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Belanova
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Belanova is a Mexican pop band formed in Guadalajara, Jalisco, in 2000. The band consists of Denisse Guerrero (lead vocals), Edgar Huerta (keyboards, programming) and Ricardo "Richie" Arreola (bass, guitar). Although these are the only three official members, several other musicians performed in the band's live lineup, most notably Israel "Campanita" Ulloa (drums) and Richo Acosta (guitar). The band was signed to Virus Records, owned by Universal Music, in 2002.
Key Information
History
[edit]Early years & Cocktail (2000–2004)
[edit]
All three members of the band had a passion for music since childhood. Richie, from Guadalajara, developed his interest in music out of an admiration for The Beatles member Paul McCartney as a child. Edgar, also from Guadalajara, first became interested in music when his brother received a little keyboard as a Christmas present, showing little interest in it, and so Edgar simply began playing it one day. Denisse, originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, enjoyed singing since she was a child, and was previously a member of the band 40 Grados, literally "40 Degrees (Celsius)." The trio met in Guadalajara at a bar where both Edgar and Denisse were working.
Their first album was titled Cocktail and was released in 2003. The first single off the album was "Tus Ojos", which gained popularity due to its inclusion in a Mitsubishi publicity campaign, just after the Japanese car maker's arrival in Mexico. The song reached number one on the Mexican Top 100 and stayed there for 3 consecutive weeks. The album reached number five on the Mexican Albums Chart[1] and was certified Gold; consequently, the album was named one of the Top Five albums of 2003 by Rolling Stone Mexico.
Apart from "Tus Ojos", the album also spawned two more top-twenty hits, "Suele Pasar" and "Y Aún Así Te Vas".
The band spent 2003 and 2004 on a 100-Concert Tour around Mexico promoting the album. Following Cocktail's success, management at Universal Music Mexico company encouraged the band to adopt a more commercial sound. Belanova flew to Argentina to record their second album, moving from electronic music to electropop, and the band was moved from the company's dance-music branch, Virus Records, to the larger one, Universal.
Dulce Beat & commercial success (2005–2007)
[edit]In 2005, Belanova released their second album, Dulce Beat, which gained popularity in the Latin American music market thanks largely to television stations such as MTV. The album was released on June 21, 2005, in Mexico, reaching the number one spot and holding the spot for four non-consecutive weeks. The album went on to sell over 200,000 copies in Mexico alone. The first single was "Me Pregunto", with a sound similar to that of Cocktail. The single was followed soon after by "Por Ti", much more grounded in pop music. Both songs reached number one in Mexico. "Rosa Pastel" was released in July 2006 as the third single. The fourth single, "Niño", was used in promotions for Pizza Hut Mexico. The huge success of the album prompted Disney's Latin American branch to ask the band to record a Spanish version of the song "What I've Been Looking For" ("Eres Tú") for the Latin American release of the High School Musical Soundtrack.[2]
The album was very successful in Latin America, with sales of over 500,000. This led to the release of the band's first live album, "Dulce Beat Live", which went Gold in Mexico only few hours after it was released. The album includes a set of 16 songs performed live at the Foro Expo in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on March 10, 2006. A deluxe edition of Dulce Beat, featuring several acoustic versions of songs from Belanova's first two albums and a new vocal recording of "Te Quedas o Te Vas", was also released, titled Dulce Beat 2.0. Belanova's video "Por Ti" broke the record for the most weeks on MTV Mexico's Top 20, peaking at number one for twenty-nine weeks.[1] When the album was released in the United States in the spring of 2006, it hit number fifty-nine on Billboard's Top Latin Albums Chart and reached the top ten on the Top Electronic Albums Chart.[3] The band earned a Latin Grammy Nomination for "Mejor Álbum Vocal Pop Dúo o Grupo" ("Best Pop Vocal Album by a Group or Duo"), but lost to La Oreja de Van Gogh. Belanova became the most nominated Mexican Act on the 2006's MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, despite only winning "Mejor Artista Norte" ("Best Northern Artist").
