Search Results for: Awards 2020
ISM was in NAMM Show 2020
North America - United States - Anaheim - California
From January 16 to 19 the musical instruments, professional audio and accessories industry met again in Anaheim, California, for the expected annual event that opens the calendar of fairs related to the music market segment.
NAMM Show has been reinvented and this year came with a new structure so we could better appreciate the ideas and proposals. The organizers divided the different items to which the exhibition is dedicated, offering specific spaces for each group of exhibitors and visitors and making it easier to find the desired companies and products.
The NAMM Show Music sector for musical instruments and accessories, The Namm Show Sound for professional audio and sound reinforcement, and The NAMM Show Live bringing together technologies for live events and entertainment were inaugurated in this new organization.
The Namm Show Music
More than 7000 brands, more than 300 educational sessions, more than 150 free interconnection events and hundreds of concerts and performances. Among the spaces dedicated to music, in this sector of the fair was the Boutique Guitar Showcase (sample of manufacturers of boutique guitars from around the world), the Lounge 88 Showcase (collection of renowned piano brands illustrating the history of that instrument), Software. NAMM (a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins). The Sytnth Showcase (shows the latest analog and digital synthesizer technology) and the Innovator Showcase (showing the latest products that aim to revolutionize music, sound and entertainment technology).
On the educational side will be the Retail Innovation Summit, the NAMM U Breakfast Sessions, Music Education Days for students and educators, the Retail Financial Summit, the NAMM Idea Center presented sessions every half hour with all kinds of tips and ideas, and the program GenNext for students who want to develop their career.
Other events were in this section such as the She Rocks Awards dedicated to women, the NAMM Foundation Celebration for Music Education, the Yamaha All-Star Concert, hundreds of concerts, jams and live performances through NAMM Jam, the Yamaha Night of Worship with Christian bands, Roomful of Pianos with symphonic works adapted to the piano, and the Grand Rally for Music Education, honoring the outstanding educators in our field.
The Namm Show Sound
More than 3,000 brands in areas dedicated to professional audio and sound reinforcement, more than 200 audio production sessions, more than 50 demonstrations and more than 150 free interconnection events with audio professionals from around the world.
The outstanding samples? The Loudspeaker System Showcase to experience line array and loudspeaker technologies in a real environment, and also Software. NAMM, with a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins.
Educational opportunities were available with the AES Academy (education and training program for live sound, recording and audio professionals in performances), A3E (sessions focused on the future and how audio applications are transforming the industry), Teck Tracks (sessions with high profile themes in recording, live sound and the music business) and Dante Training (free Dante certified training conducted by Audinate).
In addition to the She Rocks Awards, the Yamaha All-Star Contest, and the Yamaha Night of Worship, the NAMM Pro Audio Pool Party (an outdoor party for the professional audio and sound community) was added to this space. NAMM TEC Awards (recognizing the best products and innovations in this segment) and the Parnelli Awards (highlighting professionals in the live event scene).
The Namm Show Live
For those interested in the live events sector there were more than 7,000 brands, more than 50 free educational sessions, opportunities to obtain 80 ETCP credits, hundreds of ESTA interconnection events, and live music throughout the space.
Education was in the hands of the sessions curated by ESTA, technology sessions organized by Lighting & Sound America and PLASA, professional production sessions conducted by PLSN and FOH, in addition to the Dante Audinate training.
In the part of special events will be the Happy Hour for Behind the Scenes (a charitable event that raises funds for industry professionals who are going through problems), the welcome reception of Namm show Live, and visitors can also find interesting Parnelli Awards and the NAMM TEC Awards.
International Salsa Magazine had correspondents at the Namm Show 2020 so you can enjoy all details.
Four days of exciting performances by local and international artists and demonstrations of new high-end technology products were presented at the biggest and the most prestigious annual event in the Music Industry.
Among the main stars that showed musical performances were: Los Lobos, Paris Escovedo, Bobbi Escoto, Adelaide Band, Gabrielito González, Jamal, Abel Flores Band, Calico Oviedo Soultone Cymbals, the winner of two Latin Grammy awards, Tony Succar, and others.
