Mendoza sounds: 11 must-listen bands from Mendoza

Brothers Gabriel and Sasha Nazar, along with Julián ‘Berno’ Bermejo, Nahuel Quimey Chandía, and Ale Rezk, form one of the most promising groups in the current scene. They sold out their debut at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Obras last November, an unforgettable show captured on their live album Álbum Vivo en Obras on Spotify, featuring fan favorites like “Onliyu,” “Encendedor,” and “La pibita.”

Vulnerable is their latest album, marking the end of a trilogy that began in 2018 with Guandanara—a record that represents their neighborhood, the local vibe, the ranchada, and friends—and continued with El camino de la libertad in 2021, a more introspective and darker album produced during the pandemic that took them across Argentina and Latin America. In 2024, their third album cemented Gauchito Club’s place, showing their most vulnerable side with songs ranging from tango rhythms to tumbao, soul, chacarera, and cumbia, moving us physically and emotionally.

Fun fact: They’re about to start their European and Latin American tour, playing for the first time in Mexico City and Lima, Peru, before heading to Spain to reunite with their fans in Barcelona and Madrid.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

This band offers songs blending Soul, Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Hip-Hop elements, with touches of Latin sounds. They started making waves in the underground scene in 2010, evolving with natural musical maturation and sound experimentation. Their first album with the stable lineup—Nawel “Chino” Lim, Tomás Lazzaro, Francisca Figueroa, Ricardo “Tapa” Quirós, and Quito Pithod—came out in 2015.

Their catalog includes the self-titled Spaghetti Western and Pangea, plus singles like “Tiembla,” “Ir y venir,” and “Mansa buena onda,” which explore reflection, empowerment, and celebration of Latin roots. Their latest releases “La Cobarde” and “Yarará” mark a new musical era.

Fun fact: They recently kicked off a national tour with fellow Mendoza band Pasado Verde, promising nights full of dancing and excitement. In Buenos Aires, they will play at Niceto Club on 05/28 and Auditorio Oeste on 05/30.

Where to listen: Spotify and Youtube

Exequiel Stocco, Fabricio Potenzone, Franco Santillán, Joaquín Ferreira Nazar, and Leonardo Lemoli make up Pasado Verde, who released their debut album Para crecer y olvidar in 2007, followed by Fuimos y seremos (2012), Fuego y flora (2016), Declaración de principios (2020), and La expedición (2023).

Before the end of 2024, they released the single “Contales vos,” a preview of their sixth studio album currently being recorded and produced, this time working song by song to bring flexibility to their music and creativity.

Fun fact: Their current manager, Nico Arias, also represents Spaghetti Western, reflecting the strong chemistry between the bands and their audiences, who often tour together, showing the camaraderie of Mendoza’s music scene.

Where to listen: Spotify and Youtube

Formed in 2007, blending the rock spirit of the time with the beats of Mendoza’s roots music, Mi amigo invencible is led by Mariano di Cesare, joined by Nicolás Voloschin, Pablo di Nardo, Leonardo Gudiño, Lucila Pivetta, and Arturo Martín. They have released 9 albums, 5 EPs, numerous singles, and collaborations with notable artists like Juliana Gatas on “Beso relámpago.”

Also of interest: International music shows in Buenos Aires

They performed at Quilmes Rock 2025, delivering a show full of “magic, vertigo, and frenzy,” even inviting Gauchito Club to join for a beautiful version of “Impecable.”

Fun fact: Di Cesare writes and sings the songs, founded the band, and also leads a solo project called El Príncipe Idiota, with albums like Doméstico, Diccionario báico ilustrado, and Gigaaaante.

Where to listen: Spotify and Youtube

This trio is well-established as one of the country’s leading indie rock acts. Juan Saieg, Gabriel “Cocó” Orozco, and Lucca Beguerie Petrich made history as the first Argentine band to perform at Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival, also impressing with their session at Seattle’s KEXP-FM, introduced by Argentine Albina Cabrera.

