18 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Jocsan Durán to El Dusty & DJ Kane

01.24.25 at 00:47

This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include Jocsan Durán, El Dusty with DJ Kane, and Demphra. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Jocsan Durán - “Bachata Rosa”

Despite only recently starting his venture into corridos tumbados in 2022, Orlando-based artist Joscan Durán’s sound is rich in multicultural influences, ranging from the heavy bachata influence of the Dominican Republic to the flair of Florida. The singer’s first track of 2025 is the first of many, dipping more into Durán’s corrido bag. “Bachata Rosa” is an intimate, refreshing, and progressive take on bachata that showcases his chops in another light of his music. Its luscious opening of chimes and soft acoustic plucking blends with Durán’s masculine approach on the mic, making for one of the most tender performances in his catalog to date. It’s a softer corrido in his discography, but it makes for a wonderful listen. – Alan Baez

El Dusty, DJ Kane - “Tra Tra Tra”

Cumbia electronica hitmaker El Dusty joined forces with Kumbia Kings’ former vocalist DJ Kane for their new song “Tra Tra Tra.” The new electro-cumbia collaboration features a rhythmic trombone line backed by Afrobeats percussions and house tinges — aka the signature sounds the Corpus Christi-born producer is known to put together. “I’m coming back with a fresh twist on my music, diving deeper into the sounds I love — house music, Afrobeat, and cumbia,” El Dusty previously said about his new music. “It’s all about blending those rhythms to create something that feels new, hype, and true to my roots.” – Jeanette Hernandez

Demphra - “Pa’ Curarme”

You might remember Demphra from her time as the front woman of La Factoría, the R&B-meets-reggaeton act behind massive hits like “Todavía” and “Perdoname.” Now, the Dominican-Panamanian singer brings us an uptempo ballad about moving on from a toxic relationship. Despite the heartache, “Pa’ Curarme” shows a forward-looking Demphra wishing her, perhaps undeserving, ex well as she finds her own power in letting go. The single fuses contemporary pop with música mexicana by combining melodic guitar riffs, trumpets, and tuba instrumentals courtesy of members of the Kumbia Kings, hinting at a new artistic path for the singer. – Nayeli Portillo

Combo Chimbita - “Dímelo”

It’s been nearly a year since we delighted in new music from Brooklyn-based Colombian outfit Combo Chimbita, who’ve been preaching the gospel of prog-cumbia-bullerengue around the world. Now they’ve unveiled “Dímelo,” a funky, reggaefied cut about getting lost in the energy and desires of another and the long journey back to one’s self. Produced by Daptone Records’ Victor Axelrod, the track’s bouncy groove is among the most effervescent and delightful in the band’s recent repertoire, hinting at more sunny tunes on the horizon. – Richard Villegas

Chanell - "UZI MA"

Puerto Rican artist Chanell’s musical style is easily recognized in his latest release, “UZI MA,” a track overflowing with feelings of love, longing, and regret, beautifully complemented by the accompanying music video. In the song, the singer mulls over a past relationship, his thoughts wrapped in urban beats that are undeniably influenced by Latine rhythms and the musical family Chanell grew up with. “UZI MA” is the perfect track to set in motion the artist’s upcoming project, which is soon to be announced. – Júlia Henn

Conep, CDobleta - "OSEA"

With the continuous rise of emerging artists on the Latine trap scene, Puerto Rican newcomer Conep unveils a trap hit under his belt with a catchy single titled “OSEA.” The track, which features Bori rapper CDobleta, is a testament to Conep’s rise to the top. Combined with both artists’ synergy and flow, the lusty song will seemingly be tapped to be the next go-to sing-along anthem. The song is accompanied by a women-filled music video directed by Webster Director showcasing a perception of reggaetonero lifestyle. — Brenda Barrientos

Karaiya - “Se Me Había Olvidado Llorar”

Karaiya had often busked in the public plazas of Old San Juan, singing covers and originals to passersby. But a few months ago, she was thrust into the spotlight when iconic Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañón and Cuban artist Lenier Mesa discovered her and posted her on social media. Now, she has releases her first single, “Se Me Había Olvidado Llorar,” and begins a new phase. Dedicated to her late father, Karaiya opted for a corrido-influenced sound as a homage to the days when Puerto Rican artists had to travel to Mexico to study music. With a voice that projects heartfelt emotion, she aims to allow herself — and listeners — to give themselves space to mourn despite life going on around them. — Juan J. Arroyo

CRISTALINO - “La Vida en Marte”

On the heels of his Best New Actor nomination at this year’s Premios Goya for his role on Segundo Premio, Granada artist CRISTALINO just dropped his Jaime Beltrán-produced CRISTALINO EP II, a consolidation of his brand of avant pop. Opening track “La Vida en Marte” is a moody slow jam submerged in electronic clouds of ambient sounds, with CRISTALINO slipping in and out of a dream where he can be with his loved one. Eventually, a beat emerges with a trap-tinted pattern, only to fall shortly after into an acoustic guitar-led outro that fades away melancholically. — Cheky

María Yfeu - “Dime que no”

Essentially, singer-songwriters’ mission is to try to communicate big and often painful feelings and translate them into evocative melodies, which is better said than done. When everything falls into place, you get a song like “Dime que no.” María Yfeu’s sings softly over simple acoustic guitar strums that become disturbed by waves of distortion that summon up the unrest within the lyrics about breaking up and letting go (or the inability of moving on), building atmospherics into a cathedral of emotion. Thanks to its cathartic musical arrangement, “Dime que no” feels like an intimate display of emotions. — Marcos Hassan

Vitalico - “Y Así fue que te imaginé (feat. Ivan Ivengo, Aldo Carpes)”