Fantasía Pop & venture into foreign markets (2007–2009)
[edit]Belanova's third album, Fantasía Pop, featured a move further away from electropop and more towards pop. The album was released on September 10, 2007, in Mexico and Latin America, and on September 11, 2007, in the United States. The album was recorded in Argentina.[4] The first single, "Baila Mi Corazón", premiered on July 2 on the Mexican radio station Los 40 Principales.[5] In July 2007, the band signed a contract with Sony Ericsson México to release the model W580 as a special Belanova Edition, which included three new tracks from the album as well as a music video and a dance game.[6] On August 18, 2007, the band shot the video for the second single from their album, "Toma Mi Mano". The song was included on the soundtrack for the Mexican film "Hasta El Viento Tiene Miedo" and served as a promotional single for the film. On September 12, 2007, it was reported that the album had sold over 50,000 copies in just three days in Mexico, which earned it Gold certification from AMPROFON.[7] Promotion for the third single, "One, Two, Three, Go! (1, 2, 3, Go!)", began in summer 2008. The single received heavy airplay among Mexican pop radio stations.[8][9] The music video was released on July 10, premiering on MTV. The band was named the most played act in Mexico of 2008 with the single "Cada Que..." topping the Year-End Charts.[10] "Paso El Tiempo" was released as the final single off the album, coinciding with the release of the band's second live album, Tour Fantasía Pop. The album brought the group bigger success in foreign markets. They toured Mexico, Ibero-America, and the United States.[11] Belanova was named 'Best New Band' by Yahoo! Spain, following the release of the album in early 2008. "Baila Mi Corazón" reached the top of Spain's airplay charts, but album sales never took off.[12][13] The album was certified Oro (Latin Gold) in the United States after selling over 100,000 copies and the band announced their first headlining tour across the United States with 20 dates.[14] "One, Two, Three, Go! (1, 2, 3, Go!)" was featured as a free "Single of the Week" on the Apple iTunes music store in the United States, beginning the week of July 29.[15] In November 23 they won a Latin Grammy 2008 for their Album "Fantasía Pop"
In September 2008, the nominees for the Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2008 were announced, Belanova receiving the second highest number of nominations along with Argentine band Babasónicos, with six nominations each, just behind the Colombian singer Juanes. Belanova was the most nominated Mexican act.[16] The band was also nominated at the Lunas del Auditorio Nacional and the Latin Grammys.[17][18]
Sueño Electro project (2010–2012)
[edit]Belanova's fourth and fifth studio albums were recorded simultaneously but released separately as Sueño Electro I in 2010 and Sueño Electro II in 2011. The band first called Sueño Electro a "project in multiple parts" when asked about the significance of the numeral in the title of the first release.[19] Vocalist Denisse Guerrero expressed that splitting the release into two parts allowed the band more freedom in experimenting in genres outside of their usual synthpop.[20] Sueño Electro I is Belanova's fourth studio album, nominated for the 2011 Latin Grammy under Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group.[21] It was announced on the band's Twitter page with an initial release window in the fall of 2010.[19] Belanova stated in various interviews that the album would feature various musical styles, expressing that they experimented with many new instruments and sounds, focusing heavily on the production and recording process. The album was released early in some areas of Mexico on October 23, 2010, and in the rest of the country, as well as the United States and Latin America, on October 25. It debuted at number six on the AMPROFON Top 100 and at number nine on the Billboard Top Latin Albums Chart.,[22][23] also were representants of Pronósticos, a Mexican state-owned lottery company.
Sueño Electro II is the band's fifth studio album. It features similar musical styles as its predecessor, also experimenting with traditional Mexican Ranchera music. The album was released on September 6, 2011, throughout Mexico, the United States, and Latin America, in standard and deluxe formats.[24] It debuted at number eight on the Billboard Top Latin Albums Chart.[25] In Mexico, it debuted at number 20 on the AMPROFON Top 100 Chart.[26]
Two successful singles were released from Sueño Electro I. The first, "Nada De Más", was released online and on radio on August 2, 2010. The music video premiered on television on September 27, 2010. "No Me Voy a Morir" went on to become the second single from Sueño Electro I in late 2010, and the music video premiered early the following year. It showcased several instruments new to the band, including a string orchestra and French horns. In May 2011, the band announced "Mariposas" as the first single from Sueño Electro II. The second single from Sueño Electro II released in late 2011 was "Hasta El Final", a song inspired by Mariachi music.
The band spent the final months of 2010 playing a short tour in various cities in the United States in support of Sueño Electro I. In early 2011, they toured shortly in Mexico and Latin America, most notably as part of Shakira's The Pop Festival Tour in Colombia and Mexico.[27][28] The band also expressed interest in branching out into Europe and Asia.[29] A tour entitled "Belanova Sessions" began in June 2010 to promote both Sueño Electro albums throughout Mexico, South America, and the United States.[30] In April 2012, "Tour Sueño Electro II" began in the USA. In late 2012, the band was part of a short tour in the United States with Moderatto.
