Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with Local Talent: Meet Jose “Canti” Cantillano
In the vibrant city of Memphis, where music pulses through the streets and creativity thrives, there’s a remarkable talent making waves in the local music scene. Say hello to Jose Cantillano, or as he’s known professionally, Canti. This talented music producer hails from Honduras and is wearing many hats—songwriter, artist, musician, sound engineer, video director, colorist, and editor. It’s safe to say that Canti is a true jack-of-all-trades in the music and audiovisual production world!
A Journey from Honduras to Memphis
Canti’s journey began in Yoro, Honduras, where he nurtured his passion for music from a young age. “I came to the United States ten years ago,” Canti shared, reflecting on his move. Once in the U.S., he dove headfirst into the world of music production, teaching himself the ins and outs of the trade. He quickly realized that he loved experimenting with different genres. “I like to do a lot of combinations. It can be Latin or American genres, but you’re going to hear something special,” he explained with enthusiasm. For Canti, music isn’t just about sound; it’s about evoking feelings. “In some of those genres, you can cry, dance, or be happy. It can make you feel different moods,” he added.
Founding Canti Records
In late 2019, Canti took a huge step forward by founding Canti Records, the first and only Latin music label in Memphis. He was driven by a clear mission: to fill a gap for Latin music in the city. “It feels so special because you are different in a city where a lot of people produce or play the same genre,” Canti shared. He believes that Latin music is not just a trend but an essential part of the diverse culture of Memphis. “People think there’s no future for Latin music in Memphis, but now it’s growing in a new wave,” he said excitedly. It’s heartening to see that more people are recognizing and embracing the talents of Latin artists right here in the city.
Connecting with a Diverse Community
Although Canti is based in Memphis, his impact is felt far and wide. He’s produced artists from various backgrounds, including those from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile. Still, he finds unique joy in uplifting the Latin community in Memphis, noting, “I can tell you we are the first and only Latin record label. It was a need for Latinos.”
Creating Opportunities
Canti recalled how many aspiring musicians approached him when he first arrived in Memphis, eager to record their music but unsure how to navigate the process. “A lot of people were trying to record music but didn’t have an opportunity, studio-wise,” he said. Canti saw this as a golden opportunity to step in and provide the support they needed. He wanted to show that Latin music has a place in Memphis and that anyone with dreams of making music deserves a shot at success.
Looking Forward
As the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Canti is a shining example of the cultural richness that comes from diverse backgrounds. His passion and dedication to music are making a mark not just within the Latin community but throughout all of Memphis. With each project he takes on, Canti and his label are crafting sounds that echo the beautiful fusion of cultures present in the city.
With each beat, note, and lyric, Canti is not just producing music; he’s building a community. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and creativity, and it’s inspiring budding artists everywhere that success is within reach, no matter where you start. So, keep an ear out for Canti and his artists as they turn up the volume on Latin music in Memphis!
