Alt.Latino
The global Latinx community is evolving and growing fast. Alt.Latino is here to celebrate it and all of its nuances through music. Each episode, NPR Music's Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with a different living legend or rising star to discuss Latinx culture, heritage, and the shared borders of our experiences. Let the chisme begin!
Support NPR and get your music exploration sponsor-free with Alt.Latino+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/nprmusic
Support NPR and get your music exploration sponsor-free with Alt.Latino+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/nprmusic
Episodes
The National Recording Registry's best Spanish language songs (and what it's missing)
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29/05/24•35m 10s
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Wyatt Flores, Danny Ocean and Grupo Frontera
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/05/24•32m 49s
Alt.Latino's favorite Tiny Desk Contest entries
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
01/05/24•37m 5s
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Angélica Garcia, Young Miko and The Mavericks
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/04/24•40m 1s
Tracing the history of Latino artists making country music
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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/04/24•37m 7s
What do we really want from Shakira?
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/03/24•23m 4s
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Elsa y Elmar, Julieta Eugenio, Esteman and more
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/03/24•26m 46s
A deep dive into Cuba's rich musical history, reported from Havana
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/03/24•24m 20s
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Residente, La Yegros and El Cuarteto de Nos
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/02/24•23m 23s
We round up the greatest boleros ever, with help from artists and listeners
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
08/02/24•31m 23s
Ana Tijoux: On why it took 10 years to release her new album 'Vida'
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/01/24•32m 11s
Alt.Latino's best new music roundup: Helado Negro, Gaby Moreno and Ana Tijoux
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/01/24•19m 8s
Alt.Latino's favorite music of 2023
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/12/23•41m 4s
Regional Goes Global, Part 3: How a magical Mexican town keeps banda tradition alive
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/12/23•27m 54s
Regional Goes Global, Part 2: A band finds its voice amid a storm of controversy
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29/11/23•33m 16s
Regional Goes Global, Part 1: Finding Peso Pluma's music revolution in Nashville
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/11/23•33m 1s
Marinero: How the diversity of the Bay Area shaped the artist's approach to music
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/11/23•35m 40s
Maluma: On becoming a dad, hustling across genres and reggaeton's rise in Colombia
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/10/23•17m 0s
Becky G: Why the Mexican American pop star always identifies as '200%'
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/09/23•23m 6s
Dissecting the Latin Grammy noms, from Regional Mexican snubs to Edgar Barrera love
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/09/23•28m 16s
It's 'El Tiny' season — and Alt.Latino has the lineup
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/09/23•22m 50s
Omar Montes: Why the Spanish artist thinks the best school for flamenco is the street
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/08/23•31m 41s
Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: DannyLux, Kali Uchis and Dario Acosta Teich
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/08/23•25m 53s
Eladio Carrión: Why the athlete-turned-rapper thinks everything in life is practice
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/08/23•26m 36s
YEИDRY: How she uses music to bridge her Dominican roots and Italian upbringing
Anamaria Sayre speaks with YEИDRY, 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/07/23•29m 47s
Alt.Latino presents the best music of 2023 (so far)
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/07/23•31m 2s
Sheila E.: On how faith and family shaped the drummer's eclectic music career
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/06/23•33m 25s
Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Eduardo Cabra, Santa Fe Klan and Elsa y Elmar
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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/06/23•23m 35s
Mabe Fratti: The cellist on the importance of imperfection and going to extremes
Anamaria Sayre sits down with the experimental, Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti to discuss the admiration she's developed for imperfection, finding a musical community in Mexico City and how religion sparked a personal rebellion.Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Robin Hilton. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/05/23•36m 25s
Karol G: Why the Colombian superstar will never stop being a 'happy heartbreak girl'