Canciones Para La Luna - Sinfónico En Vivo (2012–2014)
[edit]In February 2012, during promotion for International Designers Mexico, a fashion convention in which Denisse Guerrero was involved, she mentioned to the press that Belanova had begun work on the follow-up to the Sueño Electro albums. In an interview with Terra TV, the group confirmed that they had started writing and recording new material, focusing on dance music.[31] For the first time in its history, the band worked with other musicians in writing songs for the album, including Jay de la Cueva of the Mexican band Moderatto. Denisse Guerrero reiterated that the album is "a step up and more geared toward dance". The band also confirmed Armando Ávila is one of the producers working on the new album after having worked together on the Sueño Electro albums.[32][33]
Canciones para la luna was revealed as the album title in an interview with El Universal in September 2013. The live album was released digitally on October 8, 2013, for free download in Mexico in partnership with Pepsi Mexico. The album is a compilation of hits from past albums that with new arrangements and performed along a symphony and guest musicians. It also features two new songs, also performed live: "Juegos De Amor" and "Sólo Dos." The album was recorded before a live audience on September 2 in Mexico City. Several songs recorded at this performance are not included in the digital release. It is currently unknown if they will be released.[34] "Sólo Dos" was released as the first single on October 8.
Viaje Al Centro Del Corazón (2018–present)
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Other projects
[edit]Denisse Guerrero worked with Mexican electronic band Sussie 4 on their album Música Moderna, singing on the tracks "Suite Tropical" and "Escapar". The band worked with Aleks Syntek on the song "Laberinto", which appears on Syntek's album Lección de Vuelo,[35] as well as with the Mexican band Moenia on the track "Me Equivoqué" from their album "Solar". In 2010, Denisse Guerrero sang with the Mexican band Panda for their feature on MTV Unplugged, on the song "Sistema Sanguineo Fallido."[36] The band participated in the second volume of a tribute album to the Mexican band Caifanes, which was released in 2011, recording a cover version of the song "Viento". Belanova provided music for a television ad campaign promoting Wella Latin America with TV ads airing upon the release of their third album "Fantasía Pop".[37] In 2009, the songs "Yo Nunca Vi Televisión" and "Oye Tweety!" were recorded for the promotion of the Chilean TV show "31 Minutos" and a campaign involving the cartoon character Tweety Bird, respectively. During the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England, Belanova (as part of UMLE) partnered with Coca-Cola, recording a Spanish version of and video for the song "Anywhere in the World" as part of the promotional campaign.[38]
In 2014 Belanova participated in the album Dancing Queens: un tributo para ABBA performing a Spanish version of "Chiquitita".[39]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- 2003: Cocktail
- 2005: Dulce Beat
- 2007: Fantasía Pop
- 2010: Sueño Electro I
- 2011: Sueño Electro II
- 2018: Viaje al Centro del Corazón
Live albums
[edit]- 2006: Dulce Beat Live
- 2008: Tour Fantasía Pop
- 2013: Canciones Para La Luna - Sinfónico En Vivo
Tours
[edit]Headlining
[edit]- 2004: Cocktail Tour
- 2006: Dulce Beat Live
- 2008: Tour Fantasía Pop
- 2010: Tour Sueño Electro I
- 2012: Tour Sueño Electro II
- 2024: Vida En Rosa Tour
Supporting
[edit]- 2011: Shakira – The Sun Comes Out World Tour
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica | "Best Northern Artist" | Won |
| "Best Pop Artist" | Nominated | ||
| "Act of the Year" | Nominated | ||
| "Best Group or Duo" | Nominated | ||
| Latin Grammy | "Best Pop Album by a Group or Duo" (Dulce Beat) | Nominated | |
| 2007 | Billboard Latin Music Awards | "Best Alternative Artist" (Dulce Beat) | Nominated |
| Los Premios 40 Principales | "Best Mexican Act" | Nominated | |
| 2008 | |||
| Premios Oye! | "Best Group, Spanish" | Won | |
| "Album of the Year" (Fantasía Pop) | Nominated | ||
| "Latin Video of the Year" (Cada Que...) | Nominated | ||
| Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica | "Best Northern Artist" | Won | |
| "Video of the Year" (One, Two, Three, Go!) | Won | ||
| "Best Group or Duo" | Nominated | ||
| "Fan Club Award" | Nominated | ||
| "Best Pop Act" | Nominated | ||
| "Artist of the Year" | Nominated | ||
| Lo Nuestro Awards | "Best Group or Duo" | Nominated | |
| "Video of the Year" (Baila Mi Corazón) | Nominated | ||
| "Album of the Year" (Fantasía Pop) | Nominated | ||
| "Song of the Year" (Baila Mi Corazón) | Nominated | ||
| Premios Orgullosamente Latino | "Latin Group of the Year" | Nominated | |
| Billboard Latin Music Awards | "Best Alternative Artist" | Nominated | |
| Los Premios 40 Principales | "Best Mexican Act" | Won | |
| Latin Grammy Awards | "Best Pop Album by a Group or Duo" (Fantasía Pop) | Won | |
| 2009 | Billboard Latin Music Awards | "Pop Airplay of the Year by a Group or Duo" (Cada Que...) | Nominated |
| Premios Orgullosamente Latino | "Latin Song of the Year" (One, Two, Three, Go!) | Nominated | |
| "Latin Video of the Year" (One, Two, Three, Go!) | Nominated | ||
| "Latin Group of the Year" | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | |||
| Latin Grammy Awards | "Best Pop Album by a Group or Duo" (Sueño Electro I) | Nominated | |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | "Worldwide Act – Latin American" | Nominated | |
