Francisca Valenzuela is blossoming with new music…
The 34-year-old Chilean American singer-songwriter has released the new single “Como La Flor.”
In the pop-ballad track, Valenzuela delivers a message of resistance that touches on thriving in a world that tears you down over and over again.
“We are the flower in the middle of war, the light that will illuminate sadness… we are love, always love,” she sings evocatively.
Produced by Ali Stone and Sebastian Krys, the single is an homage to Selena’s 1992 heartbreak anthem.
“When I wrote this song during the pandemic, at a difficult time for all of us, I felt like my idols and artists that I love would keep me company. They would contain me, be my friends,” Valenzuela said.
The 48-year-old Colombian musician has returned to his rocker roots with the new album Origen.
Beginning with a fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll version of Joe Arroyo’s “Rebelión,” Origen pays homage to the songs that shaped Juanes’ life and career.
The set, produced by Juanes with Sebastian Krys and featuring no loops or samples, is a refreshing sonic journey that includes iconic tracks like Carlos Gardel’s “Volver” –reimagined as a bachata/tango—and unexpected gems like “Todo Hombre Es Una Historia,” originally recorded by Medellín rock band Kraken.
There are also English-language covers: Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark,” which morphed into a soft rock ballad, and “Could You Be Loved,” now a syncopated vamp set over a medley of guitars.
Juanes has said that after experimenting with urban beats in his past two albums, Origen is his return to his true self.
The 27-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer/songwriter was named the Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at the 26th annual BMI Latin Awards.
Ozuna was recognizedfor writing a record-breaking nine of the most-performed Latin songs of 2018, including “Ahora Dice,” “Criminal,” “El Farsante,” “Escápate Conmigo,” “La Modelo,” “La Rompe Corazones,” “Se Preparó,” “Te Boté (Remix)” and “Tu Foto.”
Ozuna attended the night’s festivities and took the stage to accept each one of his nine awards.
Legendary Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Quinteroof Los Tucanes de Tijuanareceived the BMI President’s Award.
Quintero, who has seen the fortunes of his Tucanes de Tijuana ebb and rise through the years, is in the midst of a major resurgence that includes an appearance at Coachella next month. On Tuesday night, his words of appreciation were mostly to his wife.
“I have few opportunities to recognize her,” he said, admitting he was nervous. “My wife. I call her mi cielo (my heaven). Thank you, mi cielo, for giving me the freedom I need. It’s important to say that when your partner gives you too much freedom, you can make mistakes. But when you give your partner the liberty they need to grow, it’s amazing. And it’s reciprocal.”
Producer Sebastian Krys was honored with the BMI Champion Award. Krys was not only honored for his work as a producer (Elvis Costello, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, La Santa Cecilia, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias, among many others), but also for his work as a philanthropist through his Los Producersinitiative — which raises money for multiple music education initiatives — asked songwriters to “dig deeper” in a time of short attention spans.
“You create the raw material on which our culture is based,” he said. “Most of our music does not reflect our truth. I challenge each of you to speak from your truth. We cannot allow popular music to become a version of Instagram. Some people say ‘this is what the labels want’ or ‘this is what the platforms want.’ But as Henry Fordsaid, if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses. Be bold, be brave, be real influencers.”
Other winners of the evening included J Balvin, who won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year for “Mi Gente,” and Espinoza Paz, named Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Ésta Es Tu Canción,” “Las Cosas No Se Hacen Así” and “Ojalá Que Me Olvides.” Omar Robles won Regional Mexican Song of the Year for “El Color de Tus Ojos.”
Prepare for a visual (musical) feast from La Santa Cecilia…
After parading through the colorful streets of Mexico City to record their forthcoming visual albumAmar y Vivir, Grammy-winning band is offering a first look at their new audiovisual production via Billboard.
Featuring collaborations with Mexican singer Eugenia León and Chilean songstress Mon Laferte, among others, the visual album was recorded live in bars, parks and iconic plazas — like the Zócalo and Parque México — in just five days.
“Amar y Vivir is a collection of songs that are very near and dear to our heart, and to the history of the band, and to us as musicians,” vocalist La Marisoul said in a statement.
“These are the songs that we learned from our parents; the songs we heard at parties. We learned how to play music with these songs, and I learned how to be a singer through these boleros and rancheros. These are the songs that we always return to when we’re in a family gathering or just us amongst the band. These are always the songs we play, enjoy and sing together.”
Amar y vivir follows the band’s Grammy-nominated LP Buenaventura.
The new visual album will be released on May 12 under indie label Rebeleon Entertainment and produced by Grammy-winning Sebastian Krys.
The first two singles from the record, “Leña de pirul” and “Amar y vivir,” will drop on April 7.
The 56-year-old Puerto Rican singer will be releasing a new album next month entitled Desnuda that she says will show the world an “evolution and a real change.”
“I’m very grateful to my ‘dream team’ and my collaborators in this beautiful process of capturing passion dressed up with music and for helping me bare my soul in each song,” says Nazaria, who is known as the “Diva of Ponce.”
Producers Sebastian Krys, George Noriega and Tommy Torres help Nazario on the album, which includes the first single “Para el peor amante.”
In the pop-ballad track, Valenzuela delivers a message of resistance that touches on thriving in a world that tears you down over and over again.
