latin Grammy Nominees!

11/2/2009 1:00:00 PM

After months of anticipation, the hottest night for Latinos and music lovers alike is finally here.

In celebration of BMI’s Latin Grammy Nominees, nocheLatina is launching “Noche de Estrellas,” an exclusive fiesta that not only jumpstarts the awards, but unites fans with their favorite musical stars. “Noche de Estrellas” features acoustic performances by Jimena Angel, Jorge Villamizar, Luz Rios, Alex Cuba, Espinoza Paz, Darey Castro, and Marta Gomez of “The Hope Sings Project.” Cucu Diamantes will host the event and the soundtrack of the evening will be provided by New York City’s own DJ Smalls. Plus, patrons can indulged in complimentary drinks courtesy of Tequila Ambhar. “Noche De Estrellas” takes place this Wednesday, November 4th at 10PM at a secret location. While the party is invitation only, we’re giving away VIP passes just for our readers.

The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take center stage this year at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Center on Thursday, November 5th. This spectacular ceremony that honors the best in Latin music will heat up Sin City with special performances by Calle 13, Ruben Blades, and Alejandro Sanz. If seeing these hit makers on stage isn’t enough to tune you in, numerous artists, such as Wisin y Yandel, Luis Fonsi, and Kinky will also be present to discover, along with the world, the winners of music’s highest honor. However, who says you can’t join the stars in Sin City?

Win tickets to attend “Noche de Estrellas,” one of the premier parties to launch the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards! Send an email to promotions@nochelatina.com for a chance to win your passes, courtesy of nocheLatina. Email your full name, phone number, and nocheLatina username to be entered to win! Make sure to put “Noche de Estrellas” in the subject line.

Enter today and buena suerte!

Fresh Beats: Pacha Massive’s If You Want It

10/29/2009 10:18:00 AM

If you crave for real, unfiltered music that speaks proudly of your heritage, encourages you to shake your hips, and reveals urban poetry with a hard edge, all you have to do is want it, at least that’s what alternative indie band Pacha Massive claims. Consisting of Dominican-born Ramon Nova and Maya Martinez from Columbia, the duo behind Pacha Massive recently released their sophomore effort, titled If You Want It. As with all projects that follow a very successful debut, the expectations have only increased among and curious listeners. Most people were already disappointed with the news that Maya Martinez would not be part of this effort. The special chemistry that made Pacha Massive a classic diversion in the music industry with their debut album All Good Things now saw it as coming to an end. However, was their less than perfect second album indeed a miss by die-hard fans? Thankfully, the answer is a definite no.

A re-organization by Nova was introduced in Pacha Massive’s latest creation, If You Want It. He introduced several singers to fill the void by playing into timeless stories of man and woman on intimate levels. This is evident in tracks, such as “If You Want It,” which brings in Monica Rodriguez from the New York City-based pop/rock band Zigmat, providing the sultry sound which is in evidence through the entire album. These are complemented by the familiar blend of electronic, dub, and traditional Latin rhythms, making each track unique, wildly catchy, and seductive, a rare, but very welcoming union.

Like any great album, If You Want It does have some minor flaws which are hard to ignore, but not impossible. There is something missing for sure without Martinez, but the individual talents of ladies, such as Mexico’s Sara Valenzuela on “Thinking of You” and Liz Wright, who was procured from the band Love Grenades and successfully takes us for a ride on “Take the Wheel.” The easygoing retreat from the daily grind is what Pacha Massive’s new sound is all about. Perhaps after all, these aren’t flaws, but rather musical masterpieces that may take a while for fans to get used to. For first time listeners, they’ll easily fall under Pacha Massive’s spell.

When it comes to Pacha Massive’s If You Want It, the basics remain the same. The ability to intermix English and Spanish singing voices with rap is their trademark and that continues on here. The instrumentals carry the listener from the psychedelic to the pulse of the club, and even the techno-pop feel of today’s music trends. The album closes with “Two Step,” a group instrumental combo of heavy guitar solos and sax play reminiscent of the New York melting pot music of the 70’s. The track “Thinking Of You” downs the tempo to a perfect nightcap. Thanks to Ramon Nova and his total worldview of music, Pacha Massive is still relevant and worth taking a listen to anytime you just want to get away.