| Los Premios 40 Principales | "Best Mexican Act" | Nominated | |
| Lo Nuestro Awards | "Best Group or Duo" | Nominated | |
| 2012 | |||
| Kids' Choice Awards Mexico | "Favourite Latino Group/Duo" | Nominated | |
| 2013 | |||
| Billboard Latin Music Awards | "Latin Marketing Award: Best TV Campaign" (Move to the Beat - London 2012 - Coca-Cola with Universal Music - Belanova) | Won |
Notes and references
[edit]- ^ a b "Belanova's Biography on Billboard's Website". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Universal Music Mexico". Universal.com.mx. Archived from the original on November 29, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova's US Chart Positions". Billboard. October 9, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "¿Listos para la Fantasía Pop? / 30.06.2007". Belanova.org. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Baila Mi Corazón". Belanova.org. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "W580 Edición Belanova / 04.08.2007". Belanova.org. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova goes Gold (Spanish)". Elfinanciero.com.mx. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova's concert for Los 40 Principales". Los40.com.mx. Archived from the original on June 6, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova at number four – week 30, 8 August 2008". EXA FM. Archived from the original on September 15, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova encabeza la lista de mejor música pop 2008". Esmas.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Premium.mx | 208.80.153.61 | | 0". Premium.mx. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ 21 de marzo, 2008 (March 21, 2008). "named "Best New Artist" in Spain". Peopleenespanol.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Belanova named 'best new band' by Yahoo Spain". Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ ""Fantasía Pop" certified Oro in the United States". Universalmusica.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova featured as the Single of the Week". Apple.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Premios MTV Latinoamerica 2008". Am.com.mx. February 28, 2005. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Lunas del Auditorio Nacional en México". Informador.com.mx. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Latin Grammy 2008". Univision.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ a b "Belanova (Belanova) on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "Belanova se sumerge en un Sueño electro". El Informador :: Noticias de Jalisco, México, Deportes & Entretenimiento. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ "2011 Latin Grammy Nominees". Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ "AMPROFON Website". Archived from the original on March 29, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ Billboard Top Latin Albums Chart
- ^ Band discography on official website Archived July 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Billboard Latin Pop Charts
- ^ "AMPROFON Top 100" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ "Estremece Shakira a mas de 52 mil personas en el Foro Sol" (in Spanish). Razón. April 3, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
- ^ "Shakira se presentará en Bogotá junto a otras bandas musicales" (in Spanish). Terra Networks. Telefónica. January 21, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
- ^ "Yahoo! OMG News Report (Spanish)". Espano;.omg.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 3, 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ The band announces Belanova Sessions tour Archived February 17, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "None". Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
- ^ Belanova with Jay de la Cueva (Los40Principales) (Spanish) Archived August 19, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Belanova and Armando Ávila working on new album (Spanish) Archived March 26, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ UMusicMexico tweet, 2 Sept 2013 Archived April 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Colaboración con Aleks Syntek" Archived January 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ ""Sistema Sanguineo Fallido" with Panda on YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- ^ "Belanova and Wellaton" Archived January 24, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Universal Music Latin Prez Victor Gonzalez Talks Belanova, Coca-Cola Olympic Partnership Archived January 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 25 April 2012
- ^ "Cantar "Chiquitita" en tributo a ABBA gran responsabilidad: Denisse. Con Javier Poza". www.radioformula.com.mx. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
External links
[edit]- Belanova's Official Website
- Belanova's Universal Music Website Archived March 29, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
Belanova
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early career (2000–2004)
