Latin soul meets hardcore punk's raw energy. 88–131 BPM.
Latincore is a genre that blends traditional Latin American music with hardcore punk. It originated in Latin America around 1960, characterized by fast tempos, aggressive guitar, and rhythmic percussion. The genre often addresses social and political themes.
The defining artists of Latincore — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Latincore.
Latincore is characterized by fast, driving rhythms with a strong emphasis on percussion, often featuring timbales, congas, or bongos. Guitars are distorted and aggressive, while bass lines are prominent and syncopated. Vocals range from shouted to sung, often in Spanish or Spanglish.
The tempo typically ranges from 88 to 131 BPM, giving it a punchy, energetic feel. The music often incorporates elements of salsa, cumbia, or reggaeton, but with a harder edge. The overall sound is raw, passionate, and danceable.
Latincore emerged in Latin America around 1960 as a fusion of local folk and popular music with the raw energy of hardcore punk. Bands began incorporating traditional instruments like percussion and guitar into punk's fast, aggressive framework.
Over the decades, Latincore evolved, absorbing influences from ska, reggae, and metal, while maintaining its distinct Latin rhythmic foundation. The genre spread across the Americas and beyond, with scenes in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US.
Culturally, Latincore became a voice for marginalized communities, addressing issues like identity, resistance, and social justice. It remains a vibrant, evolving genre that celebrates Latin heritage through a punk lens.
How Latincore is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Latincore, focus on a tight rhythm section with live or sampled percussion. Use a drum pattern that blends punk's 4/4 backbeat with Latin clave rhythms. The BPM should be energetic but not too fast; 100-120 BPM is common. Swing can be subtle, around 50-60%.
Guitars should be distorted but not overly heavy, leaving room for bass and percussion. Use typical samples like timbale rolls, cowbell, or shaker. Record vocals with a raw, live feel. The mix should be punchy, with percussion upfront and guitars in the mid-range.
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