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Xinola is a Dominican-Colombian-American artist pioneering the Latin music scene with a fusion of rock, traditional Latin rhythms, and Spanglish lyrics. Raised between Latin America and the U.S., her music celebrates the blend of cultures defining the Latino experience in America. Xinola has achieved significant milestones, including a Wammie Award nomination for Best Traditional Latin Artist and collaborations with Grammy-winning producers.
She also hosts “Ritmo Capital” on Telemundo 44 DC, showcasing her talents as a singer, producer, journalist, filmmaker, and storyteller.
A passionate advocate for women’s liberation, mental health, and body positivity, Xinola empowers women to break generational curses, embrace their sexuality, and find strength regardless of age, body type, or race.
Early Life and Education
editBorn in Miami, Florida, Xinola was raised between the United States and the Dominican Republic, which deeply influenced her musical style. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she developed a unique sound that celebrates the blend of Latino and American cultures.
Xinola’s father, Julian Quiñones, was the director of the salsa band Orquesta Sabor in Miami and Cali, Colombia, significantly influencing her musical journey. His involvement in the vibrant salsa scene exposed her to rich musical traditions from an early age.
During high school in Virginia, Xinola participated in classical voice competitions, showcasing her early talent and passion for music. She then attended Columbia College Chicago as a vocal major but switched to digital journalism halfway through her sophomore year, broadening her skill set and artistic perspective.
Her time in Chicago opened up her experience with political activism, electronic house music, and the DIY punk scene. It was also in Chicago that Xinola began producing music and making videos, further expanding her creative capabilities and incorporating a wide range of influences into her unique sound.
Career
editXinola has carved out a niche in the music industry with her distinctive blend of Latin surf rock and storytelling. Her music aims to celebrate Latin American culture, inspire unity, and tell stories that resonate across generations and borders.
After graduating from college, Xinola moved to the Dominican Republic, where she began collaborating with Latin Grammy Award winner Allan Leschhorn, the official engineer for Juan Luis Guerra. Leschhorn produced tracks 'Maracuya' and 'Bachata de Popi' marking a significant milestone in her career and transitioning into alternative Latin indie.
Xinola was then mentored by Xiomara Fortuna, a Dominican singer and composer known for her deep voice and work in world music, música raíz (a Dominican style combining rock, jazz, and Afro-Dominican rhythms), jazz, and contemporary music. During this time, Xinola joined the local post-progressive rock band Bayacanes, further honing her musical skills and exploring new genres.
Her career continued to flourish as she shared stages with Tokischa, participating in the video for 'Empatillada', and performed with Xiomara Fortuna around the Dominican Republic. These experiences allowed her to immerse herself in traditional folk rhythms and learn the art of fusion from Xiomara Fortuna, enriching her musical repertoire and deepening her connection to her cultural roots.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Xinola produced an all-women’s festival featuring Tokischa, Judith Rodriguez, and other notable female acts. This festival showcased her commitment to empowering female artists and provided a platform for collaboration and creativity during challenging times. Additionally, she began collaborating with Dominican artist Eliworks, releasing NFT video and music projects, further establishing her presence in the industry.
In 2022, Xinola started working with electronic producer Diego Raposo. Together, they produced notable tracks such as “Que Hablen De Mi” and “Shapeshifter,” which helped define her sound at the intersection of Latin music and surf rock. These projects reflect her evolving musical style and her ability to innovate within the genre. After relocating to DC, Xinola performed at notable Latin festivals like the Colombian Festival and I Love Bachata Fest.
In 2023, she collaborated with artist Ricardo Chong for ‘Laboratory Sessions,’ premiering the video for “Shapeshifter.” She also released the single “R U Gonna Stay,” adding to her growing discography.
In 2024, Xinola was featured in the first-ever Boiler Room set from the Dominican Republic. Her self-produced track “Picachu” was highlighted in this performance in a set by Dominican DJ Selektor Siete, showcasing her versatility and talent as both a performer and producer.
Ritmo Capital
editXinola has continued to build on her successes and expand her influence. In 2023, she began hosting “Ritmo Capital,” a weekly segment on Telemundo 44 DC, highlighting her multifaceted talents as a singer, producer, journalist, filmmaker, and storyteller. The show features local Latino bands and artists in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, further cementing her role as a cultural ambassador.
Xinola also started exploring new musical territories by experimenting with different genres and collaborating with various artists. She has been actively involved in producing new music and videos, aiming to release a full-length album that blends her signature Latin surf rock with contemporary influences.
Advocacy
editBeyond her musical career, Xinola remains a passionate advocate for women’s liberation, mental health, and body positivity. She empowers women to break generational curses, embrace their sexuality, and find strength regardless of age, body type, or race. Her advocacy extends to promoting body positivity and inclusivity, and she has expressed interest in working as a lingerie model for underwear brands and clothing on social media.
Xinola is also dedicated to advocating for the Latino population through her work as a journalist, highlighting Latino art and culture. She has played a significant role in promoting and supporting Latino artists, ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated.
Additionally, Xinola is actively involved with Girls Rock! DC, an organization that empowers young girls through music education and performance. Her contributions help inspire the next generation of female musicians and leaders.
Xinola maintains an active presence on social media, where she shares behind-the-scenes content, song teasers, and personal stories. She frequently interacts with her fans through Q&A sessions, dance challenges, and acoustic snippets of her music, building a strong, supportive community around her work.