Belanova was formed in 2000 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, by lead vocalist Denisse Guerrero—originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa—keyboardist and programmer Edgar Huerta, and bassist and guitarist Ricardo Arreola. The trio, all in their early twenties, bonded over a shared interest in electronic music and synth-pop influences, with Arreola bringing prior experience from the local funk rock band La Dosis. Their initial lineup focused on blending programmed beats with live instrumentation, setting the foundation for their electropop sound. The band quickly began performing at local venues and events in Guadalajara, building a grassroots following through small club shows and university circuits in the city's vibrant indie scene. These early gigs helped refine their live energy and attracted attention from industry scouts. In 2002, after two years of honing their material, Belanova signed with Virus Records, an independent dance label under Universal Music Mexico, which provided their first professional recording opportunity. Under Virus Records, the group recorded their debut studio album Cocktail in Mexico City during late 2002. Released on February 14, 2003, the album showcased 10 tracks of upbeat electropop, including the lead single "Tus Ojos," which highlighted Guerrero's emotive vocals over Huerta's synth-driven arrangements. A follow-up single, "Suele Pasar," followed later that year, emphasizing the band's knack for catchy, danceable hooks. Despite its innovative sound, Cocktail faced limited initial promotion from the label, reflecting the nascent state of Mexico's electropop landscape where electronic acts were still overshadowed by traditional pop and rock. Nevertheless, the album achieved modest chart placements on Mexican radio airplay lists and was certified gold by AMPROFON for sales exceeding 50,000 units, a notable feat for a debut in a niche genre. To capitalize on this momentum, Belanova launched their first national tour, the 100-Concert Tour, spanning 2003 to 2004 and featuring 100 performances across major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana, which solidified their presence on the live circuit.Breakthrough with Dulce Beat (2005–2007)
Belanova's second studio album, Dulce Beat, marked a pivotal shift toward a more polished synthpop sound, produced by Argentine veteran Cachorro López and recorded between 2004 and 2005 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[1][5] The album highlighted lead vocalist Denisse Guerrero's ethereal, emotive delivery alongside keyboardist and programmer Edgar Huerta's intricate electronic arrangements, blending catchy melodies with pulsating beats that revitalized Mexico's electropop scene.[1][6] Released on June 21, 2005, in Mexico via Universal Music Latino, Dulce Beat quickly ascended to number one on the Mexican Albums Chart, achieving double platinum certification for sales exceeding 200,000 units and solidifying the band's domestic breakthrough.[7][8] The album's success was propelled by its lead singles, which dominated Mexican airwaves and charts. "Me Pregunto" served as the debut single, followed by "Por Ti," whose music video set a record for the most weeks at number one on MTV Mexico's Top 20 countdown.[8] The third single, "Rosa Pastel," topped the Mexican charts in 2005 and became one of the year's best-selling tracks, contributing significantly to the album's commercial momentum through its vibrant, pastel-hued synth-driven pop aesthetic.[1] These hits not only showcased Belanova's ability to craft infectious, danceable tracks but also expanded their appeal across Latin America, with over 500,000 units sold regionally.[8] In 2006, Dulce Beat earned Belanova their first Latin Grammy nomination for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group, recognizing the album's vocal and production excellence amid competition from acts like Julieta Venegas.[9] The band also triumphed at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, winning Best Artist – North and garnering the most nominations for a Mexican act, which amplified their visibility as leaders in the synthpop revival.[10] This acclaim fueled a surge in media coverage, positioning Belanova as pioneers of Mexico's early 2000s electronic pop resurgence.[1] Capitalizing on their rising popularity, Belanova released the live album Dulce Beat Live on November 1, 2006, capturing energetic performances from their tour, including reinterpreted tracks like "Niño" and "Rosa Pastel" that highlighted Guerrero's stage presence and Huerta's live synth layering.[11] The record was certified gold in Mexico.[12] Throughout 2005–2007, Belanova sold out major Mexican venues such as Hard Rock Live in Mexico City and performed at large-scale events like El MegaConcierto at Zócalo, while gaining initial international traction through regional Latin American promotions tied to their MTV success.[13][14][8]Fantasía Pop and international expansion (2007–2009)
Belanova released their third studio album, Fantasía Pop, on September 10, 2007, in Mexico through Universal Music, continuing their electropop sound with production by Argentine hitmaker Cachorro López, who had collaborated on their previous work. Recorded in Argentina, the album featured 11 tracks blending synth-driven beats and catchy melodies, with the band handling arrangements alongside López.[15] The lead single, "Baila Mi Corazón," premiered on Mexican radio on July 2, 2007, and became a major hit, topping the Mexican charts and reaching the top of Spain's airplay charts while entering the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Latin Songs chart.[15][8] Follow-up single "Por Esta Vez" further solidified the album's appeal, contributing to its commercial momentum. Fantasía Pop debuted at number 18 on the Mexican albums chart before climbing to number one in its third week, eventually earning gold and platinum certifications in Mexico by March 2008 for combined sales exceeding 150,000 units.