Elena Rose - “Bayamón”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Rosalía, Becky G, Anitta

Bright and instantly catchy, Elena Rose’s take on Latin pop is surprisingly warm while still targeting the dance floor. Hip hop and reggaeton inflections give Rose’s music some sick bounce, grooving in an almost jazzy way instead of just four-on-the-floor rhythms. A relatively new artist - her first single “Sanduga” debuted in 2020 - Rose has focused on singles so far leading to her best last year with “Bayamón”. Using a familiar vocal hook, cooled speak-sing verses, and infectious pop energy, she’s crafted one of the more enticing songs on the SXSW roster so far. There are also moments of pure vocal prowess in her early catalog, notably a beautifully romantic duet with Sebastian Yatra on “Querente Bonito”. As she’s putting together her first full-length due sometime this year, SXSW will provide a great chance to catch an artist that is primed to be hitting bigger and bigger stages in the near future. Elena Rose performs at Mala Vida on Wednesday night alongside RINI and Tiago PZK. (Kevin McStravick)