Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of Grammy-nominated and Juno award-winning Afro-Cuban soul singer Daymé Arocena. The worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, includes a selection of Arocena’s catalog and all future works.
Arocena’s latest studio album, Alkemi, was recorded in Puerto Rico with legendary Latin producer Eduardo Cabra (Calle 13) and released in February of this year to critical acclaim and widespread Grammy buzz. The album has been hailed as a revolutionary and transformative fusion of neo-soul music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms with alternative pop.
NPR Music’s podcast included “A Fuego Lento” on their “Favorite Music Of 2024 (So Far)” episode and Felix Contreras spotlighted the album as “her best stuff so far.” Additional features and accolades for Alkemi include The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Guardian, and more. Arocena has been on tour in South America, Europe and the US as well as university campus and speaking engagements. She is currently a Mellon High Impact Scholar at the University of Texas as well as an Artist in Residence at NYU.
Daymé Arocena states: “When I first walked into the Concord offices, I had to contain my excitement not to cry. The walls of that place were decorated with pictures from Billie Holiday to Celia Cruz. It was like the storybook of my life. I still find it hard to believe that I too am part of that imprint. I am very honored that a publishing house with such a musical legacy continues to support the diversity of voices in the industry, especially in Latin America. I believe it is a dream to be part of this family.”
Pablo Ahogado, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing states: “Dayme’s voice and songwriting is a force to be reckoned with. We could not be prouder to work with such an inspiring artist that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of Latin jazz and pop music.”
Born in Havana in 1992, Arocena grew up immersed in Afro-Cuban folk music. After studying at the prestigious Amadeo Roldán conservatory, she released her acclaimed debut album Nueva Era in 2015. In 2017, she became co-founder and band member of the Cuban-Canadian jazz collective Maqueque, with whom she launched several international tours and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2018. In 2021, Arocena became the youngest Latin-American musician invited to complete the “Signature Artist” program of the Berklee College of Music. She is currently signed to Gilles Peterson’s label Brownswood Recordings.