Fresh Beats: Bomba Estereo’s Blow Up

10/15/2009 11:07:00 AM

Bomba Estereo’s Blow Up is unlike any other Latin alternative album you’ve heard this year. This musical gem has a space age, jazzy feel, mixed with lots of traditional Colombian beats that get you both rocking out and dancing at the same time. Honestly, how many Latin bands can successfully do this today? Vocalist Li Saumet, whose fierce vocals are reminiscent of PG-13 from Calle 13, chants it up throughout this 40-plus minute disc. Blow Up is cool, spiritual, radical, political, and edgy, but also has plenty of party anthems.

Bomba Estereo’s Blow Up is a melting pot of rhythms, all releasing messages of either jumpstarting the fiesta or standing up for your rights. “Raza” and “Musica Accion” will definitely bring out your inner activist with its empowering, hypnotic melodies that have you making a double take on the politics that are globally affecting all of us, not just Latinos, as a whole. The band does go soft and smooth in “Agua Sala,” which fits perfectly with the groovy “Fuego” and “La Nina Rica,” containing a sprinkling of vintage ‘60s mod. One of Blow Up’s unmistakable hits is “Cosita Rica,” a magical tune that will instantly grab your attention. “Cosita Rica” begins with a church-esque Colombian chant, then mixes things up with a sleek modern twist, bilingually of course, a constant theme throughout Blow Up. “Cosita” sounds like the club mix of a feel-good Colombian cumbia joint, a special treat that curious listeners will immediately fall for.

The duo behind Bomba Estereo are just more than the new kids on the block. This Latin alternative band possesses the ultimate gotta-get album of year. Blow Up is an up-tempo collection of sexy, sultry, too damn hot tracks with an underground nightclub spirit that’ll leave you head banging, breaking a sweat, and howling for more!

To learn more about Bomba Estereo, click here.

Q&A Sessions: Black Point and his "Watagatapitusberry"

10/13/2009 11:34:00 AM

When it comes to Latin urban music, Dominican hip-hop has often been overlooked. The immense splash reggaeton had on the music industry and the publicity it gave Puerto Rico made many aspiring artists superstars. However, the Dominican Republic measures favorably with the best rappers. The problem is that many are still known locally and in the New York City area where a large portion of Dominicans can be found thriving in neighborhoods, including Manhattan’s Washington Heights and Inwood. By word of mouth and reputation building, artists such as Lapiz Conciente and Vakero have made inroads. Black Point is from the camp of Lapiz, so we can expect a great deal of quality from his debut effort.

Black Point built such a fanatical following in the Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo that even hitmaker Pitbull wanted to work with him. By utilizing social networks like YouTube, Black Point has built a local buzz to the tune of an average of 100,000 hits to the half million he accrued with the Pitbull pairing on “Watagatapitusberry.” NocheLatina is pleased to be the first to speak to this emerging artist. We believe you will be hearing a lot about him in the coming months.

nocheLatina: Tell us about your background. How did it all begin?

Black Point: It started in 1994-95. My uncle made me listen to rap from English artists. I didn’t understand it, but I liked it. I also listened to Campamento Revolucionario and Tribu Rebelde. I commenced by rapping in Spanish from that point. In 2000 my friend Ramon Emilio Jimenez got me involved in a group called La Sociedad Grupo. After that I went solo.

nocheLatina: I understand that Pitbull was interested in doing a remix with one of your songs. Tell us about that.

Black Point: I couldn’t imagine that Pitbull would do something with me. He is an international star with a huge public following. I admire him a lot. It came out good because a lot of people listened to the remix. I had no problem with that. That is how ‘Watagatapitusberry’ came to happen.

nocheLatina: What got you into the public eye initially?

Black Point: In Santo Domingo I had a song called ‘Te Agradazco,’ which was a hit. When a song gets big, it explodes. That was my first big moment.

nocheLatina: What projects are you working on now?

Black Point: I am working on the mixtape. The single ‘Escena del Crimen’ will be out in a couple of months. The album, which is titled El Precio De La Fama should be completed in eight months to a year.

nocheLatina: Did you grow up wanting to be an artist or something else?

Black Point: I am Dominican, so naturally I wanted to play baseball, but that didn’t work out. So now I am a rapper.

nocheLatina: Tell us about other Dominican artists and why they haven’t made a bigger splash yet.