[10][16] The album's success extended internationally, gaining traction in the electropop genre across Latin markets. At the 9th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2008, Belanova won Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Fantasía Pop.[17] They also secured victories at the 2008 MTV Latin America Awards, including Best Northern Artist and Video of the Year for "One, Two, Three, GO!," highlighting their rising profile.[15] To capitalize on this momentum, Belanova embarked on their first U.S. headlining tour in 2008, spanning 20 dates across major cities and marking their push into the American market, alongside performances in Spain and South America.[8] The tour's highlights were captured in the live album Tour Fantasía Pop, released in November 2008, which included recordings of key tracks like "Por Esta Vez" and "Niño" performed live, along with a documentary of their shows in Mexico and the U.S.[18] These efforts, including appearances on U.S. Latin television outlets, broadened their fanbase and established them as a prominent act in the global Latin pop scene.[10]Sueño Electro era (2010–2012)
Following the international momentum from their previous work, Belanova ventured into a bold double album concept with Sueño Electro, shifting toward a more electronic and experimental aesthetic that intertwined themes of dreams, subconscious exploration, and technological futurism. The project consisted of two interconnected studio albums recorded simultaneously: Sueño Electro I, released on October 25, 2010, and Sueño Electro II, released on September 6, 2011. This structure allowed the band to deliver a narrative arc across the releases, blending synth-heavy production with introspective lyrics, marking a departure from their earlier pop foundations toward denser electronic textures and atmospheric soundscapes. The lead single "Cometa" from Sueño Electro I propelled the project's visibility, while "Mariposas" served as the inaugural single from Sueño Electro II, capturing the era's ethereal vibe through pulsating synths and emotive vocals. Combined, the albums achieved commercial success, earning gold and platinum certifications in Mexico for their sales performance. Critically, Sueño Electro I garnered a nomination for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2011, highlighting the band's innovative pop-electronic fusion.[19] Additionally, Belanova received a nomination for Worldwide Act – Latin America at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards, underscoring their regional influence.[20] Promotion emphasized live engagement, beginning with the Belanova Sessions acoustic tour in mid-2010, which featured stripped-down arrangements of new material and classics across Mexico, South America, and select U.S. venues to build anticipation for the full releases. This was followed by the expansive Tour Sueño Electro II in 2012, encompassing over 50 dates throughout Mexico and Latin America, where the band showcased the project's electronic depth with high-energy visuals and synchronized performances.[21] Internally, the era reflected heightened creative involvement from vocalist Denisse Guerrero and keyboardist/programmer Edgar Huerta, who co-authored key tracks alongside bassist Richie Arreola, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasized the band's core synth-pop identity while pushing experimental boundaries. The period led into a creative pivot with their symphonic project.Live symphony project and hiatus (2012–2018)
Following the release of Sueño Electro in 2010–2011, Belanova shifted focus to a live symphonic project, marking a creative pivot toward orchestral interpretations of their catalog. In 2013, the band recorded Canciones Para La Luna – Sinfónico En Vivo, a live album capturing symphonic arrangements of their major hits, including "Por Ti," "Rosa Pastel," and "Tus Ojos," alongside two new tracks, "Juegos de Amor" and "Solo Dos." The recording took place on September 2, 2013, at the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral in Mexico City, with the performance backed by a symphony orchestra for an intimate, acoustic-leaning rendition of their electro-pop sound.[22][23] The album was initially released digitally for free in Mexico on October 8, 2013, in partnership with Pepsi, and later as a physical CD/DVD package, earning platinum certification for its commercial success.[24] The project supported the Sinfónico En Vivo Tour, which ran from late 2013 to 2014 and consisted of approximately 30 dates across Mexico, emphasizing orchestral and acoustic sets in theaters and arenas. Key performances included a high-profile show at the Pepsi Center in Mexico City on December 14, 2013, where the band delivered reimagined versions of their repertoire with live orchestral accompaniment, drawing large crowds and highlighting their evolution from electronic production to symphonic pop.[25][26] Guest appearances, such as Jay de la Cueva on "No Voy a Parar," added variety to the tour's setlists, which blended classics with the new material from the album. The tour concluded with additional dates in 2014, including festival appearances and standalone concerts in cities like Aguascalientes and Tlalnepantla, solidifying Belanova's reputation for innovative live experiences.[27][28] The group maintained a lower profile after the tour, announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2014 to prioritize solo projects and personal growth, resulting in sporadic live appearances but no new studio recordings until 2018.[29][30] Despite the break, Belanova's cultural impact endured through sustained radio play of their hits like "Por Ti" and "Rosa Pastel," which remained staples on Mexican airwaves and playlists during 2014–2018. Their pioneering electro-pop sound influenced a new wave of Mexican artists in the genre, including acts like Little Jesus and Technicolor Fabrics, who drew from Belanova's blend of synth-driven melodies and emotional lyrics to shape the evolving local scene. This legacy of innovation kept the band relevant, even as they stepped away from the spotlight.[31][32]Reunion and contemporary activities (2018–present)
