On Sunday, Bad Bunny released his sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, and people are saying it's his most "Puerto Rican" record yet. The global pop star has clearly come home to his roots in a meaningful way and given the political situation on the island, releasing an album so proudly Puerto Rican is a major act of resistance. Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rican and why its Bad Bunny's most reflective, ambitious and ingenious era yet.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Bad Bunny, "EL CLúB"
?Bad Bunny, "NUEVAYoL"
?Bad Bunny, "BAILE INoLVIDABLE"
?Bad Bunny, "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii"
?Bad Bunny, "TURiSTA"
?Bad Bunny, "CAFé CON RON"
?Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Resistencia"
?Bad Bunny, "PIToRRO DE COCO"
?Ecos de Borinquen, "El Alma de Puerto Rico (The Soul of Puerto Rico)"
?Bad Bunny, "WELTiTA"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills and Jacob Ganz. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On this episode, the duo highlight some of the best songs they never got a chance to share during the year.

Music We Missed in 2024

? Sanje, "Buen Fantasma" (from 'De Repente Otra Vez')

? David Lindes, "Te Vengo A Perdonar" (from 'Peace With A Lion')

? Yung Dupe X Kimmø X PUGSPUGSPUGS, "Nube Negra" (from 'Políticamente Correcto')

? Benjamin Walker, "Libre" (from 'LIBRE')

? Lhasa de Sela et Yves Desrosiers, "El Cosechero" (from 'First Recordings')

? Dom La Nena, "Pierre et les fleurs" (from 'LA VIE DE MA MÈRE')


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Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO"
?Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada"
?Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag"
?Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI"
?Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose"
?Residente, "313"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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It's that time of the year ? figuring out the best Latin music of 2024. And every year, it gets harder and harder (seriously, it's difficult!) for Ana and Felix to narrow down their extensive lists. Joined by NPR culture reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, the three round up the best albums of this year.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Angélica Garcia, "El Que" from Gemelo
?Hinds, "Coffee" from Viva Hinds
?Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Lluego El Caballero (feat. Gilberto Santa Ross)" from Swing Forever
?Latin Mafia, "tengo mucho ruido." from TODOS LOS DÍAS TODO EL DÍA
?RaiNao, "readysita" from CAPICÚ
?Orquesta Akokán, "Caracoles" from Caracoles

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre continue their discussion on the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys and the industry's changes, featuring insight from Nathy Peluso, Rauw Alejandro and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Fuerza Regida, "TQM"
?Fuerza Regida, "Que onda"
?Fuerza Regida "HARLEY QUINN"
?Latin Mafia, "y como te digo que"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Latin Grammys recently marked its 25th anniversary. Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre was in Miami to talk to some of Latin music's most influential artists to understand some of the trends that are shaping Latin music today, shared over two episodes.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Juanes, "Fíjate Bien"
?Juanes, "Vida Cotidiana"
?Álvaro Díaz, "Quien Te Quiere"
?Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera "Bebé Dame"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre may be traveling in Spain, but that doesn't mean they don't stop finding exciting new music to share. On this episode, they bring "folk pirano" from Damaris Bojor, laidback bedroom pop from Chicocurlyhead, the latest from Becky G and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?El León Pardo, "La Perica"
?Laura Itandehui, "La Distancia"
?Haydée Milanés, "Requiem Para Un Amor"
?Chicocurlyhead, "WASTED WEEKEND"
?Damaris Bojor, "No es normal"
?Becky G, "OJALÁ"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are in Spain this week for a music conference, so they soaked up the local sounds.

Featured Songs:
- Mayte Martín, "El Breve Espacio Que No Está"
- Rels B and Lia Kali, "La Vida Sin Ti"
- Judeline, "INRI"
- Buika, "La Niña De Fuego"

Listen to the playlist at https://npr.org/altlatino.