While coming up with the concept for her new album Mañana Será Bonito, Colombian superstar Karol G had an epiphany that would change her life: what if she was just more herself? Anamaria Sayre sits down with global superstar Karol G to chat her latest evolution.Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mixed by Robin Hilton. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/05/23•28m 44s
Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Bad Bunny, Grupo Frontera, Becky G and more
This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, kicking things off with a surprising collab from Bad Bunny and regional Mexican group Grupo Frontera. Plus, new music from Becky G, Gaby Moreno, Esteman and more.This episode of 'Alt.Latino' was produced by Robin Hilton. Our editor is Hazel Cills and our project manager is Grace Chung. Our production assistants are Jerusalem Truth and Sofia Seidel and our intern is Pilar Galván. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/04/23•25m 14s
La Brega: Bonus Track — Songs for the Future of Puerto Rico
From our friends at WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, today we're sharing an episode from the latest season of the podcast La Brega — which traces the history of Puerto Rican music across eight transformative songs.In this special bonus episode of the show, La Brega goes behind the music with the artists featured on La Brega: El Álbum — including RaiNao, Xenia Rubinos, ÌFÉ and Ana Macho.La Brega: El Álbum is sponsored by Marguerite Casey Foundation. This season of La Brega is made possible by the Mellon Foundation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/04/23•32m 6s
Girl Ultra: On Mexico City's 'haunted' energy and why she secretly loves sad songs
Across her evolving discography, which includes everything from R&B ballads to danceable electronic beats, Girl Ultra has solidified her approach to deep, dark songs of love and heartbreak. In this episode, Anamaria Sayre sits down with the up-and-coming Mexico City singer to talk lost loves, why the city is "haunted" and how she copes with a nostalgic heart.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/04/23•33m 4s
Camilo Lara: How Mexico's musical 'double agent' seeks a universal dance floor
Anamaria Sayre sits down with world-building producer and Mexican Institute of Sound frontman Camilo Lara to talk about using his fearless intuition to help artists find their voice in the burgeoning hub of Latin music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29/03/23•28m 53s
Radio Ambulante: Getting Down
From our friends at Radio Ambulante, today we're sharing a thought provoking episode from their latest season. Puerto Rican Patricia Velasquez has spent her whole life listening to reggaeton. It's part of her identity. But when she was questioned about the content of the songs, she began an investigation that would lead her to create something completely new about the musical genre. This episode is in Spanish.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/03/23•46m 11s
Julieta Venegas: Why the Mexican pop icon wouldn't call herself a pioneer
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Mexican pop icon Julieta Venegas to discuss her role as a trailblazing female vocalist and mom to a daughter with impeccably cool music taste.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/03/23•27m 49s
Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Karol G, Y La Bamba, The Latin Dead and more
Our digital mailbag continues to overflow with tons of new music from every corner of the Spanish-speaking world. Yet even as we update our weekly playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music, we still have tracks that we think you need to hear. On this week's show, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite new music from the last few months.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
01/03/23•22m 19s
Adrian Quesada: How the U.S.-Mexico border shaped the prolific producer's fluid sound
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with prolific producer and creator Adrian Quesada to discuss his experimental approach to border-driven sonic expression.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/02/23•27m 10s
Cimafunk: How his Afro-Cuban funk tells a bigger story about the African diaspora
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Cimafunk to talk about how he's created his singular sound, the complex African lineage of his music and why his band is his "tribe."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
01/02/23•33m 35s
Reyna Tropical: How Fabi Reyna learned to listen to her revolutionary intuition
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Fabi Reyna of Reyna Tropical to talk about the process of trusting yourself, how music saved her life and moving forward after losing her creative collaborator Sumohair.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/01/23•26m 50s
Encore: The Cuban roots of rock and roll
Can you hear the cha-cha-cha in The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"? Or the mambo in Ray Charles' "What'd I Say"? This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2019 and takes a closer look at the Cuban roots of rock and roll.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/01/23•29m 46s
Encore: Selena's spark still shines
Since her death in 1995, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez' legacy has spread far beyond her Tejano music roots. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode and explores how Selena became a powerful symbol of Latina identity.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