In his first release of 2025, Vitalico, aka Dario Vital of Comisarió Pantera, is back to continue his stride in a lucrative solo career. “Y Así fue que te imaginé” is a colorful immersion into what the Latine pop genre can offer, blending an array of sensual lyrics with a vibrant instrumental. Matched with a playful vibe throughout the song, Vital creates a very summery, warm sensation that comes to life with every new layer of instrumentation. Though Vital has been crushing it in a league of his own, he isn’t alone here. He taps in two up-and-coming indie pop artists that bring dynamic cohesion and unique energy to the track. The collaboration between Vitalico, Ivan Ivengo, and Aldo Carpes makes for one of the most refreshing pop ballads this year. – Alan Baez

Adriel Favela - “Un 2x3 (feat. Carin León)”

Following their last mariachi track “Con Un Botecito A Pecho,” Adriel Favela and Carin León are back with another collaboration. The Mexican singers’ newest song “Un 2×3” features a different side of música mexicana, highlighting string instruments like a deep bass guitar and harmonizing guitar strings. What also makes the song worth listening to is the duo’s enthralling and melodic croons – specifically León’s – who shows the sensitive yet bélico side of his artistry. With this new joint track, the duo delivers a melancholic tune as they look back at their fast lives’ ups and downs and everything that comes with it. “Un 2×3” is part of Favela’s new album Origen. – Jeanette Hernandez

Pájaros Vampiro - “La Semana Está Bajo Ataque”

Mexico City punks Pájaros Vampiro have returned with a new jam and their first release since last year’s Alba EP. “La Semana Está Bajo Ataque” takes cues from lo-fi ‘90s slacker rock heavyweights like Pavement and marks a sonic shift from the group’s piece’s spiky, high-powered beginnings on projects like 2020’s Buscando Rebeldía. Here, the four-piece tackles the mundanity of day-to-day life through waves of hazy guitar feedback and rambles on about the desire to keep it all simple rather than get caught up in other people’s ambitions and ideas of success: “La televisión no tiene nada bueno/abri una caja de recuerdos/donde yo soñé despierto/nada fue muy bueno/y me volví a dormir.” – Nayeli Portillo

Barbacius - “Wauw”

While the Northern Hemisphere struggles to keep the blizzards and icy winds at bay, South America is enjoying full-blown summer, a peak season for thumping club anthems. On his latest single, “Wauw,” Chilean pop bear Barbacius is determined to get our blood pumping, belting lines like “Corre el sudor por mi cuerpo” over atmospheric reggaeton production that sounds like a hybrid between Karol G and M83. The iridescent, Pablo Fattori-directed music video is a chock full of furry, writhing bodies that invite naughty dance floor shenanigans and lead us to daydream about a future crossover with Venezuelan perreo heartthrob La Cruz. – Richard Villegas

Antdot, Riascode, Amanda Magalhães - “Maré”

A great bastion of Brazilian electronic music, Antdot presents his peculiar interpretation of Amanda Magalhães’ song “Doce Encanto” — originally released in the singer’s 2023 album Maré de Cheiro — with a new title, “Maré,” as well as a completely new energy, charismatically provided by the DJ’s skillful beats. The originally smooth and sweet track becomes an exciting Afro-House banger, with the DJ and singer joining forces to create an impeccable vibe, perfect for anyone who feels like the party, just as the show, must go on. – Júlia Henn

Alexia Naomi & Liricistas - “Respirar”

Chilean emerging pop princess Alexia Naomi just recently released her debut EP NAOMI on Oct. 24, 2024 — but she isn’t taking a break just yet. The Voice Chile semifinalist has teamed up with Chilean rap group Liricistas for her latest track, “Respirar.” The iconic hip-hop group’s essence and flow add a preeminent take to the song that reminisces on a time when being able to breathe felt easier. Naomi is one of Chile’s latest acts to be excited about, and it’s clear she has plentiful in store for us this year. — Brenda Barrientos

Soge Culebra, Abraham Mateo - “Rayos de Luz”

Spanish artist Soge Culebra released his latest project, ENERGÍA, just three months ago but hasn’t let that stop him from churning out more new music for fans. This week, he teams up with fellow countryman Abraham Mateo for “Rayos de Luz” and shows off a more committed pop-and-R&B fused sound. He shares that the track is dedicated to the people in our lives who brighten the gray days, be they lovers, friends, or family. He aims for the song’s hyper music to reflect the joy and euphoria of having your doldrums interrupted by someone’s light and to celebrate how sweet it is to never feel alone. — Juan J. Arroyo

Guerrinha - “A Fanfiqueira”

Following the release of his single “Suspenso Pelo Ciclo Implícito,” multitalented Rio de Janeiro artist Gabriel Guerra, aka Guerrinha, now shares two new instrumental tracks, “A Fanfiqueira” and “O Fofoqueiro.” On the former, Guerrinha proposes a groove built to feel like it’ll never become a reality, just like fan fiction. It has funk aspirations but never materializes as such, with pillowy guitars and synths that bounce in a foggy space, as if we were experiencing them half asleep. — Cheky

Split Moon - “More Clouds”

In many ways, psychedelic rock is an oxymoron; it suggests a trippy and peaceful ambiance while also implying a boost of energy. But in the hands of LA’s Split Moon, it all comes together perfectly. “More Clouds” starts with a lightweight drone before giving way to an easy groove adorned by desertic-sounding guitar work. Intricate sonics make for an evolving experience, pulling the listener into its inner space aided by the languid, mantra-like vocals that take over and reveal a spacey-yet-catchy chorus, invoking pure psychedelic bliss. “More Clouds” manages to synthesize both rocking chords and peaceful atmospherics. — Marcos Hassan

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