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Anamaria Sayre brings some exciting new sounds coming out Mexico City (while recording from Mexico City) including sweet new music from Colombian artist Elsa Y Elmar, while Felix Contreras shares new jazz-classical out of Barcelona and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Elsa y Elmar, "Palacio"
?Alih Jey, "Luz de Gas"
?Little Jesus, "Tierra Llamando A Sant"
?Lucia Fumero, "Folklore II"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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To celebrate the release of a new book from NPR Music, How Women Made Music, as well as the 50th anniversary this year of the album Celia & Johnny, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre walk through their favorite songs by the legendary Celia Cruz, alongside the artist's niece Linda Pritchett.

Songs featured in this episode:

? Celia Cruz, "Bemba Colorá"
? Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, "Yiri Yiri Bon"
? Celia Cruz, "La Negra Tiene Tumbao"
? Celia Cruz, "Quimbara"
? Celia Cruz, "Cuando Salí de Cuba"
? Celia Cruz, "La vida es un carnaval"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre play a few of their favorite new tracks, some from Alt.Latino standbys and some exciting new discoveries, too. Also, we hear from an Alt.Latino listener about a Dominican song that moves her.

Songs featured in this episode:

? Twanguero, "Rumba #2"
? Twanguero, "La Leyenda de Cañaveral"
? Rosalía, "Omega (feat. Ralphie Choo)"
? Wyatt Flores, "Oh Susannah"
? pablopablo, Helado Negro, "Lejos De Más"
? Troker, "El Novio (Versión Mariachi)"
? Los Sufridos, Bad Gyal, "Duro de Verdad pt. 2"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Alt.Latino is usually all about sharing new music across Latin America, but what about the older cuts Ana and Felix are obsessed with?

On this episode, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras share the music they've been playing on repeat, from beloved classics by greats like Ella Fitzgerald to surprising new discoveries out of Mexico like Paloma Morphy.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Paloma Morphy, "me faltas tú"
?George Shearing Quintet, "Juana Palangana"
?Carin León and Bolela, "Aviso importante"
?Chick Corea Trio, "Spain"
?Alex Ferreira, "Un Cariñito"
?Alex Ferreira, "Un Cariñito (Versión Acústica)"
?Ella Fitzgerald, "Angel Eyes"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Wait a minute ? does Alt.Latino actually agree with a lot of the Latin Recording Academy's nominations this year?

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through as many of the whopping 58 categories as they can in this episode dissecting the nominations for the upcoming ceremony.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Grupo Frontera, "CANSADO DE SUFRIR"
?Grupo Frontera and Yahritza y Su Esencia, "LAS FLORES"
?Grupo Frontera and Christian Nodal, "Ya Pedo Quién Sabe"
?Dayme Arocena, "A fuego lento"
?Hamilton de Holanda, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, "Saudade, Saudade"
?Kali Uchis and Karol G, "Labios Mordidos"
?Karol G, "MI EX TENÍA RAZÓN"
?Latin Mafia, "Julieta"
?Kevin Aguilar, "Bonita"
?Nicolle Horbath, "Carmen"
?Nicole Horts, "Bitch3"
?Ana Frango Elétrico, "Dela"
?Angélica Olivo, Juan Pablo Contreras, and Orquesta Latino Mexicana, "La Minerva - III. Himno a la Mujer"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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This week on Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras talk about an exciting new album from Manu Chao on the way ? his first in 17 years ? and their favorite recent songs from artists like the Dominican indie rock band Solo Fernández, ethereal pop from Tiny Desk Contest Winner Linda Diaz and more.