Black Point: The Dominican market is very disorganized. If they got together they would go further. There is a lot of talent. Lapiz Conciente, Monkey Black, Toxic Crew…Black Point. They cannot see beyond the district to a worldview.

nocheLatina: Describe your music style for those who don’t know yet?

Black Point: My style is hip-hop. I also do techno. I am about the tempo. I am the street, the town, I am what’s real. For example, you know when you’re so poor, you go to another person’s house with a canteen to get water? That’s street. That is me.

nocheLatina: How did you learn your craft? Was there anyone you patterned yourself after?

Black Point: I watched a lot of artists as they rose and fell. The world is always in a state of evolution. I listened, but I didn’t understand what they said. I understood the flow. I am not a fan of anyone in particular. I listen to Hispanic music from Spain and Cuba.

nocheLatina: What do you see for Black Point?

Black Point: Only God knows. I trust my talent. In a year or year and a half I am going to be heard.

nocheLatina: Any artists you care to collaborate with?

Black Point: I would like to work with Mana, but it’s not possible now.

nocheLatina: What do you have to do to reach the next level?

Black Point: Radio play is the key to getting to the next level.

nocheLatina: If you got an offer from a major label, would you take it or stay independent?

Black Point: Realistically, the position determines what you do. If it’s a major company who helps me with a lot of money, you have to consider it. I am firm, however, in not signing with anyone. I know my value. I want to construct my own company. I work very hard, but it’s in God’s hands.

nocheLatina: What is Black Point and what do you want the public to know about you?

Black Point: Black Point is super versatile. He has much talent to offer. I want people to listen first before deciding whether the product is good or bad.

To learn more about Black Point, click here.

Check out a live video of Black Point "Watagatapitusberry" right here.

Top 10 Ultimate Latin Songs to Download

10/8/2009 10:00:00 AM

Latin music can forever leave a permanent imprint in your life. Perhaps you grew up with cumbia thumping from the apartment above you, or merengue often permeated its way into your ears by others swaying to its sounds. Whichever way Latin music affected you, there are a few songs that you must always have in your iPod to conjure up past memories, celebrate your heritage, or just to have a beat worth dancing to whenever you‘re feeling blue. Below is a list of the top 10 Latin songs you should download now!

#10 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "FRUTA FRESCA"-CARLOS VIVES

This song has been around for 10 years now and we still can’t get enough of it. Colombian-born Carlos Vives wins us over every time with his love-drenched song “Fruta Fresca” from his El Amor de mi Tierra album. In the single, he compares a woman’s kiss to fresh fruit and challenges his love to be announced on the radio and as far as China and even the moon. What a romantic!

#9 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "LA NEGRA TIENE TUMBAO"-CELIA CRUIZ

“La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” performed by the Queen of Salsa herself, holds as much force today as when it was released in 2001. The song, about a confident woman who makes anyone, whether they have as much rhythm as Cruz did, bust a move on the dance floor.

#8 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "LLORARAS"-OSCAR D'LEON

Known in Spanish as "El Sonero del Mundo" (“The Improviser of the World”), Venezuelan musician Oscar D'León made the whole world fall in love with his salsa song “Llorarás” back in 1975. And we’re still smitten with it in 2009.

#7 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "ERES PARA MI"-JULIETA VENEGAS

A person knows when another is meant for them- these feelings are expressed in vivid lyrics in “Eres Para Mi”, a melodic treat by Mexican singer/songwriter Julieta Venegas. The track is from the singer’s fourth album, 2006’s Limón y Sal.

#6 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "MORENA VEN"-LOS HERMANOS ROSARIO

Nothing can convince you to sway your hips as much as a song that’s directing you to do just that. “Morena Ven” is an all-time merengue favorite by Los Hermanos Rosario that still has a presence on the airwaves.

#5 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "MICAELA"-SONORA CARRUSELES

Colombia’s very own salsa group Sonora Carruseles is known for its trademark sound; capturing both the spirit of old salsa as well as the revamping of its classical style. A testament to this is their well-known song “Micaela.”

#4 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "BIDI BIDI BOM BOM"-SELENA

It’s been over 14 years since our beloved Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was killed. Her spirit, however, remains with us and you can still feel it with one of her classic cumbias, “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”

#3 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "LA COSQUILLITA"-JUAN LUIS GUERRA

There’s nothing like the sound of merengue tipico. With its use of a fast-as-lightening accordion, traditional merengue from the Caribbean inadvertently makes your hips sway to a full-on dance marathon. If you’d like this same effect, listen to “La Cosquillita”, one of Dominican musician Juan Luis Guerra’s classics. You’ll be working up a sweat in no time!

