20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Ambar Lucid to KEILINCH

Ambar Lucid - “Moving Mountains” 

Mexican-Dominican alt-indie songstress Ambar Lucid shares a timely new single with “Moving Mountains.” Known for irrevocably weaving the deeply intimate into her art, Lucid pushes her boundaries further as the song’s narrative unfolds around the experience and lingering aftermath of her father’s deportation at a young age. In a moment when more and more people are being taken and kidnapped across the country, her willingness to channel such personal and painful memories into art is both viscerally emotive and profoundly brave. She also turns personal pain into tangible help for others by donating proceeds from the track to support immigrant rights organizations. From reliving her last moments with her father to tracing the ache that persists through separation, Ambar transforms a nightmare reality into tender, soft-guitar-driven recollections, reclamation, and resistance. Through song, she builds closeness in the spaces where distance was forced, offering comfort to a community grappling with the pain of being torn apart. Paired with a video set amid the quiet sanctuary of the mountainside, the single feels like a heavy, unclenching exhale. Even if only for a few minutes, the release serves as a momentary escape from the weight of shifting policies and inhumane practices, and a refocus on the essential sweetness of human connection, familial love, and the hope that love can outlast any border.  — Jeanette Diaz

KEILINCH, SOG - “Bby Please”

Colombian songstress KEILINCH takes a fresh spin on the blend of R&B and hip-hop with her single “Bby Please.” Shot across the streets of Queens and Manhattan in New York City, the music video captures the inner monologue of a strong woman choosing to move on from a man who failed to value her while she was still there. Instead, she reclaims her time, spending it with herself, knowing she’ll never look at him the same way again. After all, he never could bear to hear her express her feelings and chose not to fight for the relationship. Though it’s time lost, she walks away with pride because it’s better late than never. At the end of the day, es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Delusion Bay - “MAYAMI”

Venezuelan singer-songwriter César Rodríguez emigrated to Miami and found himself at an all-too-familiar crossroads for many artists who try to make a new home. In order to fully articulate his feelings, he took to his musical project Delusion Bay and crafted “MAYAMI.” His newest single, along with its accompanying music video, is a study in all the feelings that overwhelmed him during that phase. From uncertainty about the future to self-doubt, all the way to the release of giving in to fate and beyond. His music’s fusion of ambient and indie rock is the perfect soundtrack for an existential journey that many could empathize with. — Juan J. Arroyo

Marito Ramirez - “Dimensión”

Ciudad Juárez candy raver Marito Ramírez is not to be underestimated. In the run-up to his debut album, MaritoWrld, out on July 10, the doll-faced ingenue has unveiled “Dimensión,” a thumping jersey club ballad unfolding like a portal into his kaleidoscopic universe. The song unpacks Ramírez’s excitement and insecurities as he shares the intimacies of his artistry, sheepishly wondering, “¿Será para mí? ¿Me querrán aquí? ¿Habrá espacio para mí?” A rush of bubbly synths then floods the track, like a celebratory champagne burst christening his maiden voyage into pop splendor, while the accompanying visualizer focuses mostly on finding the right shoes to step into the spotlight. — Richard Villegas

Microhm - “Memory Index 3035”

One of the most forward-thinking electronic artists in today’s Mexican scene, Microhm is back with a futuristic perreo banger. “Memory Index 3035” begins with a heavy drone, designed with exquisite attention to detail, before a dembow drops to get some asses shaking. From then on, dread-inducing synths are weaved into the rhythm, creating a unique feeling; something like if Vangelis had access to state-of-the-art equipment and invited Luny Tunes for a collab. “Memory Index 3035” represents a new plateau for both reggaeton and experimental electronics, resulting in a track that can warp your brain and get your culo hasta el suelo. — Marcos Hassan

Calle24 - "Se Ocupa Tiempo"

You might recognize Chihuahua-based artist Diego Millán, aka Calle24, from his 2023 hit collaboration with Chino Pacas and Fuerza Regida “Qué Onda.” Since then, the regional Mexican singer has gone on to top the Billboard charts with his own brokenhearted and lovelorn corridos, and now he returns with a biting single called “Se Ocupa Tiempo,” where he struggles with that torturous period of loneliness after a breakup. “Quiero sacar el maldito veneno que llevan tus besos, ya borré las fotos pero los recuerdos los llevo,” sings Millán, as he laments the loss of his ex-lover and seeks escape in endless rebound sex and drunken weekends. – Nayeli Portillo

DFZM - “CAPPUCCINO”

DFZM is in his soft boy era. After being part of the controversial “+57,” Colombian artist DFZM is making a name for himself as a soloist. His newest single “CAPPUCCINO” demonstrates an endearing side of him – complete with a New York visual postcard as the single’s official music video. Accompanied by a gentle bass, guitar chords, and a sensual beat, the lover boy narrates a story about genuinely being in love with his partner, wherever he goes on the map. “CAPPUCCINO” marks his first solo track of the year, following previous collaborations like “MARINO” with Standly and SOG, “Miércoles” with L Kimii and Beatz Akademy, and “GPS” with Jowell & Randy and Jombriel. – Jeanette Hernandez

