As we continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, this month we are spotlighting singer-songwriter Melaner who is a first-generation Dominican who says she wants to change how women are represented in the Latin music industry as well as how Afro Latinas are being represented. She feels there is a lack of diversity in the Latin music industry right now. Her latest single, Soltera is an anthem for Latina women everywhere. She grew up with music being played at her home and her influences growing up were Jose Feliciano, Selena, and others but it was her favorite artist, Juan Luis Guerra who really made an impact on her. It was that impact and her curiosity about creating music that had her go to Berklee College of Music and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in music business management. Melaner says that her fascination with singer Juan Luis Guerra is because he can play several instruments and is well rounded as an artist, she wants to be that kind of artist. After graduation, she was singing in wedding bands and was based in the city of Boston. Afterward, she moved to New York and started her own band. She says looking back at childhood videos she realized she was always singing and was meant to be a singer. Melaner feels that in the Latin music industry Afro-Latinos are not well represented especially the women. She says if you look at Latin artists like Becky G, Rosalia, Natti Natasha, and others well they all look the same. A singer like Amara La Negra is not given the same attention as the above-mentioned artists. She knows she has to work harder to break down doors for other Afro Latinas, and she's already on her way. Before releasing her single, Soltera she was a top nine contestant on the Latin music show, La Reina De La Cancion which is executive produced by Latin Reggaeton artist, Daddy Yankee. She will release her next single, Papi Que Calor this fall. Check out this amazing Latina singer-songwriter and support independent music worldwide. Happy listening!
Soltera
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