#2 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "CIEGA, SORDOMUDA"-SHAKIRA

There are a few songs from our favorite Colombian songstress Shakira that we can’t seem to pull away from. One track that never ceases to capture our attention is “Ciega, Sordomud.” With Shakira’s unique throaty voice and a familiar mariachi background, this song is the definition of universality.

#1 TOP LATIN SONG TO DOWNLOAD: "DESNUDA"-RICARDO ARJONA

Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona oozes sensuality in its rawest form- and what better proof than his song “Desnuda.” In the track, Arjona expresses his desire to see his partner fully undressed and with his lyrics, tempting voice, and sincerity, we’re confident he’s fully capable of accomplishing just that!

Fresh Beats: Claudia Acuna's En Este Momento

10/1/2009 11:41:00 AM

When I hear someone speak of “Latin jazz,” not one person, sound, or instrument comes to mind. This genre is not ours because we are Latino, yet we make it our own because we share our testimonies and tell our stories. Chilean singer Claudia Acuña has released En Este Momento, a 10-track album that fits nicely into the little-known Latin jazz genre that listeners from all cultures can greatly appreciate.

Acuña has a mix of several signature sounds and pays homage to her Chilean roots. En Este Momento’s first track “El Cigarrito,” written by fallen Chilean political activist Victor Jara, is Acuña’s tribute to her native homeland. “El Cigarrito” is one of the “safer” songs Acuña performs vocally, however, the piano and strings that accompany her are quick and sharp. This fusion of rhythms is welcoming, especially with Acuña’s long, throaty vocals throughout the single. As one of three songs by Jara that Acuña performs, the second “Te Recuredo Amanda” is one of the longer singles on the album at about five minutes. "Te Recuredo Amanda" is where you can enjoy the sounds of her guitarist and pianist as both are featured. In addition, it’s on this track that Acuña demonstrates her storytelling abilities. My favorite Jara song Acuña performs is “El Derecho De Vivir En Paz,” the only single to incorporate the traditional Argentine drum bombo leguero. The song begins as slow and soothing, but ends in a declaration that is vibrant with Acuña speaking the title in English: “The right to live in peace.”

Blending English with Spanish lyrics, Acuña’s official Spanglish track in En Este Momento is the powerful ballad, “That’s What They Say.” While the song is a bit slower in comparison to others, she makes this musical stillness part of her trademark, which can be experienced in “Tulum” and “Vuelvo Al Sur.” In “Vuelvo Al Sur” Acuña’s singing is lower and I love it. It reminds me of a song that can easily fit into any Almodóvar film, so you know it’s smooth! En Este Momento’s fifth song, “Contigo En La Distancia,” you’ll hear more beats that are indigenous and traditional, reminding me of the limitlessness of syncopation within jazz and Latin jazz. It’s the first song that I really want to hear live to witness how the “conversation” between Acuña and the musicians plays out.

Another of Acuña’s somewhat unofficial Spanglish songs in En Este Momento is “Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado” (What A Difference A Day Makes). What I love about this song is that it begins within 10 seconds of hearing the musical introduction. It almost surprises the listener when Acuña begins to sing. It is through this melody that we hear Acuña’s vocal range. She scats and I can tell she is having a good time. I could even hear the smile on her face! This is also where special guest soprano saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins Acuña and sets the stage for the other up-tempo singles. “Sueno Contigo” and “La Mentira” finish up the album and leave us on a high note.

What Acuña has done with En Este Momento is demonstrate that Latin jazz is far too complex to fit into any confined box or definition. Acuña has also added new additions to what is considered jazz standards with her inclusion of songs by Victor Jara. She’s a Latina jazz vocalist that gets things done!

To learn more about Claudia Acuña, click here.