Also, the organization in this unique and memorable event was unsurpassed, the family, brotherhood and cultural environment were present during each day. “People were always very happy, musicians and dancers were very friendly and enthusiastic at all times.” Said our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan
For the first day (Media Day) at the Anaheim Convention Center, Los Lobos was in charge of the first musical performance producing the applause and admiration of the present press. On the other hand, the famous local artist Paris Escovedo once again demonstrated the connection between the public and his music by grabbing attention for hisvirtuosity on the second day.
Likewise, the third day was led by the musical environment of the Bandleader, Director and Bongo player of Afro Son, Bobby Escoto.
During the fourth and last day of the Namm Show, they were present at the Yamaha Grand Plaza State and highlighted the band leader and vocalist of La Verdad, Gabrielito González, and Adelaide Band. This prodigious band played for about an hour, a total of 12 songs. Among his repertoire was a tribute to Salsa with the Celia Cruz’s hits, covers by Gloria Estefan and other Latin singers, in addition to playing the songs of her second album “Reflexiones de mi Mente” released in 2019 and available on all digital platforms. If you want to know more about this Latin urban music band as well as dates events visit their website: http://adelaidetheband.com/
We don’t forget to inform you that during this invitation to the global musical innovation platform, the technology never ceases to amaze. The new ATC Dolby Atmos immersive music audio system was one of our favorites. The next-generation surround audio experience takes music far beyond traditional “surround sound” that includes 3D spatial information to bring the listener to music. This free demonstration and installed on the Smartphone was tested by our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan.
Our correspondent, Carlos Navarro, was also at the event and could verify that the DJs are acquiring a new air and, although it is not something new in the music industry, it is working with a lot of emphasis on everything that refers to DJ Equipment, Technology and more.
The Namm Show 2020 was a perfect platform to publicize and reveal numerous technological advances. And also, the opportunity in which the artists could try everything for themselves in the different jam sessions that took place throughout the event.
Navarro was able to coincide with other artists from the world of salsa in the percussion booth. He had the opportunity to talk with Tito Quintero, Alex Acuña, Luis Conte and John «Dandy» Rodríguez, who was with Latin Percussion at the launch of a limited edition (of only 100 copies) of the Dandy Bongo Cowbell, as a tribute in his honor, with a comfortable, practical case with wheels; and also made with cutting-edge technology and high-end materials and a dazzling aesthetic.
The highlight was the live presentation of Tower of Power. “Incredible. I realized that people are appreciating live music badly, because they are accustomed to DJs, although that is not new,” Carlos Navarro told us.
In this way, we say goodbye to an event of high quality, maximum organization, unsurpassed treatment, and unmatched technological development platform.
Each day this event culminated from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we culminate standing and with applause. Until next year Namm Show 2021!
“¿What have we achieved?” winner at the Global Music Awards
The Global Music Awards
The Global Music Awards gave a silver medal to the Fahed Miter and Rubén Blades’s video “¿Qué hemos logrado?” The event took place on January 21 in the city of San Diego, California. The announcement was made as usual through the Global Music Awards’ website, an organization that in 2021 will have 10 years since they started with the awards.
The work behind the video
The video is different from the ones we all frequently watch and instead offers something more experimental. The video’s director was Luis Safa, who used around 800 drawings made with Chinese ink and animated all of them, a task that took months to complete. On the other hand, Safa’s direction it’s not the only remarkable achievement, since the person in charge of the video production was the Latin Grammy nominee and winner of a bronze medal this year at the Global Music Awards, Jorge Castro.
The video production and direction are phenomenal, as are the touching lyrics of the song, which was composed by Fahed Miter. These lyrics intrinsically invite everyone to reflect, while they transmit a clear message in all their verses. In this song, Fahed Miter’s voice sounds soft, with a slight tone that perfectly matches the melody that accompanies it, but as if was not enough, the recognizable voice of the incredibly talented Panamanian musician, Rubén Blades, adds an even more sentimental touch.
Focusing on the music, it also has various merits that are worth mentioning, one of them is the outstanding talent of the musicians that participated in the song, such as bassist John Patitucci and pianist Lito Vitale, both world-class musicians. The arrangements of the song were made by Edín Solís together with Vitale himself, by working together they managed to create the perfect melody for the song. In Fahed’s words, the video is “a perfect marriage between music and images, and it was made thanks to the creative freedom of an excellent team”.
