Unleashing the Rhythmic Fusion: LAMC's 25th Anniversary CelebrationThe Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) has been a beacon of musical diversity and innovation for the past 25 years. This year's edition, held from July 9-13, once again showcased a remarkable array of established Latin stars and promising emerging artists, captivating audiences with a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to urban, indie rock, and flamenco.

Uniting the Beats: LAMC's Diverse Soundscape

Tijuana's Punk Rocker Bruses Ignites the Stage

Tijuana's punk rocker Bruses took the stage at SummerStage on Wednesday, July 10, delivering a performance that was nothing short of a full-throttle manifesto of her unapologetic punk essence and rock star attitude. Blending heavy industrial vibes with guitar riffs reminiscent of Limp Bizkit or Korn, Bruses roared to the New York crowd, captivating the audience with her raw energy and boundary-pushing persona. Her Latin Grammy-nominated album "Monstruos" (2022) resonated through the venue, leaving the crowd stunned and exhilarated.

Bellakath Channels the Spirit of Reggaeton Royalty

At the Warner showcase on Friday, July 12, Bellakath wowed the audience by channeling the essence of reggaeton rap royalty Ivy Queen. With a performance firmly rooted in old-school dembow beats, the artist brought to life authentic Puerto Rican reggaetón, despite being Mexican, which was an impressive feat. Accompanied by two tatted dancers, her dynamic set mixed rapping and singing, showcasing her versatility and connecting with the roots of the genre. Bellakath undoubtedly stood out for her ability to embody the spirit of classic reggaetón.

Akapellah's Lyrical Prowess and Diss Track Buzz

Venezuelan rapper Akapellah delivered a standout performance at the Warner Showcase at DROM on Friday, July 12. Showcasing his impeccable pronunciation, controlled breathing techniques, and lyrical agility, Akapellah captivated the audience with his masterful delivery. His set included a homage to old-school hip-hop, skillfully integrating samples from the legendary Notorious B.I.G. The highlight of the evening was his performance of a diss track directed at Residente, sparking buzz amongst the crowd given the Puerto Rican rapper's participation in an earlier LAMC Q&A session. Akapellah's performance underscored his relevance and boldness in addressing contemporary debates about rap.

Chicocurlyhead's Feel-Good Bilingual Tunes

Charming the crowd with his light-hearted confidence, Panama-via-Atlanta singer Chicocurlyhead captivated the audience at DROM on Wednesday, July 11, with his feel-good bilingual tunes tinged with R&B and Afrobeat influences. Performing songs like "Copa de Vino" and "Cuerpito de Primavera," he, alongside his keyboardist, delivered a lively set filled with groovy beats and sharp keyboard melodies. Chicocurlyhead's performance left a lasting impression, and he even won the 2024 LAMC Discovery Artist award, presented by Taylor Guitars.

DARUMAS' Rebellious Energy and Modern Pop Flair

The trio DARUMAS, comprising Aldana from Argentina on bass and vocals, Cuban-American guitarist and vocalist Ceci, and Haitian frontwoman Velada, brought back the rebellious energy of '90s girl bands with a modern pop flair in their performance on Tuesday, July 9, at DROM, as part of the Sony showcase. The band demonstrated tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence, captivating the audience with songs from their 2024 self-titled debut album, like "Mago" and "Daruma."

Elane's Electrifying Hip-Hop Showcase

Barcelona's Elane put on an electrifying show on Wednesday, July 10, at the Sounds From Spain showcase at DROM, breathing new life into old-school hip-hop. Clad in a white T-shirt, blue Adidas pants, and a black bandana on her head, she captivated the audience with her lyrical prowess paired with her turntableist. Her performance was a showcase of hip-hop basics, with authentic scratching that melded with subtle Jersey club and drill sounds. Elane's command of the stage was undeniable, as she effortlessly drew all eyes on her, with the audience waving their hands in the air.

Israel Fernández's Spellbinding Flamenco Performance

Spanish Romani artist Israel Fernández delivered contrasting experiences in his recent New York appearances. While his Wednesday, July 10, performance at SummerStage in Central Park was more subdued, possibly due to the expansive outdoor setting, he later shone as a surprise guest at the Sounds From Spain showcase at DROM that evening. Dressed in a traditional off-white embroidered silky shirt and blue jeans, Fernández captured the audience with a spellbinding performance that seemed to resonate impressively better in the intimate venue. His wailing vocals and the cozy atmosphere of DROM proved a perfect match, allowing him to close the showcase memorably and leave a lasting impression on those gathered.

IZARO's Passionate Basque Fusion

Representing the Basque Country, the band IZARO sang passionately in their native dialect and Spanish, while showcasing consummate musicianship at the Sounds From Spain showcase at DROM on Wednesday, July 10. The keyboardist and an acoustic guitarist with steel strings particularly stood out, adding rich layers to the sound. The frontwoman, Izaro Andrés Zelaieta, captivated the audience with her gushing enthusiasm and emotional delivery, particularly during the performance of the Basque folklore song "Las Llaves de tu Casa."

Maruja Limón's Gypsy Punk Flair

The six-member ensemble Maruja Limón, featuring a trumpeter, guitarist, drummer, bassist, and two lead singers, delivered a performance at the Sounds From Spain showcase at DROM on Wednesday, July 11, that made it impossible not to sing, party, and dance along. Blending gypsy punk with stylish flair, the band's dynamic energy was infectious, captivating the audience with their charisma and talent. Chanting "Volaré, volaré! Sin miedo bajaré al suelo. Si me caigo me levanto," Maruja Limón celebrated with the audience in a revelry of spirited spunk, making them a must-see act.

Miguel Cornejo's Fiery Corridos Bélicos

Hermosillo-born artist Miguel Cornejo lit up the stage with an incendiary show at DROM on Tuesday, July 9, during the Sony Showcase. His musical arsenal, which included two brass players and a tololoche, set the backdrop for a set charged with the raw energy of corridos bélicos like "Bien Tony Montana" and "La Bolsa Gucci." Cornejo's music, a fiery blend with raw talk, captured the fierce spirit of his recently released debut album, "Los de Encargo." The dynamic performance didn't end on stage, as Cornejo and his band kept the ecstatic crowd and people passing by revved up, turning the night into a street party.

Ovi's Fusion of Música Mexicana and Trap Beats

Cuban artist Ovi's performance at the Warner showcase on Friday, July 12, was a highlight of LAMC, as he infused traditional música mexicana with trap beats in the style of corridos tumbados. Donning Bape gear and smoking a blunt, Ovi expressed his gratitude to the música mexicana community for embracing him, making it uniquely his own with his Cuban accent. His set included viral tracks like "Pienso en Ella" and "Los 4 Ases," showcasing his ability to blend genres and connect with his audience.

Twanguero's Virtuosic Flamenco and Tango Showcase

At the Acoustic showcase at S.O.B.s hosted by Peer Music, virtuosic guitarist Twanguero captivated the audience with his impeccable finger plucking and riveting rhythms, showcasing his mastery of tango and flamenco styles. Despite the previously noisy environment, Twanguero's performance halted conversations and commanded complete attention, turning what could have been background music into a spellbinding display of musical artistry.