Ana and Felix are starting something new this week. Felix always says it, but it's not a Mexican party until someone cries. So every episode starting today, they'll talk to a listener about a song that moves them to tears.
And they want to know, what song moves you to tears? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured on the show.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Janeiro feat. André Viamonte, "LEGO"
?Manu Chao, "São Paulo Motoboy"
?Solo Fernández, "TELESCOPIO"
?Solo Fernández, "BROOKLYN"
?Solo Fernández, "TÚ NUNCA DEJARÁS DE SER POESÍA"
?Linda Diaz feat. Solomon Fox, "Watching Ourselves Die"
?Julieta Rada, "Baile del Candombe"
?Amaia Miranda, "Mientras vivas brilla"
?Nick Drake, "Pink Moon"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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'El Tiny' season at the Tiny Desk launches next week and this year it's all about love ? familial and romantic, with drama fit for a telenovela. Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras preview this year's line-up, sharing a sneak peek at what 2024's 'El Tiny' has to offer.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Juanes, "Mala Gente"
?Juanes, "A Dios Le Pido"
?Ivan Cornejo, "Ya Te Perdí"
?Okan, "Okantomi"
?Eladio Carrión, "Mama's Boy"
?Daniel, Me Estás Matando, "Lo Hice, Te Dejé"
?Danny Ocean, "Me Rehúso"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras play some of their favorite new songs from the last few months, featuring globe-spanning electronica from Colombian producer Sinego, border-crossing new music from La Doña, nuanced salsa from Spanish Harlem Orchestra and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Adrian Quesada, "Dos Manos"
?Nancy Sanchez, "You Are"
?Sinego, "Quema"
?Sinego, Pahua, "Sol"
?Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Llegó El Caballero (feat. Gilberto Santa Rosa)"
?La Doña, "Corrales"
?La Doña, "Corrido Para Palestina"
?Andres Levin (feat. Pedrito Martinez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yissy García & Yerba Buena), "Manteca 2.0 (An homage to Chano Pozo, Dizzy Gillespie & Cayo Hueso)"
?Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo and Gil Fuller, "Manteca"
?Nico Sorin, Proyecto Gomez Casa, Lucy Patané, "Karma Dron"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills and Otis Hart. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Over the past month thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to protest the disputed election of president Nicolás Maduro, while Venezuelan artists like Danny Ocean use music to reflect on this political moment. But Ocean's work is just one data point in a long history of music from Venezuela that embodies the political opinions and emotions of those within the country and the diaspora.

On this week's episode, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre are joined by producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento to walk through crucial moments in Venezuela's political history over the last 30 years, and the music that soundtracked it.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Yordano, "Por estas calles"
?Carlos Baute, "Yo me quedo en Venezuela"
?Canserbero, "Es Épico"
?Danny Ocean, "Me Rehúso"
?Apache, "Rompiendo el Hielo"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills, Zach Thompson, Tony Cavin and Didi Schanche. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre run through their favorite new music, including new work from Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean in the midst of the country's political crisis, Girl Ultra leaning into her techno side, funky, electro-cumbia from Superfónicos and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Superfónicos, "Renaceré"
?Girl Ultra, "lalala"
?Fuerza Regida, "TUQLO"
?Danny Ocean, "por la pequeña Venecia"
?Lisa Morales, "Hermanitas in the Rain"
?Jazz Orishas, "Deniye"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Taylor Haney, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The genre commonly referred to as "Chicano soul" has that "you know it if you hear it" kind of sound.

It's a bicultural interpretation of late 1950s and early '60s African American R&B ballads by Mexican American youth, influenced by the operatic style of Mexican rancheras. Broken hearts, unrequited love and loving the wrong person are often the main themes.

Real talk: it's the smooth, bilingual vocals of Malo's 1972 hit "Suavecito" expressing the thrill of a new love that is still heard at lowrider car shows or the pleas of "You're Still A Young Man' by Tower of Power, to name a few examples.

This week Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre unpack the genre and how the tradition is being reborn by a crew of young artists making it sparkle anew.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Malo, "Suavecito"
?Joe Bataan, "I Wish You Love, P1. 1"
?Tower of Power, "You're Still A Young Man"
?Thee Sacred Souls, "Can I Call You Rose?"
?The Altons, "Soon Enough"
?Thee Sinseers feat. Joey Quinones, "Seems Like"
?Mikey Jimenez, "Takin' All My Lovin'"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new tracks, including heartbroken music from Omar Apollo, a mix of jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican sounds from Papo Vazquez and a controversial new merengue electrónico track from Karol G.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Omar Apollo, "Empty"
?Los Cenzontles, "Different Drum"
?Mabe Fratti, "Oidos" and "Intento fallido"
?Karol G, "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido"
?Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hamilton de Holanda, "Mandalagh"
?Papo Vazquez and Mighty Pirates Troubadours, "Plena Pa'Los Apache"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Even if you don't know Edgar Barrera's name, you know his work. The multiple Grammy-winning writer and producer has worked with dozens of the biggest names in Latin music ? Bad Bunny, Maluma, Karol G, Camilo ? the list goes on. But he's also one of the main forces pushing regional Mexican into the mainstream over the past few years, and turning Pan-Latin sounds into pop perfection.

