The Orchard’s distributed artists and labels are from all over the world and showcase music’s breadth, depth, and diversity. In our series 5 Artists You Should Know, we highlight some of the talented artists our teams work with who come from various pockets of the world. This particular group of artists are from Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, a transcontinental country largely in the north of South America with territories in North America. Make room on your playlist for more artists ranging from alternative pop, rock, and jazz-infused with soul and hip hop. 

Lunalé

Colombian singer and composer, Lunalé, is named as one of the best alternative pop artists in Colombia, projected to grow internationally. Her artistry and composition is strong, with several musical pieces performed by other Colombian artists. At the beginning of 2021, Lunalé released her song “Antidoto”, written during the pandemic lockdown. The song was created for a contest, which asked participants to write a song recreating love in the time of COVID-19. After having contracted COVID-19 herself, the lyrics — on top of synths, guitars, drums, and bass — carried even more meaning. 

Lunale has a bright future ahead and has already shared stages with national artists such as Juan Pablo Vega, Esteman, Superlitio, Jona Camacho, among others. She’s celebrated 25 years of Latin America’s iconic open air festival, Rock al Parque, in Bogotá Colombia, alongside international artist group Los Amigos Invisibles.

Armenia

Armenia is an energetic indie pop rock band that has taken the Colombian independent scene by surprise. Formed in 2019, the band has become increasingly popular after the release of their debut single “Violeta.” The group is made up of Juan Antonio Toro (vocals and guitar), Ricardo Laverde (keys and backing vocals), Daniel Cardona (drums), and Daniel Moreno (bass and backing vocals). And fun fact, the band name” Armenia” comes from Juan Antonio’s birth city, which happens to be the capital of Colombia’s coffee region. Over the past few months, the band created a Spotify quarantine playlist featuring their own music and bands that have inspired them. They’ve done a number of live streaming sessions with collaborators, encouraging fans to join in. They even opened up their social media inboxes to connect with fans. Their philosophy? We’re all in this together!

Diamante Eléctrico

Diamante Eléctrico has brought their infectious live show to the world’s most important festivals including Rock Al Parque, Cocahella, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Vive Latino, Eurockenness, SXSW and more. Bob Lefsetz once described the group as a “fusion of Green Day and Muse, with a touch of Led Zeppelin.” The group has played with iconic artists like The Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, and collaborated with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top. Be on the lookout for music from this dynamic duo – their most recent releases “Cuando Quieras Llegar” and “Los Chicos Sí Lloran” are featured on their album Mira Lo Que Me Hiciste Hacer, out now.

Maki Váez

A platinum musical producer and DJ from Medellín, Colombia, Maki Váez is a two-time Latin GRAMMY nominee. He is one-fourth and head producer of Colombian Bass collective Papá Kumbé and a member of Hot Leche duo. His singles have been supported by Diplo and DJ Snake and he recently produced “Progreso” and “Mírame” on Eladio Carrion’s Monarca álbum. He’s got credits with other big names in the music industry like Maluma, LATENIGHTJIGGY, Choquibtown, Cristian Castro, Reik, Matisse, among others.

Rap Bang Club

Rap Bang Club is an effervescent duo, formed by Karin B and Pezcatore. Since they started creating music together in 2016, they haven’t stopped releasing fresh new music. Their catalogue so far? More than 43 songs. They’ve collaborated with talent such as Akapellah, Martina La Peligrosa, Nanpa Basico, Gera Mx. Like what you hear? A debut album is in the works as the duo continues to evolve Colombian hip hop.