In regards to the video, the author of “piel adentro, corazón afuera”, has expressed that his intentions were doing something different from what is usually seen every day, and by watching the video, we can say that the objective was fulfilled; the result of all the work done is a very original video, one where the tone of the music, the animation of the handmade drawings and the lyrics of the song, manage to create a piece of art worthy of at least a silver medal at the Global Music Awards.
Using his Instagram account, Jorge Castro talked about the video too, while also highlighting how complicated 2020 was: “It is almost a prophetic video since although it was carried out before the global Covid-19 emergency, it fits perfectly for the times that we are living in right now. We must celebrate all the good things we have, but we cannot help but show empathy for the global suffering that this pandemic continues to cause.” I’m sure we will move forward with all of this.”
The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020
These are the top latin names of this year
The times are changing, influencers and new talents are gaining ground within the industry. Meet some of the most influential latin artists of 2020!
Latin America has been the birthplace of singers, songwriters, producers, and artists that have taken their talent to the USA and the rest of the world. With their flags held high and their nationalism deep rooted, they have been the ones that impulse their culture in North America and Canada, that way they have opened many opportunities to the next generations.
2020 was a year of challenges and so many changes, however some personalities from the media industry didn’t give up. Many of them took advantage to work on projects that they had in mind, and surprised their fans. While others were dedicated to remember their biggest hits, and used digital platforms to perform remote concerts. For this reason, we want to mention and give recognition to five latin artists that keep afloat during this year; they were revelations, and got a larger scope that anyone could have imagined.
Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020
Manny Cruz
The Dominican with Cuban origins has been one of the exposures of his genre, that has known how to take advantage of his fame to position himself within the media. He was the Dominican artist with more nominations on the Latin Grammy.
“The Lord loves so much and I feel so grateful with these two nominations. And very happy of how the people had embraced my music, and to be able to contribute a little to our merengue history”, expressed the artist.
Cruz ‘s career has been on the rise, because it doesn’t leave space to anybody. During this year he had made collabs with Ilegales, Miriam Cruz, and a tribute to Juan Luis Guerra. He also has shared projects with the merenguero Eddy Herrera.
After being part of several groups, he decided to try a solo career without knowing what his destiny, and talent had prepared for him: he obtained the award for Solo Singer of The Year in the “Premios Soberanos”. In 2017 he was the winner of a Latin Grammy, thanks to writing together with his brother Daniel Santacruz, the single “Deja Vu” for Prince Royce and Shakira. In 2018 he got three awards at “Premios Soberanos”.
Manny has specialized in merengue and pop-ballad, he is a singer and songwriter. “Santo Domingo” is his latest music video, which has gained more than 2 million of views on YouTube. More and more are the singers that want to share their works with him, and of course have the opportunity to count on him as a songwriter. He is one the young musicians that are here to stay, and he is now well placed among the american audience, and spanish speakers.
Nathy Peluso
Another singer that has broken barriers, and has gained a position within the industry is Nathalia Dora, better known as Nathy Peluso. Even when she is only 25 years old, she is already a trendsetter in different musical genres. She is acclaimed for her fusions with rap, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, a combination that is only possible for a woman like her. She was born in Argentina, and she was one of the honor guests invited to this year Latin Grammy.
She is a singer, songwriter, and started her career from very young. She studied theater with teachers from Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. That way she took their accents, and it can be noted on the majority of her singles. She is inclined for blues and jazz styles.
Even when she is living in Spain, it has surprised the acceptance of her music in Latin America and the USA. 2020 has been her year, she released her first single of her next album: Business Woman, with which she wants to continue showing her strong side, and consolidate her place within the industry. Plus, she got her very first nomination to the Gardel Awards, and two nominations to the Latin Grammy in Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song categories.
Peluso has become one of the most important latin artists of the musical scene. She sings about feminism, sex, and even politics.
“Women let me know that I am an inspiration to them”, expressed the artist.
Prince Royce
Prince has been another musician that hasn’t stopped this year. He has topped the first places on Billboard, and was nominated to the Latin Grammy 2020 as Best Contemporary Album / Tropical Fusion. Alter Ego is the double album that makes him stay on everybody’s minds. Many important talents participated in this album, around 60 songwriters, 21 musicians, 23 songs, 18 musical producers, and it has obtained different golden and platinum records around the world. Beside that, it was the only album to debut on the number one of the latin Billboard list of 2020.
