Introduction

Welcome to Listening Party!

For five years now I’ve been freelancing as a music journalist for various publications of note (Remezcla, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone), ostensibly covering what’s commonly referred to as Latine urban music. When I started this foray I was living in New York City, but three years ago I moved back to my home island of Puerto Rico, the cradle of reggaetón, where I was born & raised.

Since arriving, I’ve slowly been immersing myself in the local indie music scene, where I’ve discovered many fantastic new artists who are releasing some of the most exciting music of, not just the moment, but also the near future.

It has been a thrill to meet and make the acquaintance of so many of these driven musicians, from all walks of life, and to learn so much about the art they make and share.

Now, with Listening Party, I hope to be able to give back and share their stories and music with readers from all over, and show all the incredible talent found not just here but in all corners of Latin America.

This website stands on the shoulders of others that came before it and also did the work of exalting incredible music acts, including: Club Fonograma, Sonando en Puerto Rico, Batiscafo, Her Campus @ UPR, Puerto Rico Indie, Reloj Bomba, INDIE.pr, FENCast, and many more.

Thank you to everyone who's been reading me, and hope you enjoy what's in store in the coming months!

Juan J. Arroyo
June 9, 2023

Read more about Listening Party in our About section!