Every week, we highlight some of our favorite releases in a handy list. Although we try to cover as much new music as possible, there are so many stellar releases to talk about. Consider this our genre-diverse guide to songs we have on repeat.
Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
1
Mula - "Ella Sabe"
As Mula gears up to release a new EP later this year, the effervescent Dominican trio has unleashed “Ella Sabe,” a first glimpse at perreo-filled nights to come. While the Acevedo sisters serve up softspoken vocals, Rachel Rojas is having a blast on production, incorporating horn samples and distorted basslines that will remind fans why Mula are undisputed Caribbean reinas. –Richard Villegas
2
Nino Augustine - "Agua"
“Agua” is a roaring song from an artist who saw the birth of reggae en español; Nino Augustine grew up in Panama City watching plena pioneers Nando Boom and Kafu Banton throw down. It’s no surprise that his flow on “Agua,” produced by Trinidadian-Los Angeleno Josiah “Jott It Down” Noray, possesses a certain old-school ease. The track is the latest release from Riobamba’s carefully curated APOCALIPSIS label, a neat summary of why its mission to rework the music industry’s center of gravity is crucial to our listening pleasure. –Caitlin Donohue
3
Rakta - "Flor Da Pele"
The goth punk band are previewing their next album Falha Comum by showcasing a next-level evolution to their angular and exciting sound. Creepy keyboards and pogo-dancing beats still dominate the mix, but their skills at conjuring horror movie soundtrack atmospheres pushes them to new heights. “Flor da Pele” is everything you would want from dark music, without relying on tropes from the past. –Marcos Hassan
4
Das Kope - "Tiger"
Through a handful of singles, LA-based Brazilian musician Das Kope has been sketching a compelling thesis for lo-fi synthedelia. His latest, “Tiger,” features guitar and keys that are saturated, even juicy, but everything sounds covered in spiky fuzz – so, it’s kind of exactly like a ripe kiwi fruit. Simultaneously bright and murky, the song evokes grimy, hazy Los Angeles days, as well as some of the all-time masters of sunny psych: Os Mutantes, Tame Impala, Brian Wilson and Ariel Pink. Take a bite. You don’t have to peel it. –Beverly Bryan
5
MOÜGLI - "Tú me llevas"
Colombian duo MOÜGLI get lovey-dovey on the first single since their Lado A and Lado B EP. A warning: it’s catchy as hell. “Tú Me Llevas” tries to sonically recreate the feeling of being in love; it lifts you of your feet, you feel elated, and you can’t help but smile. “No me falta nada contigo al amanecer.” We want that. –Cheky
6
Montoya - "Solo Quiero" ft. Pedrina
Colombian producer Montoya might live in Italy, but for his first release for ZZK Records, he calls back to his home country thanks to a collaboration with Bogotá sweet-voiced singer Pedrina. The results are rhythmic, with dub-inspired production – but the vibe remains chilled and minimal, perfect to watch the sun go down and wait for the right time to hit the club. –Marcos Hassan
7
Charly Gynn - "Booty"
Emerging Mexico City trapera Charly Gynn comes through with a high-energy perreo moment, her low-pitched purr humming along a beat from local producer Jace Kimura engineered to deliver the snappiest hip drops possible. Do as they say and ride the rhythm into a dance floor seismic event. –Caitlin Donohue
8
Ar Kedabar - "Tego Es Mi Papá"
Miami-based newcomer Ar Kedabar has dropped a new EP called Chamana via label and collective Internet Friends, cementing the young trans performer as a South Florida force to be reckoned with. Standout track “Tego Es Mi Papá” is a tribute to the influence of Puerto Rican reggaeton icon Tego Calderón that simultaneously spotlights the young peruana’s fierce cockiness and vibrant talent. –Richard Villegas
9
Lara Pedrosa - "La Isla"
Three tracks into Lara Pedrosa’s debut album El Bosque del Recuerdo, we find “La Isla,” a gorgeous ballad that tackles the push-and-pull nature of relationships. The Argentine artist’s breathy vocals float over the spacious dream pop track. Pedrosa battles with herself so her lover can see past her mixed signals and land on the island her love represents. –Cheky
10
“Hollow Body” - Crudo Pimento
Murcia duo Crudo Pimento take their cues from the pulsating punk and proto-industrial sound of Suicide, but there’s also a bit of chaos and digital mayhem that links them to bands like Ministry without going full aggro, keeping things clean and minimal. “Hollow Body” rises above the average distorted synth ditty, creating a secretly catchy track that flows seamlessly with abstract narration. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself breaking a sweat. –Marcos Hassan
11
Ozuna - "Vacía Sin Mí" ft. Darell
Ozuna trades his saccharine reggaeton baladas for a little darkness. “Vacía Sin Mí,” the latest cut from his next album Nibiru, is a pitch-black missive to lover who Ozuna feels is empty without him. The video even seems to draw on the influence of CANADA, the Spanish production house behind Rosalía’s epic “Malamente” video. –Isabelia Herrera
12
Playa Gótica - "Foerte"
Chilean indie-pop livewires Playa Gótica are experts at keeping fans on their toes, delivering fresh yet consistently gratifying singles at every turn. Their latest release, “Foerte,” finds the band in familiar danceable headbanger territory, while singer Fanny Leona’s honey-dipped vocals act as a siren song, entrancing fans into a spell of dancefloor bliss. –Richard Villegas