Q&A Sessions: Omar Garcia

9/29/2009 11:45:00 AM

Many people struggle for years, if not their whole lives, to show the world their true selves. This isn’t the case for Omar Garcia. Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, the 30-year-old multitalented artist began studying music at the age of 7. Soon after, Garcia got his first synthesizer and from that point on, has been creating music and poetry that reflects his soul and unapologetic opinions. Garcia’s recently released album Quien Soy explores various controversial themes, such as society’s resistance to move ahead and old prejudices. The album ranges in sound- from hip-hop to traditional Latin beats, all uniting with lyrical poetry that pulls at ones heartstrings with no remorse. NocheLatina recently had the chance to ask the urban poet a few questions. Garcia shares with us how his love for music grew, what really inspires him, and his ultimate goal in life. You’ll be surprise to hear what he has to say.

nocheLatina: I understand your album Quien Soy was released on August 11, originally scheduled to be released a month earlier. Tell me about it. What’s the sound like?

Omar Garcia: It was very positive because the expectation became higher- everyone was emailing me and asking about it. It was better that way, you know? The album is, both in terms of content and music, very eclectic. It touches on a lot of subject matters, a lot of subjects that can range from normal, personal stuff to political and social. For example, when it comes to ‘Cucubano’ (Firefly), the little tiny insect that has its own light, this song talks about how a little cucubano, when he came to realize that he can shine, his light diminished. It’s used to talk about people. When they realize how beautiful they are, they stop shining. When you stop being humble, that’s when it all comes down. ‘De Todo Un Poco’ (A Little bit of Everything) talks about how the corporate media can sugarcoat words to us, like when they call a dead kid ‘collateral damage.’ Sometimes we don’t question things. But in the album, you can also find tracks that are love stories and very erotic. The basis of the album is hip-hop. Over the beat, we have electro-pop, neo-soul, and some rock in there.

nocheLatina: Before you began recording your album, did you have a vision of what you wanted it to sound like?

Omar Garcia: In the process of working on the album, a lot of things happened and people stepped in and out of the wagon. It was years in the making. At the end, I ended up working with very talented people and whenever I brought a song, I always bring the lyrics and the structure of the song. I program the percussion and the beat, the main chords. Most of the songs are like that; we think, ‘Does it need anything or is it good like that?’ I always bring the whole beat, baseline, and chords. The sound of the album came naturally to the subject matters that it touches.

nocheLatina: In your music, I understand you have the ability to switch in one music genre for another. Is this difficult?

Omar Garcia: It’s not because it comes easy. I listen to so much music because I’m very passionate about it. I loved music since I was a little kid, especially neo-soul, rock, R&B, Norah Jones- but I can listen to Kanye and Common, or Ruben Blades and Juan Luis Guerra. When you listen to so much music, you’re down to do your thing- it won’t stay in one place.

nocheLatina: Do you feel this ability to switch from one genre to the next enables you to convey your message more effectively?

Omar Garcia: Yeah, because the one line that goes through every song is honesty, being transparent, and sincere. And the fact that it’s very plural, very eclectic- it’s staying true to the way you feel. It’s following your heart. The way it’s done, the way that I’m not censoring myself, if I am lyrically saying all I want to say, I think musically I have to do that. I want to show people that we can do this- we can mix it up in general. It’ll be better if we all get mixed up.

nocheLatina: What is your favorite music genre?

Omar Garcia: Favorite…I can’t say that I have one. I love sweet voices- in terms of listening, there’s Norah Jones when I’m relaxed. Right now I’m very much into anything electronic. I listen to everything. I just love music, period.

nocheLatina: Do you have a favorite song on Quien Soy?

Omar Garcia: I do. My favorite is ‘Matiz’ (Shades) because that’s a song I didn’t expect to do. It came through in a very weird way. It evokes erotic stuff- I wasn’t thinking of doing songs like that. I don’t love listening to my own album, but I think the song is beautiful- it’s relaxing.

nocheLatina: In your track ‘Quien Soy,’ you explore the subject of society's immobility, it's resistance to move ahead and to get over old prejudices and stereotypes. Can you explain a little further? What makes you feel this way about our society?

Omar Garcia: I think ‘Quien Soy’ talks about all of us that feel like we are not part of, exclusively, one group. It talks about honesty and not fitting into the mold, and you can have all these thoughts in your head, you can have all these views, that don’t necessarily fit into one box. And sometimes you put strains on yourself to fit in and you’re always destined to fail. Be your own flag, be your own self. In the song, it’s not telling people that, it’s me doing it. I like to talk about other stuff, that I’m not scared to do. I don’t care- I’m not really thinking about it and it (the song) invites people to show the world exactly who they are.

nocheLatina: What are you trying to accomplish through your music?