28/12/22•28m 57s
Encore: An Alt.Latino Christmas, with Cantigas in concert
¡Felices fiestas y'all! This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2014 to enjoy the music of D.C. Latino choir, Cantigas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/12/22•29m 23s
Alt.Latino presents our favorite music of 2022
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Rolling Stone's Julyssa Lopez and NPR Music contributor Stefanie Fernández to talk about (some of) their favorite albums of the year.Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/12/22•33m 6s
Encore: Cumbia, the musical backbone of Latin America
Whether you're from Ushuaia or East Los Angeles, you've likely heard cumbia blaring from a stereo. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2015 and takes a closer look at the musical backbone of the Americas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/12/22•29m 41s
Linda Ronstadt: On getting to fully embrace her Mexican heritage in her music
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Linda Ronstadt, who recently released her book Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands, to talk about her Mexican heritage, wanting to sing in Spanish earlier in her career and not feeling like the "quintessential American girl."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/11/22•27m 47s
Hermanos Gutiérrez: How their cinematic guitar music reconnected them as brothers
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez to talk about their musical legacy, sad songs and creating strong familial bonds through music. Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/11/22•29m 19s
Silvana Estrada: On cultivating intimacy and generosity in her live performances
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Silvana Estrada to talk about vulnerability, bringing light into her shows and the lessons her parents have given her.Show notes: You can help us improve Alt.Latino by taking some time to answer questions about the show. Please tell us what you like and how we could improve by going to npr.org/altlatinosurvey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/11/22•32m 12s
Natalia Lafourcade: How making original music again helped grow her 'inner garden'
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Natalia Lafourcade to talk about interpreting old songs, taking things slow and releasing her first album of original material in seven years.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
09/11/22•29m 24s
Canción Exploder: Ibeyi
From our friends at Canción Exploder, we're sharing a conversation with Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz from the musical group Ibeyi. The twins discuss "Sangoma," the first song off their album Spell 31. This interview is in Spanish.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/11/22•15m 41s
Angélica Negrón: The genre-subverting composer on embracing all sides of her identity
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Angélica Negrón to talk about the importance of representation, making music with plants and what inspired her to begin composing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/11/22•25m 58s
Carlos Santana: Why 1972's divisive, spiritual 'Caravanserai' wasn't 'career suicide'
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Santana to talk about nurturing his spirit, growing as an artist and 50 years of Caravanserai, an iconic album he co-produced with drummer Michael Shrieve. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/10/22•28m 7s
Snooze: Rosario Dawson
From our friends at the LAist Studios' podcast Snooze, host Megan Tan sits down with Rosario Dawson to discuss relationships, abuela's sage advice and the things in life that people put off.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/10/22•28m 11s
iLe: How the rhythms and resilience of Puerto Rico shape her music
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with iLe to talk about salsa music, Puerto Rico's role in her art and being la bebé of the family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/10/22•34m 30s
Farruko: On his partying persona and religious transformation (English version)
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado to talk about creating the character of Farruko, developing a relationship with God and spreading a message of love.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/10/22•19m 25s
Farruko: On his partying persona and religious transformation (Spanish Version)
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado to talk about creating the character of Farruko, developing a relationship with God and spreading a message of love. This episode is in Spanish, please find an English translation of the conversation at NPR.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/10/22•30m 13s
Carla Morrison: How a break from music and a move to Paris led to a personal rebirth
Felix Contreras sits down with Carla Morrison to talk about her new sound, the importance of mental health and the art of the Parisian non.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/10/22•25m 38s
Alisa Amador: Why the Tiny Desk Contest winner almost gave up on music
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador to talk about intentionality in community building, almost quitting music and finding nourishment in her art.Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly said Linda Diaz won the 2021 Tiny Desk Contest. She won in 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
