Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Jessie Reyez, Arturo O'Farrill and Astropical
Feb 5, 2025
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The discussion kicks off with a powerful emotional response to deportations impacting the Latino community. They dive into Jessie Reyes's single 'GOLIATH,' highlighting themes of love and artistic growth. Vibrant sounds from the band Maybe Felix introduce a fusion of cumbia and rock. The exploration of Afro-Cuban jazz reveals deep musical roots, with special focus on Trinca and Astropical. The role of music in bridging cultural and political divides is also emphasized, showcasing its significance in contemporary society.
Selena Gomez's emotional Instagram post sparks a debate on the responsibility of public figures to amplify marginalized voices in social justice issues.
Chicha's innovative blend of 1960s Peruvian cumbia with modern sounds reflects cultural diversity, bridging traditional roots with contemporary musical influences.
Deep dives
The Impact of Celebrity Voices
A significant discussion revolves around Selena Gomez's recent emotional Instagram post regarding deportations and the Latino community. Critics argue that, as a third-generation Mexican-American, her perspective may not resonate with those experiencing immediate fears surrounding deportation. Instead of centering her emotions, it is suggested that she could have used her platform to elevate voices of those more directly affected by the issue. This highlights a broader conversation about the responsibilities of public figures in matters of social justice and the intricacies of generational perspectives on activism.
Celebrating New Musical Influences
The podcast highlights the band Chicha, which combines elements of 1960s Peruvian cumbia with modern influences, showcasing their latest track 'Cholo de Galaxia' from their upcoming album. They are described as a genre-blurring group that embodies a 'wild west' spirit, often collaborating with other artists from Tucson, Arizona. The band blends different musical styles, making their sound both innovative and reflective of the cultural diversity in their community. Notably, their music resonates with historical roots while pushing creative boundaries, bridging traditional sounds with modern rock elements.
Collaborative Efforts in Latin Music
A profound moment is shared with the collaboration of Colombian band Bomba Estéreo and Venezuelan band Rahuayana at a major festival in Puerto Rico. Their joint performance promotes unity amid political tensions, emphasizing cultural connections across the Caribbean. This collaboration serves not only as artistic expression but also as a response to the complex identity and historical ties among these nations. The merging of their sounds represents a cultural reclamation and a shared narrative that advocates for solidarity in times of political discord.
This week, we hear from a Colombian-Venezuelan super group, a new Afro-Brazilian band, and Ana gets another jazz lesson from a Latin jazz orchestra.
Songs featured in this episode:
• XIXA, "Xolo de Galáxia" • Meme del Real, "Princesa" • Jessie Reyez, "GOLIATH" • Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, "Dia de los Muertos III Mambo Cadaverous" • Trinka, "Grego" • Astropical, "Me Pasa (Piscis)"