Omar Garcia: First, you want a purpose of fulfillment- you just need to do it. First of all, I have a compromise with myself, with my beliefs, with my principles, using music as a weapon- a weapon of consciousness. And also a compromise in doing my best to broaden the horizons of music to people, making it a little bit more eclectic. I think my goal is always going to be to be as honest as possible. You can do music without boundaries.

nocheLatina: I understand your love for music began when you were seven-years-old at church. You took your first classes in vocal technique, some piano and basic theory. Who placed you in the classes and what did you like about them?

Omar Garcia: It was my parents. When I was very little, I used to go to church with them. There was this guy…he was just a guy with a guitar and he would play in church and invite people to sing. That was something that really kept me in church- I just wanted to sing. When I started singing, he gave me solos. He started teaching me for free. He opened me up to that world, showed me a little bit of piano and flute. From there, I got my own little synthesizer. I started writing little love songs. More than just learning, I wanted to create songs. If it wasn’t for this guy, I wouldn’

The Best Salsa Club Songs

9/24/2009 10:30:00 AM

Smooth, sizzling, spicy-it’s no wonder salsa music is often compared to mouthwatering sauce! Recognized as the most widely heard and influential genre of music from Puerto Rico, salsa is a melting pot of vibrant Caribbean beats, mixed with an African spirit, and blended with a touch of jazz, a pinch of romance, revealing tales of love and pride for one’s homeland. The thunderous congas, twinkling cowbells, blaring trombones, rasping guiros, and faint clicks of a clave all unite with velvety vocals, inspiring a community to dance and celebrate their culture. Salsa music became the poetry of immigrants arriving in the United States during the ‘30s and ‘40s, who went out dancing at local Latin nightclubs to express their identity. Salsa music also made aspiring musicians, such as Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, and Willie Colon legends, all while forever impacting the nightlife scene in the United States. Today, you can never attend a neighbor’s party or a posh nightclub without a patron demanding some salsa to ignite passion on the dance floor. For a music that’s rich in history, sexy by nature, and always a must to get anyone swiveling their hips like it’s the last time that they’ll ever enjoy a dance, here are the top salsa club songs to add some spice to your fiesta.

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: AFRICANDO-"YAY BOY"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: EDDIE PALMIERI-"VAMONOS PAL MONTE"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: LA SONORA CARRUSELES-"MICAELA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: GRUPO NICHE-"LA NEGRA NO QUIERE"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: EDDIE SANTIAGO-"QUE LOCURA ENAMORARME DE TI

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: LALO RODRIGUEZ-"VEN DEVORAME OTRA VEZ"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: TOMMY OLIVENCIA-"NO TIRES LA PRIMERA PIEDRA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: EDDIE SANTIAGO-"TU ME QUEMAS"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: RAULIN ROSENDO-"LADY LAURA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: JOSE ALBERTO (EL CANARIO)-SUENO CONTIGO"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: JOE ARROYO-"NO LE PEGUE A LA NEGRA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: OSCAR D'LEON-"LLORARAS"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: TITO ROJAS-"SIEMPRE SERE"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: CELIA CRUIZ-"QUIMBARA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: HECTOR LAVOE-"MI GENTE"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: FRANKIE RUIZ-"LA CURA"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: DLG-"LA QUIERO A MORIR"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: MARC ANTHONY-"SI TE VAS"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: GILBERTO SANTA ROSA-"PERDONAME"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: VICTOR MANUELLE-"ASI ES LA MUJER"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: JERRY RIVERA-"AMORES COMO EL NUESTRO"

TOP SALSA CLUB SONG: FRANKIE R

Q&A Sessions: Jesse & Joy

9/22/2009 11:18:00 AM

Jesse & Joy are a brother-sister duo who have made giant strides in a short period of time. From writing lyrics when most kids their age were playing around, they found themselves signed by Warner Music at a young age. They got help from Sin Bandera at a major concert in which they played their signature mellow pop/folk tunes. They soon found their songs being played on popular Mexican telenovelas. Nearly three years later they captured the 2008 Latin Grammys for “Best New Artist” and have not looked back since. Though the period of innocence has been replaced with the realization of producing results, Jesse & Joy still retain the essence of what made them attractive in the first place. Influenced by their parents and a varied set of musical legends, Jesse & Joy have established themselves, leaving many salivating for their latest album, Electricidad. NocheLatina had the pleasure of speaking with Jesse, who reveals how he made it big with the help of his little sister, being inspired by American greats Johnny Cash and Neil Young, as well as what it’s really like to win a Latin Grammy.

nocheLatina: You have a new album coming out. Tell us what we should expect from this sophomore effort.