This week on Alt.Latino, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre visit Barrera in his studio, as he breaks down how he makes a hit song.

Songs featured in this episode:
?Toy Selectah, "Hay Guey"
?El Cuarteto de Nos, "Enamorado tuyo"
?Grupo Frontera, Nicki Nicole, "Desquite"
?Manuel Turizo and Marshmello, "El Merengue"
?Carin León and Maluma, "Según Quién"

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To mark the halfway point of 2024, Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and NPR Culture Desk producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run down their favorite releases of the year so far, from a career-defining release from Nathy Peluso, a leveling up from Argentine rapper Trueno, introspective jazz from Melissa Aldana and so much more.
Songs featured in this episode:

?Trueno, "Tranky Funky"
?Kali Uchis, "Dame Beso //Muévete"
?Lau Noah ft. Gaby Moreno, "Aunque Suene Bonito"
?Carlos Ares, "Amigo"
?Angelica Garcia, "Gemini"
?Melissa Aldana, "I Know You Know"
?Nathy Peluso, "Legendario"
?Reyna Tropical, "Cartagena"
?Daymé Arocena (feat. Vicente García), "A Fuego Lento"
?Akapellah (feat. Al2 El Aldeano, Faker), "Ni Con Money"
?The Marias, "Run Your Mouth"
?Grupo Frontera, "Me Hizo Un Favor"
?Alvaro Diaz, Feid, "Gatitas Sandungueras Vol. 1"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The Library of Congress' National Recording Registry is more than just a collection of music and sound ? it's a reflection of who we are as a country. In April, two new Spanish language songs were added to the registry: Juan Gabriel's "Amor Eterno" and Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante."

This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana take the opportunity to dive into the Spanish language songs that have made it into the historic collection, as well as share their dream picks for what should be chosen next.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Héctor Lavoe, "El Cantante"
?Juan Gabriel, "Amor Eterno (En Vivo [En el Palacio de Bellas Artes])"
?Buena Vista Social Club, "Chan Chan"
?Buena Vista Social Club, "Orgullecida"
?Buena Vista Social Club, "El Carretero"
?Santana, "Oye Como Va"
?Lydia Mendoza, "Mal Hombre (Cold-Hearted Man)"
?Dizzy Gillespie feat. Chano Pozo, "Manteca"
?Ivy Queen, "Quiero Bailar"
?Jose Feliciano, "El Reloj"
?
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Ana and Felix collect their favorite recent releases from the past few months, including new material from the breakout regional band Grupo Frontera, a country/Latin cross-over in the music of Wyatt Flores, a new song from groundbreaking rapper Mala Rodriguez and more.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, "Mas Que Nada"
?Luis Muñoz, "Crescent Moon"
?Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada [Explicit]"
?Alih Jay, "Bang Bang (Mi Baby Me Mató)"
?Cher, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"
?Grupo Frontera, "Me Hizo Un Favor"
?Wyatt Flores, "Half Life"
?Danny Ocean, "Cero Condiciones [Explicit]"
?Fabiola Méndez, "Lamento en Celinés"
?Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, "EL ÚNICO"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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It's the 10th annual Tiny Desk contest and there's been a strong showing of Latin artists behind desks across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Felix and Ana sifted through all the entries and pulled their favorites from artists with roots all across the Americas. And if one of them ends up winning, you can thank us for the introduction.