With their third album Tripolar (2023), Usted señalemelo earned their first Latin Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Rock Album and won their first Gardel Award for Best Alternative Rock Album. The album sparked an unprecedented tour across over 30 countries, documented in Tripolar: 360º.

Fun fact: They covered Charly García’s “Promesas sobre el bidet” at the MALBA museum. They also participate in SALA (Sonido Abierto Latinoamericano), a digital project featuring invited musicians performing covers and originals while artworks are displayed in museum galleries.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

Formed in 2018, Kush Mama fuses funk, pop, and electronic music, inviting celebration and liberation through songs that combine strings, synthesizers, electronic beats, and samples. Santiago Mendoza, Germán Sava, Emiliano Ramirez, Mauricio “Chicho” Rodriguez, Charly Ruiz, Martín Fernandez, and Santiago Marino bring this growing group to life.

They’ve released two albums, High espacial and Amor & funk, singles, remixes, and Kush Session, a live recording of three songs showcasing their energy. Their first international tour took them to Chile; this year they’re expanding into new territories.

Fun fact: They’re planning their most ambitious project yet: Kush Mama Extended, a party beyond a traditional concert, featuring DJ sets, artistic interventions, and surprise guests.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

In just 5 years, Batos has made a name for itself with fresh lyrics and a sound blending pop, indie, and disco influences. Their albums range from friend hangout vibes to intimate and reflective compositions.

Their debut Batos and sophomore self-produced album En la noche explore new sounds and textures. Singles have been produced by Cocó Orozco (Usted Señalemelo) and Gabo Nazar (Gauchito Club).

Fun fact: The quartet—Enzo Malizia, Nicolás Francisco, Santiago Peralta, and Lucas Jopia—have shared stages with Ciro y los Persas, Conociendo Rusia, El Kuelgue, and Dillom.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

One of Mendoza’s rising young bands, Setas was a finalist in Spotify’s Mi Primer Escenario contest to play Quilmes Rock, where they showcased talent and virtuosity. They continue to perform and will open for Pier.

Also of interest: 10 Places to see and hear rock in Buenos Aires

Setas creates music, poetry, and images that reflect the realities of its five members: Jerónimo Polimeni, Pablo Cané, Memi Cecchini, Joaco Diez, and Juan Martín Tejada.

Fun fact: This year, they released their debut album El tesoro bajo el barro, composed over two years.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

This new project includes former members of Mendoza band Perras on the Beach, which disbanded in 2020. Simón Saieg, Ignacio Laspada, and Rodrigo Martínez decided to continue making music while breaking previous patterns.

Planta’s trio combines pop and electronic music organically and playfully. Their EP Logo and full album C1-Kl0n (12 tracks) explore their new universe, with songs like “Incógnito” reflecting group unity despite adversity.

Fun fact: They kicked off the year performing on the Perry’s Stage at Lollapalooza Argentina, debuting their latest single “Limbo.”

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

Mendoza’s ska and rock band has been active for over 15 years and has a loyal following both locally and beyond. They call their fans their “militancy,” who eagerly await their music and shows.

They have released more than 6 albums, singles, live DVDs, clips, a micro-documentary, and played hundreds of shows across Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. Their latest album Tripulación (2022) was produced by Lucca Beguerie (Usted Señalemelo) and features collaborations with Pasado Verde and Gauchito Club.

Fun fact: In 2020, the band took a break but resumed live shows with the return of founding percussionist and vocalist Maurito Ferrari.

Where to listen: Spotify and YouTube

This duo has a 15+ year history, led by Cristian Del Negro aka Color Kit, a pioneer in digital cumbia and electronic Andean sounds. He’s had several collaborators and currently tours with Donturco, a Mendoza urban culture figure.

Together they deliver psychedelic cumbia, techno, and trance shows across Latin America and Europe, with sets purely designed for dancing.

Fun fact: In 2008, Faauna released their debut La manita de Fauna, touring 14 countries and performing at Coachella (California) and Roskilde Festival (Denmark).

Where to listen: Spotify and Youtube