28/09/22•28m 16s
Rosalía: How the genre-bending pop star found her confidence
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Spanish superstar Rosalía, who just earned eight Latin Grammy nominations, to talk about her musical inspirations, divine sensuality and constant pull to transform.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/09/22•28m 37s
Omar Apollo: Ballet Folklórico OG, Pharrell Whisperer, and Hot Sauce Entrepreneur
Anamaria Sayre sits down with R&B darling Omar Apollo to talk about his experiences growing up in Indiana and becoming a role model for queer Latinx kids.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/09/22•28m 23s
Alt.Latino: Where we've been and what's next
After an extended hiatus, Alt.Latino returns with longtime host Felix Contreras and new co-host Anamaria Sayre. On this reintroduction to the program, the two talk about how the landscape of Latin music and culture has changed since Alt.Latino started more than a decade ago, and what it means for the show going forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/09/22•13m 40s
Reintroducing: Alt.Latino
Longtime host Felix Contreras introduces the program's new co-host, Anamaria Sayre — and gets a blessing from her abuelita.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/09/22•2m 52s
From the archives: flamenco, rock and songs of rebellion from Spain
Alt.Latino intern Vita Dadoo revisits podcast episodes to feature three conversations about music from Spain and explores the musical traditions that inspired these artists as well as the impact they made in the Spanish-speaking world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/07/22•32m 54s
From the archives: the many faces of 'Regional Mexican'
Alt.Latino intern Vita Dadoo parses through the podcast archive to feature two conversations on the musical styles referred to as "Regional Mexican," its history, and its rising popularity among audiences in the U.S., Mexico and beyond.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/06/22•28m 30s
From the archives: interviews with Ibeyi, Ivy Queen and Silvina Moreno
Alt.Latino intern Cat Sposato takes over the show to feature more stories for Women's History Month.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/04/22•31m 10s
From the archives: Latinas in punk
The San Antonio based punk band Fea is featured in a discussion about Latinas and punk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/03/22•28m 59s
From the archives: exploring the representation of women in reggaeton
This week we go back to the era of "Despacito" to discuss the impact of reggaeton on women and reggaetonera pioneer Ivy Queen.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/03/22•28m 59s
From the archives: vibrant conversations with artists Daymé Arocena and iLe
For another edition from our archives, we go back to interviews with vocalists Daymé Arocena and iLe much earlier in their careers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/03/22•28m 59s
Celebrating Women's History Month with three powerful Latinas
We celebrate Women's History Month with three complex yet stylistically distinct Latina musicians: Ana Tijoux, Li Saumet and Lila Downs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/03/22•30m 29s
From the archives: A deep dive into Afro-Latinx culture
Revisiting a program from 2014 that offers an overview of Afro-Latino culture and history.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/02/22•28m 29s
Revisiting the work of two Afro-Latinx pioneers
Celebrate Black History Month with two interviews from the Alt.Latino archive with Puerto Rican rapper Tego Calderon and Dominican vocalist Amara La Negra.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/02/22•28m 58s
Speaking truth to power through music
This week we reach back into the Alt.Latino archives to bring you three recent shows about contemporary protest music in Latin America and the U.S.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/01/22•26m 10s
Alt.Latino and Code Switch: What is 'Latin Music' anyway?
This week, Felix and Anamaria sit down with Shereen Marisol Meraji of the NPR Code Switch podcast to find out what exactly connects all the artists under the 'Latin music' category.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/12/21•35m 43s
Looking back on the original 'West Side Story' and its impact on Nuyorican identity
This week, Alt.Latino takes a look at how the original 1961 West Side Story impacted Puerto Ricans growing up in New York.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/12/21•30m 28s
Alt.Latino presents the best singles of 2021
The Alt.Latino team discusses the best Latin music singles of 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/12/21•50m 12s
Alt.Latino looks back at the best albums of 2021
The Alt.Latino team brings you a discussion of a few of our favorite album releases from 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/12/21•42m 13s
Voices from the past in Ecuador and Venezuela
Two new compilations capture moments long lost to time using archival recordings from the 1960s and 70s.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/11/21•28m 59s
Honor the Departed in Our Annual Sonic Altar
In what's become an annual Día de los Muertos tradition, we play music and personal dedications honoring the departed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
