Since he claims Brian Wilson, ELO, and the Beatles as influences, it's no surprise that the Mexico's Gerardo Garza -- aka Chetes -- trades in ambitious, bright, and big pop music. A former member of the Mexican alternative pop/rock bands Zurdok and Vaquero, Chetes began his solo career in 2006 by releasing the album Blanco Facil on the EMI label. The album was recorded in Nashville with the help of former Uncle Tupelo and Wilco member Ken Coomer, and featured the single "Completamente," a nominee for Best Rock Song at the 2006 Latin Grammy Awards. ~ David Jeffries