When it comes to world music genres and culture, Latin music is one of the largest and most popular on the planet. But how did it get to be so popular and so well-loved? And is it even possible to categorize Latin music, with so many different subgenres and styles? In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re taking a closer look at all things música Latina.
What is Latin music?
There are many different types of Latin music, so it can be quite hard to nail it down to just one genre. In a nutshell, Latin music is a diverse genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and rhythms that originate from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.
Latino music often blends Indigenous, African, and European musical traditions, and is characterized by vibrant rhythms, expressive vocals, and the use of instruments like guitars, percussion, and brass.
Some of the most popular Latin music styles include salsa, reggaeton, merengue, bachata, tango, and Latin pop music, which you may well have heard in the charts and on the airwaves. Loved for its infectious beats and emotional intensity, Latin music has gained global appeal, influencing and blending with various genres worldwide.
The main characteristics of Latin music
There are many different Latin music styles out there, and the culture shifts and changes all of the time, but there are a few key characteristics we can identify throughout most of the songs.
Rhythmic diversity
Latin music songs tend to feature complex, syncopated rhythms derived from African, Indigenous, and European influences. Popular rhythms include the upbeat salsa, reggaeton’s dembow, and the sensual bolero. Artists like Celia Cruz (salsa) and Daddy Yankee (reggaeton) are well known for showcasing these rhythms.
Percussion-driven sound
Instruments like bongos, congas, timbales, and maracas are central to all kinds of Latin music styles, helping to create the lively beats we associate with this genre. For example, Tito Puente, known as the “King of Timbales,” is famous for his percussive energy in mambo and Latin jazz.
Melodic and harmonic richness
Drawing from various European traditions, Latin music also incorporates rich melodies and harmonies, often heard in genres like bolero or tango. Carlos Gardel is known for popularizing the emotive, melodic tango.
Dance-centric nature
Many Latin music genres (think salsa, cumbia, and merengue) are designed for dancing. It’s one of the hallmarks of this type of music. Marc Anthony, a famous salsa singer, often combines energetic rhythms with passionate lyrics that really get people moving.
Cultural storytelling
Latino music often conveys cultural pride, personal stories, and social themes, which are expressed through passionate lyrics. Shakira’s mix of Latin pop music and more traditional sounds reflects these storytelling elements in her music.
The different Latin music genres
The types of Latin music vary greatly. Here are a few of the most popular and most well-loved genres that you can find by searching the Artlist royalty-free music catalog.
Salsa
Originating from Cuban and Puerto Rican influences, salsa is known for its energetic, danceable rhythms and complex percussion. Artists like Celia Cruz and Marc Anthony (referenced above) are particularly famous for their salsa music.
Reggaeton
A fusion of Latin rhythms, reggae, and hip-hop, reggaeton is characterized by its infectious dembow beat. Artists like Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin have helped make reggaeton globally popular.
Bachata
Originating in the Dominican Republic, bachata features romantic lyrics and a very distinctive guitar-based sound. Romeo Santos and Aventura are some of the leading names in this genre.
Tango
Originating in Argentina and Uruguay, tango is dramatic and melancholic, often featuring bandoneón and strings. Carlos Gardel is widely considered the most iconic figure of tango music.
Latin pop
This genre fuses Latin rhythms with mainstream pop and incorporates modern production with traditional elements. It’s one of the top genres when it comes to the best songs for TikTok videos. Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Enrique Iglesias are among the most successful Latin pop music artists today.
How to use Latin music in your videos
Once you’ve picked out one of the many songs from the Latin royalty-free music collection available on Artlist, there are a few different ways you might want to incorporate it into your videos, especially if you’re creating content that’s celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Equally, if you’re creating travel content about any Latin country, then using Latino music is a great way to help draw your audience into the culture and bring them along on the journey. Hearing relevant music immediately grounds them in that location. It’s the same concept for food and recipe content too! If you’re making tacos, a Spanish omelet, paella…whatever it is, use some Latin music for the background track.
In general, Latin music genres tend to be quite upbeat and full of energy, so think about how this would translate to the visuals in your videos. You’ll want to use Latin music styles for those joyous, party moments that have a lot of movement.
Wrapping up
The wide variety of Latin music, with its many genres, is great for soundtracking your films and videos. Now that you’re familiar with some of the most popular genres and have a better understanding of when and how to use them in your videos, you can start creating content to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin music from Artlist.
*This article’s cover image was inspired by footage from the Flamenco collection by Azulroto
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