Growing up in a Mexican household in Houston, my ears were constantly filled with beautiful Latino and Latin-inspired music. Granted my love for these sounds, I wanted to highlight a few rising Latino artists as we near the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
In recent years, I’ve noticed more Latino musicians–popular names like Kali Uchis, Omar Apollo, Peso Pluma and Bad Bunny–entering the mainstream.
The following artist, however, also deserve some extra love, hype and recognition too.
Vortxz
Starting at home in Houston with the incredibly talented Mexican group named Vortxz. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and songwriter Isais “Rambo” Rodarte, lead guitarist and keys Noe Rodriguez, bass player Luar Quintanilla and drummer Jonathan Lopez.
They have a very unique and addicting Latino rock sound that will make any listener stop in their tracks, and their storytelling is phenomenal.
Their single “Amor de Mentiras” has been on replay for the past few months. With its nostalgic rock vibe, it has got to be one of their best songs to date.
Their latest release, “Esos Besos” is also becoming a very close second.
Sophie Castillo
If you have more of a dreamy, indie music taste, Sophie Castillo delivers this with her own Latin twist.
Her range is completely unmatched. Taking inspiration from her Cuban and Colombian heritage, Castillo produces intoxicating songs. She always manages to perfectly encapsulate love, heartbreak and personal growth in her music while staying true to her sound.
Castillo’s 2024 singles “Ojos Lindos” and “Diosa” have an ethereal sound–perfect for getting ready or just dancing in your room to. Other songs like “Eres Mío” or “Mírame” have a more upbeat, divine feminine sound.
Castillo has also recently released her first EP, Venus (2024), which is a collection of six songs with hits worth listening to such as “Felices Corazones” and “Asesina.”
Los Vetts
For a more creative and eclectic pop vibe, there’s Los Vetts–a small indie band from Costa Rica. The five-member band consists of Maul, Ndrey, Mario, José and Juan Carlos.
Their song “Humo en el Mar” has such chaotically fun energy and would make a great addition to any roadtrip playlist.
“Un, Dos,” another fan favorite, has a killer guitar solo that will make listeners want to start guitar lessons just to be able to recreate it. This song was listed thirteenth on Teen-Pop Costa Rica, an their song “Remedio” also once placed twelfth.
Lilly Yan
Last but definitely not least, Lilly Yan is a Honduran-American singer who makes dreamy synth melodies perfect for a chill vibe.
She has such an ethereal voice and her vocals and harmony will immediately have you hooked. After accidentally stumbling upon her 2023 single “Paraíso” last year, she has stayed in my listening rotation.
Some more hits from Lilly Yan are “Diferentes Lugares,” “Egoísta” and her latest single “Un Ratito Más.”
In this month of celebrating Hispanic Heritage, it is beautiful to be able to experience culture through music. These artists and many more of Hispanic lineage all have a deep passion for music and a love for their culture which shows in their work– a true reflection of Latino culture.
So, whether you’re Mexican, Cuban, Guatemalan, Belizean, Salvadorian, Nicaraguan, Costa Rican, Chilean, Colombian or any other person celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, take some time to support and celebrate the rising artists who represent those flags with pride.
While you’re at it, check out this playlist I’ve curated featuring some of my favorite rising Latino artists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4U6TvGkMslsFlOmaVBRXl0?si=Bhf1aM4kQ3yW8xTP4Ab7WA&pi=u-FC0cx0APS7yA
Recent Comments