Jesse: It’s been three years since our debut album and this time, we are working under pressure. We recorded it part of the time on tour, when heading home, or during luggage changes at airports. Any free time we had was used to write this album. We experimented with different sounds and textures.

nocheLatina: How does it differ from your first album?

Jesse: The first album we had all the time in the world. There were no record labels, no tour. Now everything is at stake. We are going to be judged on the final results of this project.

nocheLatina: I understand you and your sister are of Mexican heritage, but were born in Wisconsin. Elaborate on that.

Jesse: We were raised in Mexico City. Our mom is from Wisconsin while our father is from Mexico City. It was from our mom that we listened to Johnny Cash, Neil Young, or any contemporary artist in America at the time. We grew to appreciate and love it. My father favored more the traditional Mexican style.

nocheLatina: The name of the album is called Electricidad. Why did you call it that?

Jesse: We are very excited about the album. However, it was not our intention to name it that. We just let things flow. It gave the whole album sense even though it was not the first one we wrote. We are very happy with the results.

nocheLatina: I understand that you were not seeking a music career, that you kind of fell into it. Tell us how that came to be.

Jesse: We never had in our heads what we wanted to do. It never came to our minds. I was playing basketball. Dad and mom are musical. Not instrumental, but good singers.

nocheLatina: How much of an impact did that have on your musical path?

Jesse: A lot, from the time we were growing up our mom listened to vinyl and the radio. She is from the states so her music produced a distinct environment. I think it was a reminder of where she came from. It got stored in the little disk drive in our heads.

nocheLatina: I understand you and your sister play different instruments. How did you learn?

Jesse: It started with just us pretending to play instruments. My sister used the tennis racket as a guitar and a belt as a guitar strap. I used buckets for drums and spoons as my sticks. Joy had a phobia of singing in front of people. Eventually she got over that.

nocheLatina: What are some of the musical genres that influenced you?

Jesse: Rock and jazz. We love Johnny Cash and Neil Young as I mentioned earlier. All those influences made Jesse & Joy. Everyday when we came home, whether it was five minutes or an hour, we played and fooled around with instruments. We both played the guitar and I arranged the songs. Joy was the vocals.

nocheLatina: During a concert in 2005, you were introduced by Sin Bandera. What was the experience like?

Jesse: We debuted in 2005 during the Teleton-Mexico. We performed in front of 130,000 in downtown Mexico. We could not believe it. It also marked the first time that Joy sang in front of a large crowd. She broke the ice there as far as any singing phobias. Sin Bandera were super cool. They led off and then we were introduced and played.

nocheLatina: Lets go back to the making of your first album. How did you get in the industry door?

Jesse: We did our research. Our album was 100% homemade. We found that before you can even approach a label, you have to send a demo. We sent it for the fun of it. The demo went from hand to hand until one day our phone rang. I said ‘Hello, this is the wrong church.’ I thought it was a joke. We went and played two songs for fifteen minutes and spent the rest of the 13 hours jamming for the executives. In December we were signed.

nocheLatina: What are your favorite parts of the music business?

Jesse: A career is what we see in it. The music finds its own way. We live that everyday. Music is our fuel. We don‘t take it for granted. We have not started the journey yet.

nocheLatina: You were nominated as ‘Promising Artist’ at the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America. How was that event?

Jesse: It was our first time being nominated. We were backstage and saw artists we idolized walking by and talking with us. That was super cool.

nocheLatina: You won ‘Best New Artist’ at the 2008 Latin Grammys. Was that the pinnacle?

Jesse: It was so intimate, so naked, it was awesome, a highlight for sure. We performed on the show then went backstage and worked our way to our seats and sat down. Then right after, they announced the winner of ‘Best New Artist.’ It is one of those moments before you die where you feel your life flashing in front of you in two seconds. We went there to perform and enjoyed the whole process.

nocheLatina: What did you feel while receiving that award?

Jesse: It was like outer space. It was great. I felt Superman love. It was like Superman and a bowl of cereal.

To learn more about Jesse & Joy, click here.