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.
Peruvian-Brazilian producer Gala Brie is back with a new single titled Distancia – a prismatic synthpop anthem perfect for putting physical and emotional distance between heartbreak and the blissful therapy offered by a packed dance floor. -Richard Villegas
“Vete De Aquí” was co-written by Puerto Rico hip-hop lifer Álvaro Díaz and got a co-sign from J Balvin via Instagram Stories, but one need only hear Kablito’s own voice and personality to know who really runs the show. Through her very personal way of interpreting R&B – sounding equal parts late 90s, and Puerto Rico in 2019 – she reaffirms her self-worth after a breakup with someone who didn’t value her. In “Vete De Aquí,” confidence and talent are one and the same, and Kablito has both to spare. -Marcos Hassan
Favi and Amanditita make an inspired pairing — their sugary sweet hook and coldhearted flows are like Halloween cumbia candy with a switchblade inside. That’s how cutting the brush-off of yesterday’s boo comes across here, set to a beat by Kinky keyboardist (and Amanditita’s IRL man) Ulises “El Licenciado” Lozano. -Caitlin Donohue
ATL-based Panamian emcee Nino Augustine had us impatient for his next song to drop after the fire Panama stylings of his APOCALIPSIS-produced last single “Agua.” This new beat “Italia” doesn’t disappoint, a steel drum-studded ode to monied horizons that pulls in influences from Atlanta bling as Augustine’s old school plena guiding lights. -Caitlin Donohue
“En los cuentos de princesa siempre fuí la mala,” spits Mexico City’s Charly Gynn, who is growing into her reputation as a trap samurai, aided by the clanking wind chimes of latest single “No Voy.” Once again, her beat comes courtesy of Gynn’s “Booty” collaborator Jace Kimura, and the clip is produced by Guadalajara-Mexico City crew Cyberwitches, who used their powers to make a Burger King the video’s bitch. -Caitlin Donohue
Before you play a song by Tayrell, you already know it’s going to be a smooth ride, and that’s exactly what we get on “Fantasies.” Together with Austrian vocalist Marie Elodie, the Mexico City duo made a track that’s tactile – from its rich textural palette to the caressing fantasies described in the lyrics. It’s a moment we recommend sharing with someone. -Cheky
This track by some of Mexico’s indie faves seems specially designed to inspire arm flings and stratospheric jumping, with maybe a high kick for good measure, especially from fans of the sunshine chords and exuberant riffs of the group. The video is similarly real fun; a day in the life of a girl gang you’d be lucky as hell to join, that climaxes in a dance circle as wild as the song’s terminal guitar solo. -Caitlin Donohue
A coalition of retrofuturistic synths and devil-may-care punk attitude propels this sugar rush of a track. Noisy in the best possible way, this Buenos Aires outfit know how to encapsulate teenage angst and make it seem like the most fun panic attack ever. Brenda Lunar knows how to keep things fresh and exciting, and I’m all for any band who remind me of the dearly missed Brainiac. -Marcos Hassan
It’s been four years since the sublime Middle Eastern textures of Sole Parody’s Hondo, and the Spanish producer has finally returned with a brand new album showcasing her evolving mastery of electronic world-building. PORVENIR is filled with atmospheric ruminations toeing the line between banger and subtlety, and a stand out like “La Fuente” will pull you deep into the thoughtful, danceable rabbit holes Le Parody is so adept at creating. -Richard Villegas
It’s no secret that religious mantras have a sense of rhythm, but as demonstrated by Colombia via Italy artist Montoya, Afro-Caribbean prayers can also serve as percussion. The ZZK musician follows the model of ancient-meets-current music to build an exciting dance track where vocals are so rich that all the other elements – the electric piano, the buzzing bass synth, the hi-hats – add to the depth of the music as well as the flow of the beat. -Marcos Hassan
https://soundcloud.com/superfonicos/tropidelico/s-lMgmw
Austin-based Colombian band Superfónicos just released two singles produced by Spoon’s Jim Eno that focus on the African roots connecting the American continent’s music. The instrumental “Tropidélico” is their take on funk that, in addition to referencing afrobeat, naturally shines with Afro-Colombian and indigenous instrumentation – reminding us that maybe we’re not that different in this corner of the world. -Cheky
https://soundcloud.com/lagartijeando/2-lagartijeando-la-frontera-feat-minuk/s-4h5AA
Lagartijeando previews his forthcoming Wonderwheel Recordings album Jallalla with a stunning collaboration with Minuk!, a.k.a. Lulacruza’s Alejandra Ortiz. “La Frontera” is the opposite of a song about borders; on the contrary, it floats in every direction over the Andean Mountains, showing us all of its natural splendor through vivid lyrics and marvelous charango strums. -Cheky
Kansas City based duo Los Coulters cordially invite you to a cocktail party in the jungle with their latest single “Fotográfico.” Out now via Bodega Island, the track combines bossa nova, dembow, and a dash of 1960s suburban madness to produce a little slice of groovy irreverence. -Richard Villegas