Songs featured in this episode:

?Cathia, "Taza de Café"
?Manu Manzo, "Celos"
?Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices, "Quiero Volver"
?Flaco el Jandro, "Lluvia Pesada"
?Los Quinceañeros, "Guero"
?La Doña, "Loser Girl"
?Alejandro Aranda, "Pieces"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite new music, from Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko's boundary-pushing new music, to Alejandro Escovedo's genre-bending rock and Angelica Garcia's electro-cumbia.

Songs featured in this episode:
? Young Miko, "Tamagotchi"
? The Mavericks, "Moon & Stars (with Sierra Ferrell)"
? Angélica Garcia, "Juanita"
? Alejandro Escovedo, "Castañuelas"
? Nella, Yendry, "Veinte Años"
? Sheila E., "Bemba Colorá (ft. Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar)"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The release of Beyoncés Cowboy Carter has sparked a national conversation about who gets to sing country music and the complex roots of the genre. Which got Alt.Latino thinking ? what about the Latinos in country?

This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras travel to Austin, Texas to speak with AmeriChicana musician Carrie Rodriguez about the difference between violin and fiddle, strings and "strangs," and who gets to play country music.

Songs featured:
?Carin Leon, Leon Bridges: "It Was Always You (Siempre Fuiste Tu)"
?Cuco Sanchez: "La Cama de Piedra"
?Merle Haggard: "Big City"
?Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys: "San Antonio Rose"
?Robert Earl Keen: "Feelin' Good Again"
?Chip Taylor, Carrie Rodriguez: "Dirty Little Texas Story"
?Eva Garza: "Quiero Verte Una Vez Mas"
?Rick Trevino: "Doctor Time"
?Ruben Ramos: "Crying Time"
?Sammy Arriaga: "Tennessee Whiskey - Spanglish"
?The Mavericks: "There Goes My Heart"
?Louie TheSinger: "Come and Take It"
?Carrie Rodriguez: "I Dreamed I Was Lola Beltran"
?
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Shakira just released her first album in seven years, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, and most listeners and critics have high praise. But this episode of Alt.Latino puts the record to the test.

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento talk about what makes a Shakira record a Shakira record, how pop artists reinvent themselves and loving your favorite artists even if you don't always love their music.

Songs featured in this episode:
?Shakira: "Puntería"
?Shakira: "La Fuerte"
?Shakira: "Obtener un Si"
?Shakira: "El Jefe"
?Paul Simon: "You Can Call Me Al"
?Shakira: "Cómo Dónde y Cuándo"
?Santana: "Smooth"
?Shakira: "Cohete"
?Karol G, Shakira: "TQG"
?Miles Davis: "Bitches Brew"
?Shakira: "Monotonía"
?Shakira: "Escondite Ingles"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The weather's heating up and so are the music releases. The hosts of Alt.Latino share their most quintessentially them picks, with Latin jazz across the board from Felix and indie pop-rock bops from Ana.

The two sit down to ping-pong favorite picks back and forth from different parts of the country ? plus, Felix puts Ana's picks to an impromptu test.

Featured tracks:

Lara Project, "Extraños"
Julieta Eugenio, "Breath I"
Esteman, Villano Antillano, "Noches de Verano"
Rodrigo Recabarren, Pablo Menares, Yago Vazquez, "Santiago"
Elsa y Elmar, "entre las piernas"
Hurray for the Riff Raff, "Hawkmoon"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino, and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Is it really a good idea to take a vacation with your coworkers? If you're part of the Alt.Latino team, it is.
Last month Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre decided to join Felix Contreras on a planned trip to attend the 39th annual Havana Jazz Festival, an international event that attracts fans of both Cuban music and jazz from around the world. Spread out among several historic venues around the Cuban capital city, the team spent eight days taking in the sights and sounds of one of the oldest cities in Latin America. Hours before they returned home, Felix and Ana recorded this episode reflecting on everything they heard and the legacy of Cuba's musical diversity.

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As the chill remains in the air for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and the heat of summer warms up the South, we take time to listen to new music from both parts of the world.

Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new music, including Southern Cone rock and cumbia, atmospheric vocals from the U.S. and even some delicate yet emotionally powerful music from the Catalan region of Spain.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Nothing captures the agony of love, loss, hope and redemption like the song form known across all of Latin America: the bolero.

Last December, UNESCO declared the bolero "an intangible cultural heritage of humanity" and "an indispensable part of the Latin American sentimental song." And given that Valentine's Day is coming up, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre did something special this week, in honor of this news: they asked some of their favorite artists and show listeners to share their most-loved boleros, and break down exactly what makes them so special. Join Felix and Ana as they laugh, cry and sing a little to the love songs of the ages.

And be sure to check out the playlists we made for this episode, feature Ana and Felix's picks, as well as the selections from featured artists and listeners, on Spotify and Apple Music.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Vocalist Ana Tijoux has been a frequent guest on Alt.Latino. That's because ever since her US debut, 1977, was released in 2010, Tijoux had been at the forefront of Latin music that celebrates creative innovation, themes of social justice and fierce independence.
In this week's episode the Chilean musician talks to Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre about why that spirit of innovation has been more or less silent for the last 10 years, and how her new album, Vida, is not only a chance to catch up, but also a deeply moving look back.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Suraya Mohamed and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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In the earliest days of the show, Alt.Latino's mailbox was usually piled high with CDs of new music from both emerging and well-known artists.

Now, Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre's email and social media accounts continue to open up new musical worlds at Alt.Latino and ? in turn ? all of you. The show starts 2024 with some great tracks from names you may know and a couple of bands that Felix and Ana think deserve wider recognition.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Suraya Mohamed. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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While 2022 may have been a year completely dominated by a certain sad summer reggaeton album, 2023 drew its power from a set of familiar sounds that took on new prominence: tubas, accordions and a whole lot of lively, sneakily danceable beats. As we've been talking about on Alt.Latino for some time, Mexican Regional music broke through in a big way this year, and we found it incredible to witness the most boisterous and uncompromising sounds from that long tradition make their way across the world and to the top of the charts.

A strong feeling of authenticity to place and experience was palpable across the spectrum of Latin albums released in 2023, from the most popular to those deserving of more attention. To review all there was to love about Spanish-language music this year, hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Syare sat down with producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento to discuss the ways musicians danced fearlessly across genre lines while showing up as their complete selves more than ever before.

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You know all those tubas and brass instruments you hear behind your favorite regional Mexican hits? That's banda sinaloense and this week Alt.Latino wraps up the Regional Goes Global series with a visit to Sinaloa, Mexico, the birthplace of the genre.

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras visit the picturesque town Mocorito, a pueblo magico where tradition and pride in the musical heritage runs deep. That's the case even among members of the drug cartels, which are responsible for some of the country's societal ills. It's a complex story as passionate and heartfelt as the music that stretches from the hills of Sinaloa to this side of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Lilly Quiroz, Suraya Mohamed, Josephine Nyounai and Natalia Fidelholtz. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz, and our project manager is Grace Chung. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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For the second episode of Alt.Latino's regional Mexican music series, hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras interview the rising family band Yahritza y Su Esencia in its hometown of Yakima, Wash. The two discover that the U.S.-Mexico border looms large in this regional Mexican moment, especially for Yahritza y Su Esencia ? not strictly because of the music's obvious Mexican roots, but also the ways in which the border can create an "us" and "them" dynamic. The band's struggles with musical and personal identity also reflect the real struggles that millions of U.S.-born folks with Mexican heritage face. And what started as a musical journey for Ana and Felix has now become a personal journey.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Janice Llamoca, Shelby Hawkins, Suraya Mohamed and Natalia Fidelholtz. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz and, our project manager is Grace Chung. Hazel Cills is the podcast editor and digital editor for Alt.Latino. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Earlier this year, Peso Pluma ? a 24-year-old who grew up in between Guadalajara, Jalisco, and San Antonio ? became the first regional Mexican artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Something in the music industry was changing. Streaming numbers for regional Mexican shot up astronomically, as the musical stylings of banda and norteño made their way onto the Coachella main stage and burgeoning stars like Peso Pluma began to book their first U.S. tours in major markets. But what accounted for regional Mexican's rise? And what does the genre's continued popularity say about not just changing trends in the Latin music industry, but the changing shape of America?

