Belanova, the electropop band from Mexico, sounds like it was influenced by nightclub epiphanies, Japanese anime and sweet lollipops. "Niño", one of the songs off their album Dulce Beat, is a painful goodbye, adios, au revoir, arrivederci—but it’s somehow lightened by the constant use of the word “boy” (niño) to address the unlucky target of the bad news.

Always with a light touch, often with full force, Bersuit Vergarabat dishes out social commentary and political activism. "Madre Hay una Sola" is no exception, as Gustavo Cordera apologizes to Mother Nature for the damage done to her by the human race.

Puerto Rican half-brothers Residente (René Pérez Joglar) and Visitante (Eduardo José Cabra Martínez)—nicknamed for their respective roles in their weekly step-family visits to 13th Street—together make Calle 13. The music of Calle 13 is a sort of hip-hop/reggaeton with a sense of humor and playfulness. Watch out for the bleeped naughty words.

Franco de Vita, born in Venezuela to Italian immigrants, is probably Venezuela’s most popular musical export; he’s considered Latin music’s most consistently popular singer-songwriter. At 53 he has 25 years in the limelight to prove it. Mil y Una Historias En Vivo is his newest album.

Zoé, an experimental pop-rock quintet from Mexico, brings us this surreal video featuring Japanese teenagers. No Me Destruyas casts a sweet, harmless-looking jovencita as a dangerous villain with colmillos afilados.

Chambao introduce themselves in this way: The sound of waves, smooth sand, friends and music, a “chambao” is not just a fleeting space set up on the seashore with rugs and cushions, lit up by a bonfire; it is also a place where the simple joy of being alive is the important matter.

Orishas is the most famous Cuban band of recent years. They have achieved fame and glory all over Europe and Latin America. Even those who don’t understand their lyrics (sometimes hard enough even for Spanish speakers) can’t seem to keep their hips and shoulders still.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Fonseca is known for his letras pegajosas (sticky lyrical hooks) and happy rhythms. Fonseca became a sensation after attending Berklee School of Music in Boston—a move that he claims gave him the ability to stand out among his musical peers.

Young and beautiful, strong and sensitive, Julieta Venegas reaches more music listeners every day. “El Presente” is one of her most famous songs—here is its “unplugged” version.

La Mala Rodriguez, a Spanish rapper has built a career out of playing the outsider in the male world of rap music, earning plenty of attention for her strong femininity and socially argumentative lyrics. Her Hip Hop is greatly influenced by flamenco music.

Kany Garcia is known for being on the first season of Objectivo Fama (Puerto Rico’s American Idol). Kany suffered a serious car accident during the show, but made an almost full recovery. Kany has turned into a sought-after composer/songwriter (for the winning song of "Objectivo Fama" as well as others) and a recording artist in her own right.

Pepe Aguilar is an American singer of Mexican descent whose parents were legends in Mexican show biz. At the ripe ol’ age of 5, Pepe made his singing debut at Madison Square Garden, at his father’s side. And while he admits to crying with fear, Pepe must have enjoyed himself: He became a regular member of his dad’s band and then launched a solo career.

The kings of Alternative Reggeaton, Calle 13, are well known for their smart, fast and funny lyrics; they disrespect anybody and everybody. That’s why "Un beso de desayuno" is a surprise: for the first time we are tempted to leave off the viewer discretion sign in a Calle 13 video!

These guys are partially obsessed with stardom, or at least with astronomy. Now they’re talking about “el núcleo de Belanova,” the core of their energy.

In this concert at their natal Guadalajara, Belanova wanted to showcase the local talent. That’s why they invited a local group of musicians for this song, imparting a new sound to one of their best known hits.