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Top ten artists from 2024 Music Fronteras columns
It’s time for my top picks of the year – the top artists that have been featured in columns. In my companion column, Hot Half Dozen, I will pick to top six albums or songs that I reviewed this year.
So who are my picks from the 5000 songs and albums I received in 2024?
Amanda Abizaid for the EP “Dangerous and Young”. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an American mother and a Lebanese father of partial Mexican descent, she combines these cultures in songs and mixes and remixes in unique blends, one which was chosen as the theme for the USA Network/Sky One science fiction TV series The 4400.
Elston Torres for “This is You, This is Me”. The Cuban-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer is one of the pioneers of the Latin Alternative Rock sound in the United States. His debut solo album, “Individual,” earned him a Grammy nomination. Torres has also written hit songs for Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, and Alejandra Guzmán.
Francisca Venezuela for “Raices,” “Rompecorazones” and her earlier song “Heroe”. Singer, songwriter, designer, activist, and soon to be mom, this American-born, Chilean-raised artist’s music blends pop, rock, and electronic genres, often addressing themes of love, society, and female empowerment, also the theme of the Ruidosa festival which she founded.
Irene Diaz for “Harbor Live” this year and 10 years of beautiful love songs like “Crazy Love”, the top wedding song on the world. She is known for her powerful and emotive voice – a modern-day torch singer blending elements of soul, pop, and indie music, with her vocals channel those of classic jazz singers.
Jenny and the Mexicats for timeless rock music led by a trumpetlike the 2024 singles “Qué Descaro el Tuyo,” and “Quién Me Salva,” released in collaboration with Spanish musician Pablo Lesuit. Jenny and the Mexicats is a multicultural band consisting of English trumpeter and singer Jenny Ball, Spanish percussionist David González Bernardos, and Mexican musicians Alfonso “Pantera” Acosta on guitar and Luis “Icho” Díaz on double bass. Love ‘em.
Joshua Josué for his song “She is Guadalajara.” An Americana and Chicano Rock artist, Josué crafts a distinctive sound inspired by Los Lobos, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly. Josué’s soulful renditions often pay homage to musical greats while contributing to the tapestry of Chicano musical history.
Las Choizeras for a joyful, fusion take on mariachi. Founded by Nancy Sanchez, Las Chorizeras is a vibrant all-female mariachi ensemble that blends traditional mariachi with pop, jazz, Latin alternative, and American country. It is four talented musicians: Nancy Sanchez on lead vocals and vihuela, Eunice Aparicio on guitarrón, Anisettee Noperi on violin, and Darlene Perez on vocals and güiro. They rock!
Paulina Villarreal, drummer for the Mexican alt rock band The Warning, and winner of the Drumeo Award this year. Paulina, 22, and her sisters Daniela and Alejandra, formed The Warning in 2013, gaining international attention through viral YouTube covers. In addition to Paulina’s exceptional drumming skills, influenced by Neil Peart, she also contributes to the band as a vocalist and pianist and gives solo performances in various genres.
Pedro Rey School of Mariachi. There are many mariachis juvenils in Mexico, but for my money, this is the best. They have no recordings out at this point, but their live performances and YouTube videos attest to their skill. Led by Daniel Medeles, they feature a number of young and extremely talent soloists baked by a precise and joyful band.
Samantha Fish for the hottest guitar in the blues world. Her latest release, the 7-minute long “Put a Spell on You’ will give anyone chills and fever as will “Bitch on the Run.” She blends traditional blues with elements of rock, country, funk, and soul. Since releasing her debut album “Live Bait” in 2009, Fish has produced multiple critically acclaimed records, including “Runaway” (2011), which won her the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 2012.
banner: Jenny and Mexicats after a concert in Mexico
Check out my Hot Half Dozen column next week for the top 6 songs.
Patrick O’Heffernan