For the next three episodes of Alt.Latino, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras dive into the regional Mexican explosion, revealing the complex relationships both Mexicans and Mexican Americans have with identity from either side of the border. In this first episode, Felix and Anamaria travel to Nashville, Tenn., to witness Peso Pluma's performance and to try to understand the root of the phenomenon, through their own personal experiences and the people they meet along the way.

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Janice Llamoca and Joaquin Cotler, with production support from Shelby Hawkins, Suraya Mohamed, Natalia Fidelholtz and Lauren Migaki. The editor for this episode is Jacob Ganz and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Recently Ana and Felix traveled to NPR member station KQED in San Francisco to meet Alt.Latino listeners and interview the musician Marinero, who has deep musical and familial roots in the Bay Area. This week's show is a recording of that live interview, full of great music as well as lots of laughs.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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The Colombian singer Maluma has a lot to be excited about these days ? a world tour, a new album and a shot at exploring a different part of his humanity: being a parent.

The artist has often felt a sense of responsibility: to support up and coming artists he seeks out on social media and to showcase a more joyful, loving side of Colombia to the world. And, now, responsibility is about to take on a whole new meaning.

Following a tear-filled performance at the Tiny Desk, the artist sat down with Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre to talk about what it means now to have two loves of his life.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Becky G, right after her forthcoming Tiny Desk performance, to talk about the cultural mash-up of her music, her philosophy for working with women in the industry and representing her Mexican heritage at Coachella.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras and producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento sit down to talk some real chisme this week ? a special episode dedicated to the Latin Grammy nominations. Was there really a regional snub and what does it say about the way we choose to elevate our own art?

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras preview the artists coming to play Tiny Desk performances for their 'El Tiny' takeover, including indie explosion Kali Uchis returning home to Colombian beats, pop star Becky G debuting some Mexican regional soul and "La Caballota" herself Ivy Queen boasting pure boricua pride.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Cher Vincent. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Spanish artist Omar Montes to talk about why he'll never lose his flamenco influences, expressing the oppression of his Romani ancestors in his music and why the rhythms of reggaeton and flamenco aren't so different. This interview is in Spanish. Please find an English version of the conversation on our website.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was mixed by Janice Llamoca, with help from Isabella Gomez Sarmiento and Natalia Fidelholtz. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including Mexican bedroom pop from Bratty, jazz from Argentinian composer Dario Acosta Teich, a new song from rising regional star DannyLux and more.

To hear more of Alt.Latino's favorite music, follow our Spotify and Apple Music playlists.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited, mixed and produced by Janice Llamoca. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with the Puerto Rican hip-hop artist Eladio Carrión to discuss what drives him, learning Spanish through music and how he's changing the game of Latin rap.


Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Cher Vincent, with production support from Suraya Mohamed and Robin Hilton. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento also provided production and editorial support for this episode. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Anamaria Sayre speaks with YE?DRY, the Dominican-born, Italian-raised singer about using music as a tool to marry her two worlds.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite albums of 2023 so far, from the modern corridos tumbados of Peso Pluma, a new, reimagined version of one of Fito Paez's greatest albums, dream pop from Y La Bamba and more. Plus: a run down of regional Mexican's current explosion.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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Felix Contreras sits down with percussion icon Sheila Escovedo, aka Sheila E., to talk about the influence of the Bay Area on her music, holding her own in the face of music industry sexism and why drumming is a language of its own.

Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed. Our show editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistant is Sofia Seidel. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

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This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including new work from the prolific Eduardo Cabra, surprisingly straight-ahead regional from Santa Fe Klan and a premiere of a new song from Elsa y Elmar.

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