Rico Dalasam - "Dilema"

Rarely do we see complex explorations of character in the lyrics of funk music, which usually tend to focus on self-indulgent activities or ambitions. In his latest single “Dilema,” Brazilian artist Rico Dalasam resorts to questioning the limits of love and self-hatred in a relationship, and musing about the consequences of being caught up in such a situation. Despite the heavy themes presented in its lyrics, the song is a fun, upbeat one, while also going for a more melodic approach to the genre instead of the heavy bass beats commonly associated with it. If Dalasam’s goal was to make the listener of “Dilema” engage in some self-reflection while still dancing and partying to the song, I’d say he got his wish. – Júlia Henn

Lilly Yan - “Amarga Indiferencia”

Opening her anticipated six-track EP, Lilly Yan presents “Amarga Indiferencia,” an energetic proposal that, despite being built over strong synths, funky guitars, and a powerful message, is perfectly balanced by the softness of her voice and meaningful delivery. Almost mimicking the confusion that precedes clarity, the song opens with a distorted sound that stabilizes just before the drums kick in. Speaking about that moment of realization where it dawns upon you that you are actually better off without that person that didn’t value you, shining brighter without them dimming your light, the song is perfect for dancing alone embracing yourself or along with your friends in a sunny breakfast or road trip while bopping your heads to the beautiful choruses. The person she talks about made the mistake of undervaluing Lilly Yan, so we encourage you to be wiser and not do the same. Keep this artist in your radar, and listen to the entirety of her passionate, vulnerable, and fresh EP, Llorar a Gusto. – La Morra Lisa

Juan Lopez - “Guerra”

Only a year after making a splash with his third album CULIADO, featuring the likes of Dillom and AKRIILA, Cordoba artist Juan Lopez is already back with El Album Negro, a nine-song project filled with fantastic self-written and self-produced indie pop. Second on the tracklist is “Guerra,” one of the more rocking moments on the album. Carried by overdriven guitars and a static drum beat, the song displays a frustrated Lopez, who is on the brink of despair for being unable to change a loved one’s behavior, or worse, the way he feels towards them. He conjures fatalistic images to elicit self-reflection, but there’s no use. – Cheky

Octavio Cuadras - “Cayenne” 

Mexican corridos felices star Octavio Cuadras unveils his second album Ciclotimia, a fluid journey through the versatile sounds of Mexican Regional music. Within it sits the focus track “Cayenne,” a ballad-leaning piece built on electro-acoustic guitars and resonant synths that add texture to its traditional base. On the track, he processes the sting of heartbreak after unexpectedly seeing someone he once loved with someone new. Memories flood back so vividly that even familiar scents become unbearable, like the cayenne powder in his kitchen, kept since someone he loved once asked for it, but is now too painful to touch. As the song winds through fading memories and solitude, it finds gentle clarity that memories are only echoes that no longer hold us. The people we once lit up for have moved on, and it’s an achingly honest reminder that refusing to let go and carrying old flames will only burn us out and leave the future scorched. Yet in true Cuadras fashion, even in the ashes, he discovers quiet mercy in acceptance, letting go, and the healing that comes when we finally set the past free. — Jeanette Diaz

Cachirula y Loojan - "Supreme"

Reggaeton mexa artists Cachirula and Loojan preview their upcoming joint album, SEXOLANDIA VOL. 2, a sequel to their 2023 release of the same name. With the single “Supreme,” they deliver a sweet and sultry melodic romantiqueo vibe that fully captures the essence of SEXOLANDIA. If you’ve ever found yourself a few drinks in with that special someone by your side and feeling the chemistry build as the night heats up, this song is for you (and it’ll make the moment even hotter). Cachirula and Loojan highlight the sensual tension that follows, as they describe a bedroom encounter sparked by nothing more than a shared glance and an unspoken understanding of each other’s desires. Their smooth vocal delivery and hypnotic production blur the line between fantasy and reality, pulling listeners into an intimate sonic world. SEXOLANDIA VOL. 2 promises to be more than just an album. It’s a manifesto for lovers who speak the language of rhythm and heat. – Natasha Melina Argudo

YoGambii feat. Gigolo & La Exce - “G WAG”

Raised between Colombia, the U.S., and Puerto Rico, rapper YoGambii took the long way through adolescence, getting caught up in the grittier side of the street before making the decision to focus on music as an escape. Since then, he’s managed to put his foot in the door and even debut some impressive collabs with artists such as Luar La L and, this week, with duo Gigolo & La Exce. A catchy bop all about treating your boo, “G WAG” cheekily uses classic double-entendre wordplay and saucy lyrics to set the hot scene and get clubgoers on their feet. — Juan J. Arroyo

