Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Danny Ocean, Girl Ultra and Superfónicos
Aug 7, 2024
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Danny Ocean, a Venezuelan artist crafting music amid his country's political challenges, shares insights on the personal significance of his work. Girl Ultra discusses her evolution into techno sounds, showcasing the vibrant electronic scene in Mexico City. Superfónicos brings funky, electro-cumbia vibes, reflecting cultural fusion in contemporary music. The conversation delves into how music serves as a powerful reflection of social and political landscapes, emphasizing connections between music, identity, and collective experiences.
Danny Ocean's EP 'Vinakia' acts as a poignant response to Venezuela's political turmoil, expressing collective emotions through his music.
Girl Ultra's transition to techno highlights the blend of traditional and modern sounds, showcasing the evolving nature of Latin music.
Deep dives
The Vibrant Scenes of Mexico City and Austin
Mexico City's thriving house techno scene is highlighted, emphasizing how it has become an influential facet of the city's music culture. The discussion centers on the artist Girl Ultra, who is transitioning from her roots as an R&B singer to celebrate her DJ origins, showcasing a unique instrumental track that embodies her signature sound. This track reflects the rich history of electronic cumbia in Latin music, blending fun techno elements with more traditional influences. The pulsating energy and the incorporation of jazz-like features highlight the evolving nature of music in the region, suggesting a deeper cultural conversation through sound.
Emotional Resonance in Venezuelan Music
The release of Danny Ocean's EP 'Vinakia' serves as a poignant artistic response to the turbulent political landscape in Venezuela following contested elections. The EP encapsulates the feelings of disillusionment and longing experienced by many Venezuelans, using music as a vehicle for emotional expression. Songs touch on themes of love and betrayal but are layered with a social commentary that resonates deeply with listeners, creating a connection between personal and collective experiences. Ocean's work is positioned not just as entertainment but as an anthem for those struggling with the realities of political strife and displacement.
Cultural Heritage and Innovation in Latin Music
The impact of traditional instruments and sounds in contemporary music is explored through the work of bands like Superfonikos, who blend Colombian roots with modern funk and Cumbia influences. There is a strong emphasis on preserving cultural identity while innovating within musical styles, showcasing the importance of traditional drums and rhythms in creating modern compositions. Lisa Morales' upcoming album, honoring her late sister, reflects a similar blend of personal history and cultural storytelling, connecting past and present through music. These artists illustrate how Latin music continues to evolve, maintaining its essence while inviting new interpretations and collaborations.
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.