31/10/21•15m 44s
Presenting 'It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders': Pop music's 'Latin Explosion'
This week on Alt.Latino, we're featuring a special episode from our friends at It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders. From the three-part series exploring crossover in pop music, the podcast takes a look at the "Latin Explosion" of the late 1990s and early 2000s.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/10/21•35m 23s
Alt.Latino And NPR News: Musical Profiles From Mexico, Cuba and Peru
This week we share music stories from NPR News that you should know about, featuring Cimafunk, Susana Baca and 'El Charro de Mexico' Vicente Fernandez.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/10/21•34m 21s
Alt.Latino Unpacks the Latest Music News, Including Latin Grammy Drama
An eclectic round-up of all the current happenings across the Latin Music world. Listen to conversations with Juanes, José González, Yosmel Montejo, as well as a run-down of the Latin Grammy nominations drama. This kind of chisme you don't want to miss.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/10/21•36m 11s
Humanity Has No Border on La Frontera
We bring you three stories from the U.S.-Mexico border: an unlikely music festival, musician/activist La Muna, and a bullfighting training center in Texas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/10/21•38m 26s
It's Lit! Latina Novelists On Living With (And Writing In) Two Languages
Isabel Allende (The Soul of a Woman) and Sandra Cisneros (Martita, I Remember You/Martita, te recuerdo) tell Alt.Latino about the role of women in Latino cultures, and why you kill off the handsome male character by page 112.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/09/21•38m 12s
Elvis En Español: 'This Year's Model' Reimagined
A score of Latin artists reimagine Elvis Costello's 1978 classic album, This Year's Model, completely in Spanish.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/09/21•28m 17s
Alt. Latino's Fall Music Preview
Our digital mail bag overflows with great new music to head into the last part of 2021. Songs heard on this episode:• Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, "Dreaming in Lions"• Meridian Brothers and Conjunto Media Luna, "La Secta"• Dos Santos, "A Shot in the Dark"• ÌFÉ, "Fake Blood"• Cimafunk (Feat. George Clinton), "Funk Aspirin"• Helado Negro, "Outside the Outside"• Alejandro Escovedo, "La Cruzada"• Orquesta Akokán, "El Inflador"• Liniker, "Clau"All these tracks can be found in Alt.Latino's weekly playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/09/21•33m 34s
End Of Summer Rooftop Listening Party
What better way to end the summer than with friends, a little vino, music and former Alt.Latino co-host Jasmine Garsd?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/09/21•29m 13s
Gina Chavez Picks Her 5 Favorite Tiny Desk Contest Entries
With Tio Felix on vacation, our guest host illustrates the width and breadth of Latinx musical expression through Tiny Desk Contest submissions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/08/21•29m 31s
Encore: The Meteoric Rise Of Latin Urban Explained
The story of Latin America has always been reflected through music. This week, we rerun one of our most popular episodes and talk to experts to help us understand Latin Urban's pop music dominance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
08/08/21•24m 0s
We Excavate Cuba's Rallying Cry, 'Patria Y Vida'
The Cuban experience is synonymous with Cuban music. This week, we take a look at the uprising in Cuba and the island's history with protest music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/07/21•35m 54s
Indie Film And Latinx Reality
To celebrate The Latino Experience film series from PBS, we chat with Latinx indie filmmakers to discuss the state of the industry, and why independent films are powerful for accurate representation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/07/21•33m 42s
No Boundaries On The Island: The Music Of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island full of sonic diversity. We take you across time, genre and musical boundaries through interviews with pop star Rauw Alejandro, vocalist Sebastian .Otero and punk rocker AJ Davila.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
11/07/21•34m 40s
The Alt.Latino Interview: Rita Moreno
To celebrate a new documentary about her life and career, we revisit our 2018 conversation with none other than Rita Moreno.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/07/21•31m 0s
Alt.Latino's Best Music of 2021 (So Far)
As we hit the midpoint of 2021, our host Felix Contreras is joined by Alt.Latino producer Anamaria Sayre, NPR Weekend Edition producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, L.A. Times culture writer Suzy Exposito and Alt.Latino contributor Stefanie Fernández to discuss their favorites of the past six months.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/06/21•29m 0s
Resilience and Innovation: An Alt.Latino Podcast Extra En Español
Two stories of determination, innovation and strength from different sides of the Latinx community: a father-son pair separated at the border and a musician from Cuba using blockchain tech to bring attention and support to underrepresented artists.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22/06/21•26m 13s
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Los Lobos And Tania León Post Their W's
