This is not a typical Latin American music playlist.
If I have to use one word to describe it, it has to be ‘eclectic’. In this list, I tried to put a wide array of fusion music from Latin American bands, without intending to classify it as something too specific. Certainly, a lot of rock, jazz, hip-hop, funk and cumbia are present here.
New music and new bands, many of them facing the challenge of surviving in this music industry, are linked by the incredible creativity, quality and passion they share. I also included some classic and essential bands, mostly outside of the mainstream. I had the pleasure of watching many of them live (and worked with a few of them too). By creating this list, I want to share some of the music from Latin America, either known or unknown, that inspires and motivates me to work in this industry, promoting this type of band and music all around the world.
Some exclusive picks among the highlights: ‘Antonio Monasterio Ensamble’, a personal favourite, with his complex but wonderful fusion-jazz from the city of Valparaíso, Chile; ‘Son Rompe Pera’, the awesome Mexican cumbia punks (their live show is even more exciting); the Colombian psychedelia from ‘Los Pirañas’; and the dark jazz-rock-hip hop atmospheres of ‘Como Asesinar a Felipes’ from Chile.
By Esteban Pérez Ortega / Sound & Lighting technician; musician (a guitar enthusiast); tour producer and manager, currently working as the Production Manager of Luma Creations.