5 Latine Artists You Need to Know About

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is the perfect time to discover some lesser-known Latinx artists making incredible, inspiring music. From hard rock to R&B and beyond, these Latinx artists display a wide variety of musical styles, but they have one thing in common: their top-notch artistic talent.

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KAINA

Key tracks: “Green,” “House,” “Casita”

Singer-songwriter KAINA seamlessly blends genres, such as R&B, pop, jazz and salsa; tying it all together with her sweet, emotive voice and authentic lyricism. Born in Chicago, KAINA draws inspiration from her background as the daughter of Guatemalan and Venezuelan immigrants, creating tender songs about culture, family and self. KAINA’s music takes you on an up-and-down journey through the joys and trials of life. Ultimately the beauty of the music and lyricism proves to be uplifting, calming, and inspiring.

Pachyman

Key tracks: “El Benson,” “Destroy the Empire,” “Guy Goodwin”

Pachyman is a multi-instrumentalist who crafts records that are heavily informed by his upbringing in Puerto Rico. Blending the musical styles of reggae, soul, and Jamaican dub with his own unique flair, his music is composed of lush, intricate instrumentation and gives off nothing but chill vibes. Since most of the songs do not have lyrics, Pachyman’s music is perfect for playing in the background to put yourself in a positive, inspired mood.

IZA

Key tracks: “I Put a Spell on You,” “Brisa,” “Meu Talismã”

With a powerful, soulful voice, Brazilian singer-songwriter IZA performs her songs with a dynamic energy that is sure to get you dancing. IZA is quite well-known in Brazil, but is not nearly so mainstream in the U.S. She first gained attention by uploading covers to YouTube, which gave her the momentum to begin releasing her own music. While she has collaborated with established artists such as Timbaland, Major Lazor, and Ciara, it is in her solo songs that IZA really shines as her incredible vocals remain front and center.

The Warning

Key tracks: “EVOLVE,” “Queen of the Murder Scene,” “Enter Sandman (feat. Alessia Cara)”

If you’re in the mood to rock, and I mean really rock, The Warning is the band for you! The group is made up of three sisters from Mexico: Daniela (guitar and lead vocals), Paulina (drums and vocals) and Alejandra Villareal (bass and vocals). They first gained attention with their cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” in 2014; when the girls were just 14, 12 and 9. Since then, they’ve released two solid albums and opened for bands such as Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and The Killers. With impeccable command over their respective instruments and an amazing lead singer in Daniela, The Warning is certainly one of the most exciting hard rock bands to debut in the last couple of years.

Chico Pinheiro

Key tracks: “Invisible Lights,” “Tempestade,” “Se Depender de Mim”

Chico Pinheiro, a Brazilian-born guitarist and composer, pays homage to the rich Latin jazz tradition of the past while making the genre seem new and fresh. His technical skill in the guitar is remarkable, yet there is an expressiveness and humanness that always comes across in his performances. Pinheiro’s inspired work has garnered much praise from critics, and his latest album, City of Dreams, even earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz album. 

Do you have favorite Latinx artists that need more recognition? Let us know in the comments!

Header: IZA in “Gueto” (Warner Music Group)

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