We take a look at the headlines from the past week and can't help but notice Latinos and Latinos stacking up wins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/06/21•44m 16s
'Music As A Weapon': A Discussion About Garifuna Music
A workshop on the eastern coast of Honduras is keeping Garifuna culture alive and accessible for young musicians.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13/06/21•29m 10s
Loss, Love And Resilience Across Latinidad
We're taking a step back to do a survey of what's happening across the community. We'll introduce you to an artist that maybe you don't know, hang out with some Cuban drummers, meet high school teachers on the hunt for vaccines, and give a sneak peek of next week's show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/06/21•39m 58s
Bakosó: Cuban Grooves Meet Afrobeats
The documentary film Bakosó: Afrobeats of Cuba captures the development of a new music style in Santiago de Cuba.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
30/05/21•29m 15s
You Just Can't Peg Pedrito Martinez And Rubén Blades
We talk cultura, new tunes and what it means to step out of comfort zones with Pedrito Martinez and Rubén Blades.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/05/21•38m 14s
Long Hair And Lowriders: Latin Rock In 1971
We take the Alt.Latino Time Machine back 50 years to tell the story of how three albums captured a moment when music, culture and current events collided in song: WAR's All Day Music, El Chicano's Revolución and Santana's Santana III. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/05/21•15m 57s
Not Your Abuela's Music: A Deep Dive Into Mexican Regional Music
The music of your parents and grandparents is now part of a music industry trend that may soon overtake the popularity of reggaetón.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/05/21•21m 20s
Alt.Latino's LAMC 2021 Cheat Sheet
Here's a little preview of six artists we're most excited to see at the virtual Latin Alternative Music Conference — most of which we've never heard before.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/05/21•35m 0s
New York City's Influence On Latin Music
Ben Lapidus, scholar and Grammy-nominated musician, explains New York's central role in developing Latin music across the U.S. and Latin America.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
25/04/21•29m 22s
Selena's Spark Still Shines
We sat down with the director of Selena, an author, a college professor and the creator of the wildly popular Anything for Selena podcast to talk Selena's legacy. Touching on topics from maintaining her Tejano roots to what they imagine would have been her Latin Trap collab with Bad Bunny, these experts had us feeling all kinds of Selena energy and love in the room.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/04/21•37m 50s
Speed Dating Through Spring's New Music
Featuring Mon Laferte, Cuco and Juanes, Alt.Latino shares the latest songs you need to know. Follow the playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
11/04/21•31m 25s
A 97-Year-Old Mexican Jazz Drummer's Latest Gig
Tino Contreras talks about his upcoming show at the former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the famous Casa Azul in Mexico City. This interview was conducted en español.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
09/04/21•17m 55s
Omar Sosa Takes A Journey To East Africa
Fans from around the world speak of Omar Sosa's gigs as spiritual experiences — the silence is just as important as the notes. The pianist's new album features field recordings of traditional musicians and instruments from East Africa.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/04/21•29m 15s
From The 'Cosmic Barrio' To 'Despacito,' Two Latin Music Books We Love
Latin music is part of the cultural fabric of America. Two new books from Leila Cobo and Betto Arcos show how far back that history goes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
28/03/21•41m 25s
Women Are Instrumental To Latin Music
We dive back in time to understand the roles women have occupied in Latin music, and look forward at the artists blazing new trails — pushing progress for both female instrumentalism and the entirety of Latin music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/03/21•27m 30s
A Year Of Pandemic: Alt.Latino Remembers
This week we present stories of the pandemic from NPR, StoryCorps and the University of Texas to remember a year of loss and hope.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/03/21•38m 54s
The Voice And Spirit Of Bobi Céspedes
Bobi Céspedes' spiritual presence is as joyful as her voice. On this episode, the singer shares her music and connection to her African roots.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/03/21•32m 14s
Remembering Johnny Pacheco Of Fania Records
This week's episode examines the story of the force behind a social movement. Johnny Pacheco crafted a legacy of cultural pride and stellar musicianship for Fania Records, imprinting his own genius in the minds and hearts of generations of musicians to come in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
28/02/21•29m 51s
The Man Running An Entire Nation's Institute Of Sound
Mexican Institute of Sound's Camilo Lara invites us to Distrito Federal by taking us on a tour of his past, including a party at Prince's Paisley Park.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/02/21•31m 10s
