Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Omar Apollo, Karol G and Papo Vazquez
Jul 10, 2024
auto_awesome
A delightful podcast features heartbroken music by Omar Apollo, controversial merengue electrónico from Karol G, and jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican sounds by Papo Vazquez. The hosts explore new music releases, Mexican folk bands, field recordings, Christian nationalism, music controversies, and unique interpretations of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican jazz.
Omar Apollo's 'Empty' showcases vulnerable emotions with bilingual lyrics, while Los Cenzontles honor Linda Ronstadt through Mexican folk-rock fusion.
Mabe Frati's experimental sounds challenge boundaries, blending dissonance with ethereal melodies for a unique musical experience.
Deep dives
Omar Apollo's New Album 'God Said No'
Omar Apollo, known for his unique blend of American R&B pop with mariachi influences, brings raw emotion and vulnerability in his latest album 'God Said No'. The track 'Empty' showcases Apollo's evocative voice and intimate lyrics, seamlessly switching between English and Spanish to convey deep emotional layers.
Los Sentsoles' Covers and Linda Ronstadt Influence
Mexican folk group, Los Sentsoles, pays homage to Linda Ronstadt with their cover of 'Different Drummer', blending traditional Mexican music with classic rock influences. Their authenticity and preservation of Mexican folk music's legacy shine through in their interpretation, contributing to the Bay Area's rich musical tradition.
Mabe Frati's Ethereal and Experimental Music
Guatemalan cellist, Mabe Frati, explores haunting and experimental sounds in her second album, 'Cintir Qué no Sárez'. Combining dissonance and discomfort with ethereal melodies, Frati's music reflects a unique blend of influences, challenging traditional boundaries and creating a grandiose yet authentic musical experience.
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.