Emilia, Six Sex - “Pasarella”

June might be over but #HotGaySummer has only just begun, and the joint slay of Emilia and Six Sex on “Pasarella” is designed to soundtrack a stadium’s worth of fan clacking. Opening on a flirty Locomía sample, the song quickly morphs into the hardest-strobing EDM this side of David Guetta, distorting the pair’s vocals into crunched-up pop vixens with wide-eyed Creamfields dreams. Though Emilia’s fashion-girl mad libs run a gamut of label references and Hadid-family winks, Six Sex actually delivers a handful of memorable one-liners, including “Esta ropa cara la compré por face card.” In fact, the meteoric perreo-rave queen has been popping up on tracks from pop and reggaeton girlies eager to siphon off her innate sexpot cool, presumably to give the gays what they want, though mostly landing on ChatGPT-generated noguing fodder. — Richard Villegas

Lorelle Meets The Obsolete - “Regresar / Recordar”

For those wanting some psych rock that dares to draw outside the lines, Mexican psych duo Lorelle Meets The Obsolete has you covered. On the first taste of their forthcoming album, Corporal, “Regresar/Recordar” mixes krautrock-like repetitions with deep electronic experimentation, creating a sonic vortex that swirls in an unruly manner. However, these sounds take a new order around the halfway point, when the song takes the form of an acid-damaged house track, with a thumping beat giving it momentum and synths pulse in ecstasy. “Regresar/Recordar” is a masterclass in psychedelica, giving us mind-expanding soundscapes and blissful rave material in a five-minute package. — Marcos Hassan

Camila Fernández - “Retumbando En El Cora”

Singer and songwriter Camila Fernández channels that familiar feeling of sparks flying from prolonged glances and a first kiss into a new romantic and light-hearted mariachi song entitled “Retumbando En El Cora.” With the help of a full ensemble, Fernández reassures her crush there’s no need to overimpress, no need to mask one’s feelings with nonchalance, and no need to deny the heart of what it truly wants. Instead she simply dares him to be brave enough to make the first move: “Mírame/acércate, atrevete aqui, ahora/que todos sepan que somos dos que se adoran” – Nayeli Portillo

Yeri Mua - “Maldita (feat. Bb trickz)”

Yeri Mua isn’t slowing down. The Mexican singer and influencer released her newest dembow-infused collaboration “Maldita” with Spanish rapper Bb trickz, as part of her debut album De Chava’s deluxe version. With infectious lines like, “Me dice mami porque mama mi chichi,” Yeri leaves listeners stunned with her hilarious, risqué, and explicitly signature wordplay. Paired with Bb’s Spanish slang, the two unapologetic divas offer a fun and less-than-two-minute baddie anthem to pregame to. – Jeanette Hernandez

Ryu, The Runner - “bumbum 🍑 (feat. Rincon Sapiência, Tasha & Tracie e 6ee)”

Ryu, The Runner is the name (and title) of the young Brazilian rapper who is making waves with his work. His latest project sets sail with the release of the track “bumbum 🍑,” a collaboration with rapper Rincon Sapiência, female duo Tasha & Tracie, and, of course, producer 6ee. The themes present in the lyrics revolve around admiration and desire for a woman, woven with the need for relaxation after facing the daily pressure of a hard life. Excellent mood lighting and enticing choreography are key in the accompanying music video, which highlights the joys hidden in the underground scene, as dance moves match the rapid beats of the tune that expertly combines the best of funk and rap into one. – Júlia Henn

NXNNI – “GUAPA Y SOLTERA”

Opening with a summery guitar strum followed by the burst of electronic beats that make you feel like you are at a pool party, and coinciding with her real-life birthday, Mexican artist NXNNI makes a turn from her usual Regional Mexican sound to explore what feels like a superbly produced and well-rounded pop piece. In “Guapa y Soltera,” we get a self-love letter from and for a very confident girl who knows who she is, and is worthy of her time and, more importantly, her love. With beautiful visuals, like the choreography where NXNNI and her friends mimick removing a wedding ring in the chorus, and featuring lines like, “I don’t think you like me more than I like myself” and “If I could, I’d be my own girlfriend,” this is an empowering hit that will remind you of your worth and that your phone minutes are not for everyone. A sharp synth melody jumps in the third part of the song, complementing it and making it feel like it is building up to something, and that is, hitting that replay button. – La Morra Lisa

DIGESTIVO - “Cruera”

Brazilian label Acta Recording just dropped its second compilation Caudal, and it’s a collection of experimental electronic music that imagines new worlds by reworking pieces of our own. Here included is “Cruera,” a hard-hitting new track by boundary-pushing Belém producer DIGESTIVO, which functions as a hallucinogenic journey through a noisy factory. It relies solely on percussive elements, crafting a punchy beat that’s unpredictable in structure and texture. The trip is heightened by the expert use of distortion and the addition of repetitive vocal samples, which draw us further into this mind-bending experience. – Cheky