Now We Sob, Forever He Sings: Chick Corea Remembered
Chick Corea's music has been such a big part of our lives. Arturo O'Farrill, Sofía Rei, Haydée Milanés, Rubén Blades and many others share what his music meant to them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/02/21•31m 20s
Warm Up Your Winter With New Songs
It's been a while, so the digital mail bag of new music has been piling up. Hear new music from Bomba Estéreo, Magos Herrera, Diamante Eléctrico and more! Songs featured on this episode: • Gustavo Cortiñas and Desafío Candente (feat. Xavier Quijas Yxayotl), "Abya Yala"• Salt Cathedral (feat. Ximena Sariñana), "Te Quiero Olvidar" • Magos Herrera, "La Creación de las Aves"• Bomba Estéreo, "Agua" • Nancy Sanchez, "Hasta Que Todos Estemos A Salvo" • Ani Cordero, "Es Amor"• Jessica Medina, "Hope/Esperanza"• Natalia Clavier, "Brillar"• Jarana Beat, "Aquel Pasado"• Diamante Eléctrico , "Suéltame, Bogotá"Follow our latest faves: npr.org/altlatinoplaylistLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/02/21•35m 21s
Gustavo Santaolalla: A True Master Of All Trades
Gustavo Santaolalla — musician, producer, film and video game composer — embodies Duke Ellington's highest praise: "beyond category."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/02/21•30m 29s
Defying Cultural Expectations: Dafnis Prieto And Carlos Rafael Rivera
The Cuban drummer and Guatemalan film composer offer deeper understandings of the creative process and how cultural influences shape their creative output.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29/01/21•35m 54s
After The Storm: We Look Back On The Insurrection At The Capitol
We take a break from the music for a Latinx perspective on the events that took place at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22/01/21•36m 40s
Tiny Desk Artist Profile: Sofia Rei
The Argentine vocalist mixes tradition and various contemporary genres in her Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST performance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/01/21•36m 9s
Alt.Latino's Favorite Songs Of 2020
We celebrate a year of discovery with some Alt.Latino favorites as well as a ton of discoveries from throughout the year.Songs featured in this episode:• Ana Tijoux, "ANTIFA DANCE"• Alea, "Échale Sal"• Xenia Rubinos, "Who Shot Ya?"• Gaby Moreno, Shara Nova and Cantus Domus, "Try/Tratar de Transformar"• Gina Chavez, "Ella"• Angelica Garcia, "Agua de Rosa"• La Bruja de Texcoco, "Chéni (Miedo)"• Nancy Sanchez (feat. Olmeca), "La Gran Civilización"• Helado Negro (feat. Xenia Rubinos), "I Fell In Love"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/12/20•38m 8s
Alt.Latino's Favorite Albums Of 2020 Gave Us Passion, Vision And Solace
We look back on the albums that moved us this year, from Lido Pimienta's personal Miss Colombia to Bad Bunny's monumental YHLQMDLG. Albums featured in this episode:• OKAN, Espiral• Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Agüita• Sexores, Salamanca • X Alfonso, Inside • Lido Pimienta, Miss Colombia• Orquesta Faílde, Faílde con Tumbao • Rita Indiana, Mandinga Times • Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG• Natalia Lafourcade, Un Canto por México, Vol. 1 • Ghetto Kumbe, Ghetto KumbeLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
11/12/20•50m 14s
Alt.Latino Introduces You To Louder Than A Riot
We share our space to introduce you to a new podcast, Louder Than A Riot, an in-depth look at issues around incarceration and the development of hip-hop.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/12/20•53m 57s
Milestones, Immigration And Justice Music
This week we visit with NPR's Radio Ambulante, talk about immigration issues and meet a singer with a message.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
27/11/20•29m 50s
Alt.Latino Film Festival: Fandangos And Mockingbirds
Two new music documentaries — featuring Linda Ronstadt and Arturo O'Farrill — tell us stories about history, identity and culture through Mexican folk music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20/11/20•26m 57s
Encore: A Conversation About The 'American Dirt' Controversy
When does a depiction of culture, history and identity become inauthentic? And according to whom? We dig into the conversation around the novel American Dirt. This episode originally aired Jan. 31, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
06/11/20•29m 5s
Latinidad In The News
We shine a light on recent stories by NPR hosts, reporters and producers who go beyond the obvious in their coverage of Latinx communities in the U.S.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23/10/20•35m 23s
Cumbia: The Musical Backbone Of Latin America
Alt.Latino journeys from the tip of South America to the bodegas of New York City — all the while dancing to the beat of cumbia, the lingua franca of Latin music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/10/20•46m 47s
We Look At The 2020 Latin Grammy Nominations
Lido Pimienta, Gina Chavez, Natalia Lafourcade and Juanes are just a few of the Latin Grammy nominations this year. We listen to their music and throwback to our conversations with those artists.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
02/10/20•41m 49s
50 Years Later, Santana's 'Abraxas' Still Changes The Game
Santana drummer Michael Shrieve and Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid give us the view behind the drum kit and illustrate the scope of the record's influence.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
