Camilo Lara is the man behind the Mexican Institute of Sound (when he’s not busy being the president of EMI Music in Mexico). With this project, he intended to create a fusion of traditional elements with electronic music. MIS tunes have been invading TV and advertising lately; see if you recognize the song “Alocatel.”

Bajofondo is, according to the group, a “collective of composers, singers and artists.” They started out as the Bajofondo Tango Club with a strong tango influence, but have since broadened their sound. Here they talk about the collective and begin a discussion of their sound.

Quiero Club is an indie band from Monterrey, Mexico. The name of the group (in Spanish, “I want club”) points to the types of music they combine: rock, pop, and electronic music. From their second album released in 2008, “Minutos de Aire” is a collaboration with Jorge Gonzalez from the Chilean band Los Prisioneros. You don’t want to miss this trippy adventure of a video!

Alberto Jiménez put together ten of his latest songs for the album Causalidad, released in 2009 throughout Venezuela. Here, he tells us the story behind the production of it.

Formerly known as “Bitman y Roban,” DJ Bitman is one of the new faces of Chilean music. But DJ Bitman’s music is far from belonging to only one place: you can hear traces of Brazilian samba and even some New York hip hop. There is also some Caribbean salsa and some European dub. It’s not a surprise that people from everywhere enjoy it!

Mexican rock singer Alejandra Guzmán is known as the “Queen of Rock” in Latin America. Take a listen to her soulful singing in “Porque no estás aquí” (“Because You’re Not Here”), and you’ll see why. Those lyrics sung in that raspy voice get right into your core.

Novalima is very aware of the importance of Peruvian folk music, not just in their sound but in another musical genres as well. Paco de Lucía, a Spanish flamenco musician, might have made the sound of the “cajón” (a box-like musical instrument) famous, but that sound is Peruvian as it gets.

Nothing lasts forever. Sadly, sometime in 2001 the fabulous Argentinian band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs announced their final tour. But after a long hiatus, in April of 2008, they announced a comeback! This song comes from the album they released that year. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, or LFC, is the most famous ska band of Latin America, and an obligatory part of any dance playlist!

New York has the Hudson; Paris has the Seine; London has the Thames. Rivers were important in the building of these cities: they were commercial routes and also a source of food. Aterciopelados (in English, literally “The Velvety Ones”) the well-known Colombian band, remind us of the importance of our rivers with the title song of their socially conscious album Río.

Novalima mixes Peruvian folk music with electronic beats. Touring has become an important source of inspiration. That’s how they translate their musical roots onto the dance floor. Universal tunes with local sounds!

How is the weather on the fifth season? According to this video we should expect some winds with a few sunny flashbacks. And there is also a chance of Marc Anthony, mostly know for being Jennifer Lopez’s significant one.

Sunny Miami is not only a touristic destination. Their beautiful beaches and their elegant buildings are the perfect set for the newest Latin American telenovelas.

Get ready for Residente’s smart mouth and his tongue twister lyrics with a high level of cynicism. This song was co-produced with Gustavo Santaolalla, mastermind of the electronic tango band Bajofondo.

Our friends from Nortec Collective are known for their eclectic mix of electronic and norteño music (hence the name: norteño + techno = Nortec). Here, a band member discusses how the group got started, down to the very first time he read about a synthesizer. Don’t miss their Grammy award-nominated Tijuana Sound Machine.

Continue learning about what specific kinds of music go into the mix to make the special sound that is Novalima.