The Latin Music Academy considered him as one of the most consistent artists that has been kept loyal to his fans and his origins. The bachata singer has evolved over his career, and he keeps showing his versatility on the market. Geoffrey Royce Rojas de León is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer with Dominican origins.
Tonny Succar
Antonio Guillermo Succar better known as Tonny Succar is a Peruvian-American songwriter, arranger, percussionist, band leader, and producer. In 2019, he received the Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album, and a second award as the Producer of the Year. As a young boy, he auditioned for a latin jazz ensemble in his school, and of course he got his desired position. Then, he went on to assume the family band’s Musical Director position, which was named Mixtura. After graduation he continued as an artist, and teaching other music students.
His talent went beyond borders, and had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as: La India, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Obie Bermúdez, and Kevin Ceballo. He was also the crucial piece in a tribute to Michael Jackson, this project was a great chance for him to be close to artists that he admired. Succar is still forming, and is planning to be part of a musical legacy that goes beyond borders.
“If you don’t take the opportunity when it has to be, the train will leave” he commented after getting the Latin Grammy.
Tito Puente Jr.
He always knew that his career would be compared to his father’s, and he was very clear that it won’t be easy to reach that level. For that reason he decided to make his own name with his own identity. From very young he participated in different bands including a rock one. That way Tito Jr. formed his own trajectory and now is well known within the industry.
However he is continuing his father’s legacy at performing several of his most famous songs. He also has never doubted making tributes to his father, with different events for youngs and children where they learn to play different instruments. Tito was born in New York on June 2nd,1971, he is 49 years old, and has several albums of his own. He is very proud of his origins, but at the same time he has created his own name.
“I have my father ‘s spirit”, he said proudly.
This new generation is promising to hold their countries’ names high with passion, enthusiasm, and so much commitment.
International Salsa Magazine Celebrates 2020 Latin Grammy Nominees
North America / United States
Latin Grammy Awards
The Latin Grammy Awards were created to honor Spanish-speaking artists. They are awarded by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, created from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, an American organization specializing in music and production in general. The Latin version was broadcast for the first time in 2000, through the CBS network.
The Academy was founded by Michael Greene and Mauricio Abaroa. The first Grammy ceremony was held in 1959. 41 years later the Latin version was inaugurated. They are not awarded by popularity but by the number of votes received by members of the academy.
The award for excellence in Latin recording achievements is a gramophone. Its base is red and the gramophone is gold. For its part, the statuette of “Awards for Musical Excellence” has a copper-colored gramophone. As you might imagine, its creation goes through a long process, it is composed of a zinc alloy and is plated in 24-karat gold.
The ceremony is held annually in the United States, in the third week of November. The locations have varied through the years between Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Houston, Las Vegas for the last nine years and in 2020 is returning to Miami, at the American Airlines Arena.
The presenters have been a true parade of stars: Jennifer López, Gloria Estefan, Antonio Banderas, Lucero, Eugenio Derbez, Patricia Manterola and Ricky Martin, among others. In this opportunity, the honor will go to the Dominican Carlos de la Mota and the Polish, nationalized in Mexico, Ludwika Paleta.
On September 29, the names of the candidates for the awards were announced.
Among the nominees are:
Best Salsa Album
40 Años De Power
Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power
Record Label: Musical Productions, Inc.
Tentaciones Vol. 1
Charlie Cruz
Record Label: Get Crazy Note, LLC
40
Grupo Niche
Record Label: PPM USA
Memorias De Navidad
Víctor Manuelle
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC
Un Gallo Para La Historia
Tito Rojas
Record Label: J&N Records, LLC
Some of these nominees belong to JN Music Group, J&N Records and Musical Productions Disquera, a company that for more than thirty years has been in charge of producing Latin music for the whole world. Tito Rojas and Luisito Ayala and La Puerto Rican Power have received the support of the record company and their directors are very proud of their representatives.
Puerto Rican Power was born in the 70s by the hand of its founder Jesús Castro. Later Luis Ayala, assumed the role of director and trumpeter of the band. They became known quickly, thanks to the participation they had with greats of the show such as Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Héctor Lavoe, among others. The group has mixed the roots of Puerto Rican folklore with its great performance on stage; becoming known in the United States and Latin America. This is his first Latin Grammy nomination.
