The Beatles’ global success in the 1960s set the stage for record companies to make the world their arena, leading to an era where icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna became household names worldwide.
This global expansion sparked a debate: would the universal spread of music erase local sounds?
But this debate was quickly put to rest when this global expansion birthed a creative explosion, merging global beats with local tunes to innovate music like never before.
As global players such as Sony and Bertelsmann facilitated worldwide music distribution, artists began blending international influences with their local sounds. One such artist is Cristina Hernandez, founder of Selva Beats MIA, who merges global beats with the local rhythms of Miami, captivating her audience with this blend.
This global music blend is captured in her own album, “Costa Vida,” where she combines the sounds of Costa Rica with Miami’s beats.
Mixing sounds from around the world in music introduces a vibrant element to the industry. This approach gives birth to new creative ideas. It also provides a platform for artists from various backgrounds to share their unique stories and sounds.
Cristina’s approach to blending global sounds for local audiences is intertwined with her life experiences and the multicultural vibrancy of Miami. Her journey from downloading diverse tracks on her iPod to becoming DJStankaa, and later Cristi Hernz, illustrates her evolving relationship with music. She naturally infused her sets with a mix of international and local flavors, resonating with Miami’s music scene’s dynamic and eclectic nature.
The city of Miami pulsates with diversity, energy, and music that never stops, but it hasn’t always been the bustling, rhythm-filled paradise we see today. It saw a transformation from a quiet retreat for retirees to a cultural hub in the 1960s.
Changes like the civil rights movement and a wave of Cuban immigrants helped shake things up. This mix of different people and cultures sparked a creative explosion, making Miami a melting pot of sounds and styles. From the deep rhythms of Black and Caribbean music to the rise of disco, hip-hop, and Latin pop, Miami’s music scene tells the story of a city that’s constantly evolving and embracing the world’s diverse beats.
With so much history being held in this city’s music, it’s a certain responsibility for local artists to preserve the city’s historic rhythms and not let it get overshadowed by global sounds.
Through Selva Beats MIA, Cristina actively champions Miami’s local sounds by organizing events featuring local DJs who blend global music trends with traditional music.
This strategy of blending global sounds isn’t just a win for the community—it’s also a game-changer for an artist’s personal development.
Artists who explore music worldwide can spice up their tunes, learning new styles and making their music richer. This can also help them connect with fans from various places and backgrounds. Plus, by blending different global sounds, artists get to show off where they come from and what they’ve been through, making their music more real and touching for everyone who listens.
Cristina embodies this approach. Performing at international venues like the south regional of Burning Man, The Love Burn- festival in Key Biscayne, Florida, she connects with global audiences. Performing at events like the Burning Man Community highlights her talent for uniting local and international music scenes. It includes collaborations with artists from the Canary Islands, London, Denver, and Orlando, demonstrating the universal appeal of her music.
The mix of global trends and local sounds does more than keep regional music alive; it brings it to the global stage, sparking worldwide conversations through music. Cristina’s, deeply rooted in Miami’s diverse culture, shows how artists can link different musical worlds.
Cristina and artists like her are more than just musicians; they’re cultural connectors, using music to unite, celebrate, and innovate beyond all borders. Their work shows that music truly is a universal language, touching hearts across the globe, regardless of where we come from.
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