1. MARIEL MARIEL
Thanks to her unique take both on hip-hop and urbano rhythms and a personal take on folk music, Mariel Mariel’s sound results in explosive yet emotional music. These influences are on full display in her Sofar Sounds session where the audience gets down with her lively rhythms and melodies.
2. CHINI AND THE TECHNICIANS
Led by an amazing and charismatic vocalist, Chini and the Technicians make for an incredible combination. Fusing twee ukulele strumming with massive distorted basslines on this song, they conjure a unique and contagious energy. Although the band is no more, the singer—now with the name Chini.png—remains a positive force in the scene.
3. PAZ COURT
Paz Court walks the path of the ‘60s Nueva Canción movement and takes it to the next level, thanks to her particular melodicism and songwriting skills. Joined here by La Orquesta Florida, Court’s music pops with color and optimism thanks to lively and layered arrangements.
4. KANAKU Y EL TIGRE
If there’s something that characterizes the scene in Chile, it’s unabashed melodicism, and few celebrate it like Kanaku y el Tigre. Their indie pop sound is driven by an ecstatic explosion of vocal hooks and melodic instrumentalism that is on full display here. There’s an ethereal quality to their session that lifts the listener to heavenly heights.
5. BRONKO YOTTE
Chile was one of the earliest adopters of hip-hop in Latin America; as such, they boast acts that are head and shoulders above many other scenes. Bronko Yotte has the skills to back his affinity for rap but it’s the catchiness of his melodies that make him noteworthy. Joined here by Macarena “Masquemusica” Campos, Bronko Yotte delivers the goods.
6. SIMÓN CAMPUSANO
Although the freak folk scene was one of the most vital corners of indie rock in the mid ‘00s, it took a while for the style to reach Latin America. It was worth the wait as heard in the words and music by Simón Campusano who adds his own emotional spin to the genre. Also, be sure to check out his amazing band Niños Del Cerro— you will not regret it.
Words by Marcos Hassan
Photo credit: Paz Court performing Sofar Santiago, image via YouTube