Charlie Cruz, a Dominican salsa singer, also competes in this category. He has collaborated with greats of the genre such as Tito Nieves. Cruz is proud to be Latino and to work with his heart. He thanked his producer, work team and members of the academy for their support in reaching his nomination.
For its part, Grupo Niche is enjoying its third nomination for the Awards. They proudly represent their home country, Colombia. 40, his latest production, refers to the number of years since his birth. The album was recorded between Puerto Rico, Cali and Miami.
Victor Manuelle participates with his album “Memorias De Navidad”, he sought to rescue the traditions of the Christmas season and remember two loved ones. In early 2018, he lost his father Victor Manuel Ruiz and last year his younger brother, Héctor Gustavo.
To finish the round of nominees, we find Tito Rojas, known for his salsa songs. He began his artistic career in the early 70s. He has more than thirty record productions (one with La Puerto Rican Power). Rojas thanked through his social networks for the support of his career.
Best Merengue and / or Bachata Album
The Genetics Of Bachata
José Manuel Calderón
Record Label: Baile Records
Bailando Contigo
Manny Cruz
Record Label: Manny Cruz / La Oreja Media Group, Inc
Los Conquistadores
Grupo Manía
Record Label: Mania Music, Inc.
Ahora
Eddy Herrera
Record Label: Intermusic
Larimar
Daniel Santacruz
Record Label: Penluis Music
Thanks to Diario Libre, we could know that Latin Grammy Awards were evaluating the possibility of eliminating this category. This, due to the lack of submitted proposals. This warning activated the exponents of the genre. The academy received around 40 applications. The competition is very close between artists with a long history and young people who have come to give a new air to the genre.
José Manuel Calderón is considered the pioneer of bachata. Most of his hits are his own and he has also dabbled in merengue. The artist is very happy with this recognition for so many years of experience. He considers it “a great blessing.”
Manny Cruz receives his fourth Grammys nomination in two different categories. “Bailando Contigo” is the singer’s second album and it took him more than a year to produce. The Dominican was very happy and sent his thanks through his Instagram account. He became the Dominican with the most Latin Grammy nominations.
For its part, Grupo Manía celebrates its tenth nomination. The Puerto Rican singers released their album “Los Conquistadores” to celebrate their twenty-five years of artistic career.
Eddy Herrera, renowned merengue singer, has been nominated for the fifth time and, within the framework of his virtual concert, he expressed his happiness.
“Being nominated in normal times is wonderful, but being nominated within this world of the pandemic is doubly great. This has fallen from my soul, from heaven, “he said.
Daniel Santacruz, has his eighth Latin Grammy nomination for his album “Larimar”, his seventh musical production. The artist was in charge of all the elaboration of the disc that counts on eleven subjects.
Best Tropical Song
Among the 5 nominees are:
Imaginarme Sin Ti
Elvis Crespo & Maribel Vega, songwriters (Elvis Crespo y Manny Cruz)
Record Label: Flash Music
Quédate
Paula Arenas, Debi Nova & Juan Pablo Vega, songwriters (Debi Nova & Pedro Capó)
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC
Y Basta Ya
Pavel Nuñez, songwriter (Pavel Nuñez)
Reco Grrd Label: La Oreja Media Group, Inc
Elvis Crespo by the hand of his wife and manager Maribel Vega and the composition of Manny Cruz, received a nomination for the album “Imaginarme Sin Ti”. The promotional theme was dedicated to Crespo’s daughter. The singer thanked through his social networks and made special mention of his label and the singer Manny Cruz.
Debi Nova, a Costa Rican singer-songwriter, bet on romantic bachata and had the collaboration of Paula Arenas and Juan Pablo Vega. The promotional theme of the album talks about taking advantage of time with our loved ones.
We finished the round with the Dominican Pavel Núñez, a young man who has surprised with the amount of Sovereign Awards obtained, a total of eleven; took advantage of the global pandemic to make music. With his album “Y Basta Ya” he adds his third nomination for Los Premios.
The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy will be held on November 19, in the city of Miami. Although it is an achievement to be on the coveted list, everyone wants to be recognized.
Who will be the winners?