La Noche is a Chilean cumbia group formed in 2000 in Catemu, Valparaíso, under the musical direction of accordionist, songwriter and producer Alexis “Alexítico” Morales, initially fronted by vocalist Paulo César and influenced by Argentine santafesina cumbia. They released their debut album Pasión caliente in 2000, followed by Te lo dice in 2003, featuring the hit “En un pequeño motel”. After a brief lull while Morales worked in Buenos Aires with Garras de Amor, La Noche returned strongly with Amor entre sábanas in 2006, spawning national radio hits “Que nadie se entere” and “Es el amor” and ushering in the high-profile era led by charismatic singer Leo Rey. Their 2008 album En tu cuarto achieved double platinum status and cemented their popularity through appearances at Teletón 2008 and the Festival del Huaso de Olmué, and in February 2009 they debuted at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, earning the Antorcha de Plata, Antorcha de Oro and Gaviota de Plata. That period also brought collaborations with DJ Méndez on “Ay ay ay” and their own single “Dame tu swing,” plus the holiday album La Noche Buena and live releases including En Vivo (Viña 2009). Following Leo Rey’s departure in 2010, the band cycled through new vocalists such as Yoan Amor and later Gino Valerio, with whom they released the 2014 album Habitación 106 and the single “Sal y tequila.” A renewed lineup branded as the “Nueva Generación” emerged from 2016 onward, fronted first by Brahiron Chávez with tracks like “Oe Oe Oe,” “No te vayas” and “Amigos íntimos,” and then by Gabriel Morales, whose tenure brought songs including “El divorcio,” “Fallaste BB,” “Vive cada momento” with Garras de Amor and “Corazón de cartón.” In 2023 La Noche issued the studio album Motel Mil Estrellas.
