6: Maria Elisa Ayerbe

In this episode of Studio Radicals, host Kate Hutchinson is in Miami, Florida, with Maria Elisa Ayerbe, who Billboard magazine named one of the songwriters, producers and engineers who is “Blazing New Paths for Women in Latin Music”. 

Bogotá-born Maria Elisa relocated to Miami 10 years ago and has been part of the musical productions for some of the best-known singers in Latin pop and rock, including Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Juanes. She has received multiple US Grammy and Latin Grammy nods, notably for her work with Colombian powerhouse Paula Arenas, and a Latin Grammy win for the album Ancestras by Petrona Martinez.

Maria Elisa’s wide-ranging CV also boasts string ensembles like Kronos Quartet, R&B superstar Mary J Blige and even American boyband New Kids on The Block. But she is also dedicated to uplifting breakthrough Latin talent and runs an indie record label, South Mountain Music, where she produces and develops more alternative artists who don’t necessarily fit the mainstream mold. 

Whatever she’s working on, Maria Elisa notes the importance of staying connected to her roots and of challenging the narrow lanes that Spanish-language music is often funnelled into. 

Studio Radicals is a new podcast series that meets the musical visionaries who are shaping the sounds of today, from leading artists and producers to composers and engineers.

For more information and to see portrait photography, videos and playlists from the series, visit dcsaudio.com/studioradicals and instagram.com/dcsonlythemusic. 

CREDITS
Studio Radicals is co-produced by dCS Audio and host Kate Hutchinson.
Audio production, editing and sound design: Holly Fisher. 
Additional recording: Vanessa Montillo.
Video and photography: Alejandra Romero.
Theme music: Anna Prior. 
Video editing: Jess Vincent.