In 2018, Belanova released their sixth studio album, Viaje al Centro del Corazón, on June 15, marking a return to their signature electropop sound with themes of love and introspection.[33] The lead single, "Nada Es Igual," was released earlier that year, followed by "Polaroid" as a promotional track, while "Alguien Más" served as a closing song on the album.[34] The project featured contributions from band members Denisse Guerrero, Edgar Huerta, and Ricardo Arreola, emphasizing melodic synth elements and Guerrero's emotive vocals.[35] Following the album's release, Belanova entered an extended hiatus from 2019 to 2023, with limited public activity amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.[36] During this period, the group focused on individual endeavors, including Guerrero's solo appearances and Huerta's production work, resulting in no new recordings or tours.[37] The band reunited as a full trio in late 2023, with the viral resurgence of "Rosa Pastel" on TikTok reigniting global interest in their catalog.[1] Their first show in four years took place on March 2, 2024, at the Bésame Mucho Festival in Austin, Texas, where they performed hits like "Rosa Pastel" and drew a nostalgic crowd.[36] This marked the start of their revival, blending classic tracks with renewed energy.[38] In spring 2024, Belanova launched their "Vida en Rosa" tour across the United States, comprising 12 dates in cities including San Jose, San Diego, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, their first U.S. headline run in six years.[37] The tour highlighted their enduring appeal, with sets focusing on fan favorites from earlier albums. Later that year, they expanded performances in Mexico, including appearances at Vive Latino and P'al Norte festivals.[37] Into 2025, Belanova maintained momentum with major shows, such as a July 29 concert in Playa del Carmen that attracted 35,000 attendees, underscoring their draw in coastal venues.[4] An upcoming performance is scheduled for November 21 at the Anfiteatro del Parque de la Exposición in Lima, Peru, as part of their ongoing international outreach.[39] As of November 2025, no new studio album has been announced, though the band has teased potential remixes of past material.[40] Currently, Belanova remains active in touring and engaging fans through social media, capitalizing on a wave of cultural nostalgia for early-2000s Latin pop.[41] Their resurgence, amplified by media appearances and reality TV features, has revitalized interest in their catalog without shifting from live performances as the primary focus.[42]Musical style and influences
Core stylistic elements
Belanova's signature sound is firmly rooted in electropop and synthpop, built on a foundation of synthesizers, electronic beats, and programming crafted by keyboardist Edgar Huerta. This electronic core creates a glossy, danceable texture that blends pop accessibility with Latin rhythms, as evident in their high-gloss beats and bubbling bass lines.[1][43] Lead vocalist Denisse Guerrero's soaring, breathy delivery adds an emotive, high-pitched dimension, often conveying vulnerability and intensity over the synthetic landscapes. Instrumentation centers on Huerta's dominant keyboards for melodic layers, complemented by Ricardo Arreola's groovy bass lines that provide rhythmic drive; later works incorporate occasional guitars and live drums for added organic depth.[44][45][10] Lyrical themes frequently explore romance, heartbreak, and introspection, with narratives of longing and emotional conflict that evoke escapism through dream-like imagery, as seen in tracks like "Rosa Pastel," which reflects disillusionment in faded love. Production emphasizes layered synth melodies, infectious hooks, and 1980s-inspired new wave elements, fostering a nostalgic yet forward-looking vibe. Lyrics are predominantly in Spanish, occasionally incorporating English for bilingual flair, enhancing their cross-cultural appeal.[46][47][48][49] Complementing the auditory style, Belanova's visual aesthetic features vibrant, futuristic music videos and stage designs that amplify pop theatrics, drawing on Y2K-era influences with colorful filters and dynamic visuals to create an immersive, celebratory atmosphere.[50]Evolution and influences