25/09/20•30m 22s
Latinx Monuments We'd Like To See
Ivy Queen, Jean-Michel Basquiet and Maria from Sesame Street are just a few of the Latinx figures we think should be cast in bronze or carved on the side of a mountain.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18/09/20•28m 44s
Graciela Iturbide, The Artistic Soul Of Mexico
Take a journey into the artistic sensibilities of a genuine photographic icon. This interview was conducted entirely in Spanish.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16/09/20•24m 29s
Roots Grow Outward
Devendra Banhart and John Santos both have cultural roots in Latin America, but their music could not be more different. Hear two separate interviews with these enigmatic musiciansLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
11/09/20•54m 8s
The Texicana Mamas Celebrate Tejana Culture With Wondrous Harmony
The trio of powerful Latina vocalists is at home in mariachi, country, Americana and folk music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
04/09/20•42m 37s
Gloria Estefan: 'It's All About The Drums,' This Time From Brazil
The Cuban-American pop star indulges her love of Brazilian music and rhythms on her new album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21/08/20•35m 50s
Listen To The Lessons In LADAMA's Music
With members spread over four countries, LADAMA elegantly blends cultures and ideas. Its new album is called Oye Mujer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14/08/20•29m 31s
Alt.Latino's Summer Music Haul
From Carlos Vives to Ana Tijoux, here's a batch of new music that meditates on identity, culture and the pandemic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
07/08/20•35m 28s
Reclaiming Boogaloo
The very essence of boogaloo music is about "bringing people together, creating conversation and creating community." How was it appropriated by white supremacists?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/07/20•33m 21s
Residente's Favorite Protest Songs
One half of the Grammy-winning group Calle 13, Residente has written his share of powerful protest songs. This week he shares his favorites by other artists.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/07/20•45m 38s
The Afro-Latinx Experience Is Essential To Our International Reckoning On Race
"Blackness is heterogeneous." On this week's episode, deep conversations about the Afro Latinidad and Blackness.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
03/07/20•44m 53s
Alt.Latino's Favorites Of The Year (So Far) Reflect Our Times
Our annual mid-year survey contains music that speaks to the current health crisis, as well as the fight for racial equality.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26/06/20•52m 43s
Juanes Turns Inward
Juanes reflects on lessons learned from the world-wide pandemic, how Latin music has changed in the last ten years and his love of Metallica and Bruce Springsteen.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19/06/20•27m 44s
Rita Indiana, La Monstra, Returns With 'Black Sabbath Dembow'
"Music is more democratic than literature." Ten years after releasing her debut album, the Dominican musician and novelist returns with Mandinga Times.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17/06/20•28m 17s
Alt.Latino's 10th Anniversary!
Over the past decade, Alt.Latino has covered immigration, LGBTQ concerns, fights for social justice and, of course, music. Looking back this week, we revisit our very first episode and pilot.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/06/20•37m 49s
Lila Downs And Gina Chavez: Two Mujeres With Messages
These conversations with Lila Downs and Gina Chavez explore identity, the power of language and listening to our ancestors for guidance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
12/06/20•39m 41s
From The Alt.Latino Archives: Protest Music That Inspires And Moves
Music gives voice to frustration and anger. On this episode, we listen to musicians demand social justice in song and action.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
05/06/20•29m 51s
Natalia Lafourcade Searches For The Soul Of Son Jarocho
The Mexican folk music of Veracruz is a pathway not just to her own cultural and familial roots, Natalia Lafourcade says, but also offers a balm for these times.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22/05/20•42m 23s
The Pandemic's Impact On The Latino Community
This week, we host a roundtable with reporters covering the coronavirus and how infections have adversely impacted communities of color in the U.S.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15/05/20•41m 7s
How Some Indie Musicians Innovate And Improvise During Coronavirus
From a virtual songwriting camp to studio session work, we check back with Davíd Garza, Rocio Marron and Making Movies' Enrique Chi about what they're doing to generate some income during quarantine.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
08/05/20•29m 23s
New Music For Being In And Out And About
Hit play on new songs from Chicano Batman, Lido Pimienta and Helado Negro for your indoor and socially-distanced outdoor activities.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
01/05/20•38m 28s
Cándido Camero, Latin Jazz Pioneer, Turns 99
Hear an interview with the great Cuban percussionist as he remembers Havana nightlife in the 1940s and the pulsing streets of New York just after World War II.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24/04/20•29m 25s