From the Editor

There is something thrilling about learning a new language– the sounds, the intonations and all the new words that don’t necessarily translate into any other language. It’s like opening up the mind to a completely new way of thinking. This must have run through Nelly Furtado’s thoughts when, short on inspiration, she set out in search of a muse to help her create her new album. She found it in the Spanish language. Apart from the success she has found on the charts, in album sales and through radio airplay, her true reward is in finding a new voice. And that’s precisely what you hear on Mi Plan. Writer Fernando Ruano, Jr. sat down with Furtado, who is of Portuguese descent, to discuss that, her love of Cuban food and all things Latino that inspired her (p. 44).
Furtado’s entry into Spanish-language music has opened her up to a world of new fans. And as Hispanic music lovers search for music in English or Spanish, they can discover all sorts on both sides of the border. We explore four new bands finding fame with just that phenomenon. Although bands like Zoé and Panda are favorites in Mexico and Latin America, the success of their albums and critical acclaim are drawing them new fans in the U.S.
With our focus on music, it’s important to note that our coverage, just like our musical preferences, don’t stop with Latin music. Enter The Mars Volta (p. 50). In our music issue we touch base with an out-there duo who are never afraid to draw inspiration from all sorts of sources for their experimental music. And, the three Tejana friends of Girl in a Coma take their place in indie rock history alongside such idols as Morrissey, Joan Jett and more (p. 92). The trio are just one example of how women artists are exploring, and succeeding, in new territories—from taking the baton in an orchestra to boldly belting out none-too-ladylike lyrics (p. 37).
Plus, we take a peek at the fashion sketches that inspired the lines of the three hot young fashion designers (p. 26), learn the lessons of the corporate ladder (p. 60), discover which tequila tastes best on ice cream (p. 31), and catch up with telenovela heart throb Christian Meier (p. 66). Enjoy!

Marissa Rodriguez
Editor