Belanova's musical evolution commenced with their debut album Cocktail (2003), characterized by raw synthpop elements that laid the groundwork for their electronic sound, exemplified by the track "Tus Ojos."[1] This foundational style transitioned to a more refined and accessible pop aesthetic on Dulce Beat (2005), where producer Cachorro López enhanced the punchy rhythms and confessional lyrics, resulting in hits like "Rosa Pastel" and "Por Ti" that broadened their appeal.[1] The band's sound took an experimental turn during the Sueño Electro project (2010–2012), incorporating darker electronic textures alongside fusions of pop, Latin beats, and mariachi-inspired sounds, as heard in tracks like "Tic-Toc," which echoed influences from artists such as Kylie Minogue.[43] Following a hiatus, Belanova returned with Viaje al Centro del Corazón (2018), reviving their upbeat pop roots through cheerful and catchy compositions like "Nada Es Igual," while adapting to digital trends via contemporary remixes that infused modern EDM elements.[51][52] Key artistic inspirations for Belanova include 1980s synthpop pioneers such as Depeche Mode and broader '80s electronic music, alongside electroclash and indie sleaze, which informed their blend of innovation and Latin accessibility.[1][48] The group further adapted their style by integrating orchestral arrangements in the live album Canciones Para La Luna: Sinfónico En Vivo (2013), reinterpreting classics like "Por Ti" with symphonic backing for a more intimate dimension.[53] Critics have lauded Belanova for seamlessly merging electronic experimentation with Latin pop sensibilities, as noted in AllMusic's praise for Denisse Guerrero's vocals and López's production on Dulce Beat, and Rolling Stone México's recognition of its elevated sound, contributing significantly to the 2000s Mexican electropop landscape.[1]Discography
Studio albums
Belanova has released six studio albums, with the first released independently and the subsequent five under Universal Music Mexico, showcasing a thematic progression from the band's early youthful, energetic electropop sound to more mature, introspective explorations of love, loss, and self-discovery. Their discography reflects a consistent blend of synthpop elements with Latin influences, contributing to commercial success in Mexico and Latin America. As of 2025, no additional studio albums have been released following their 2018 comeback. The following table summarizes the studio albums, including release dates, number of tracks, certifications in Mexico (via AMPROFON), and notable chart performance where applicable:| Album Title | Release Date | Number of Tracks | Certifications (Mexico) | Notable Charts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail | February 2003 | 11 | Gold | Top 5 Mexican Albums Chart |
| Dulce Beat | June 21, 2005 | 12 | 2× Platinum (200,000 units) | No. 1 Mexican Albums Chart |
| Fantasía Pop | September 10, 2007 | 11 | Platinum | No. 1 Mexican Albums Chart; No. 12 Billboard Latin Pop Albums |
| Sueño Electro I | October 25, 2010 | 10 | None | - |
| Sueño Electro II | September 6, 2011 | 10 | None | - |
| Viaje al Centro del Corazón | June 15, 2018 | 11 | None | - |
Live albums
Belanova has released three live albums throughout their career, each capturing key moments in their touring history and showcasing their electropop sound in performance settings. These recordings highlight the band's ability to translate their studio energy to the stage, often incorporating visual and orchestral elements for enhanced immersion. The first live album, Dulce Beat Live, was released in 2006 and features 16 tracks recorded during a concert at the Foro Expo in Guadalajara as part of the band's 2005–2006 tour supporting their breakthrough album Dulce Beat. This release marked a pivotal point in Belanova's rising popularity in Mexico, serving as a "victory lap" that celebrated their emerging stardom with high-energy renditions of hits like "Por Ti" and "Rosa Pastel." It achieved gold certification in Mexico shortly after launch, selling over 50,000 units, reflecting the band's growing fanbase at the time.[10][55] In 2008, Belanova followed with Tour Fantasía Pop, a 15-track live recording drawn from their international tour across the U.S. and Latin America that same year, promoting the Fantasía Pop era. Accompanied by a DVD documentary featuring highlights from sold-out shows, the album captures the vibrant, cross-border enthusiasm of the performances, including dynamic versions of "Baila Mi Corazón" and "Por Esta Vez." This release underscored the band's expanding global reach, blending synth-driven pop with live crowd interaction to convey the tour's electric atmosphere.[56] The band's most ambitious live project, Canciones Para La Luna – Sinfónico en Vivo, arrived in 2013 with 16 tracks reimagined in a symphonic format, recorded live with a full orchestra during their "Canciones Para La Luna" tour at venues like the Pepsi Center in Mexico City. Featuring orchestral arrangements of signature songs such as "Rosa Pastel" and "Tus Ojos," it innovated on Belanova's core sound by layering strings and brass over electronic elements, creating intimate yet grand interpretations that highlighted Denisse Guerrero's vocal prowess. The album earned platinum certification in Mexico for over 100,000 units sold and received praise for its creative arrangements and emotional depth.[7][24] Collectively, these live albums have sold over 200,000 units in Mexico, lauded for Guerrero's commanding live vocals and the innovative staging that elevated their electropop roots. No additional live releases have been issued since 2013, as of 2025, with the band shifted focus toward studio work and selective performances.[7]| Album Title | Release Year | Tracks | Key Context | Certification (Mexico) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dulce Beat Live | 2006 | 16 | Recorded at Foro Expo, Guadalajara; 2005–2006 tour | Gold (50,000+ units) |
| Tour Fantasía Pop | 2008 | 15 | U.S./Latin America tour highlights; includes documentary | N/A |
| Canciones Para La Luna – Sinfónico en Vivo | 2013 | 16 | Symphonic arrangements; live orchestra tour | Platinum (100,000+ units) |
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