20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Michi to GALE & Lagos

Michi - “There’s No Heaven”

Michi’s comeback began in earnest this August with the long-awaited release of her single, “If You Want Me.” That track was a ‘90s R&B throwback that could still strut amongst the modern sounds of the genre. This week, she drops “There’s No Heaven,” which again reaches back a few decades to capture the sonic energy of dance-pop fusion, in this case. The song’s high-energy beat compliments Michi’s measured vocals as she croons about making the grand mistake of letting someone go and then regretting it. As she dances the remorse away in the Mitch deQuilettes-directed music video, the vibes are equally down bad but also immaculately hype. — Juan J. Arroyo

GALE, Lagos - “Por Si Las Dudas”

Puerto Rican singer GALE teamed up with Latine duo Lagos for their newest collaboration, “Por Si Las Dudas.” The new track signals a new era for Gale, featuring a more soft, synth-pop direction from her popular fun, edgy feminist pop-punk anthems. “Por Si Las Dudas” harnesses melodic synths, a pulsing pop beat, and compelling piano chords that pave the way for GALE to blossom into the diverse pop star she’s plotting to be. With Lagos in the mix, the two acts deliver a catchy pop tune that describes the back-and-forth indecisiveness when dealing with a potential breakup. The final result? An enticing synth-pop glimpse into GALE’s upcoming sophomore album. – Jeanette Hernandez

Marca MP - “Miedo”

Música mexicana act Marca MP puts an even more melancholic spin on Pepe Aguilar’s 2004 hit single “Miedo.” The new music comes as the California-based regional group continues with their nearly seven-month-long tour across the U.S., set to wrap up in Oakland in late November. Backed by an ensemble of brass instruments and upright bass, Marca MP’s rendition of the sentimental track shows the group’s range while staying true to their distinct sierreño sound. – Nayeli Portillo

DNGDNGDNG - “Ratra”

DNGDNGDNG is the alternative moniker for the creative duo of Felipe Salmon and Rafael Periera, two artists of multiple mediums exploring cultural identity through blending U.K. garage and visual media. Agita2 is the latest project from the Peruvian duo and the first project under DNGDNGDNG in two years, once again returning to a practice of mixing distorted vocal samples and intense garage basslines. It’s crafted of dynamic beats and ambient collections of modern influences to cultivate a wide range of sounds, and the album closer, “Ratra,” brings the experience back full circle. After exploring some sonically sound textures, “Ratra” breathes the passion for fast-paced drums through a cultural lens, exemplifying the duo’s love for electronic music while painting a visual image to match the harrowing vibe of the record. – Alan Baez

Remers - “YOKO Remix (feat. HADES66)”

Puerto Rican artist Remers teams up with Latine trap powerhouse Hades66 for “Yoko Remix,” a track primed to set the scene on fire. Packed with gritty beats and audacious lyrics, this single captures the raw energy that has made both artists into fan favorites. Remers has been making waves all year with his hard-hitting storytelling, drawing listeners into his journey through fame, hustle, and ambition. On “Yoko Remix,” Hades66 and him spark an undeniable chemistry, each verse hitting harder than the last. Together, they deliver an anthem that feels as unstoppable as Remers’ rising career — cementing his spot as one of Puerto Rico’s next big stars in Latine trap. — Júlia Henn

Chaboi, Mami Sandunga - “Mermelada”

Repping for Latine underground stateside, LA-based Mexican producer Chaboi has linked up once again with Puerto Rican artist Mami Sandunga to keep the heat up as we move into the colder months. “Mermelada” brings us an enticing non-traditional take on Latine house that offers a taste of both artists’ flair for global dance rhythms and sounds. From tropipop to vogueing-inspired house, the single is guided by whistles reminiscent of Latin American street carnivals and festivities, as Sandunga delivers punching flows to sensually sweet chorus chants that all boil down to a delectable dance floor jam that will leave your rhythmic cravings enjoyably satisfied. – Jeanette Diaz

Renata Flores - “Kuti tika”

The Ayacucho artist Renata Flores has officially released her first single “Kuti tika” off her upcoming album, and we couldn’t be more excited. Meaning “to bloom again” in Quechua, the track is sung completely in said language, which originates from the Indigenous people of Peru. This song, just like the rest of her discography, seamlessly blends modern trap and pop sounds with traditional Andean genres. “Kuti tika” is the beginning of a new era for Flores, one that includes her own show in Ayacucho, Peru, with special guest artists and more than 20 dancers on stage alongside her. – Sofia Viera

BULANGER - “LATE”

Caracas newcomer BULANGER has made his official debut with first single “LATE,” and it’s a fully-formed introduction to his talent. Sex and desire run through the song as BULANGER surrenders to his lover in burning passion while mixing in a “Chocolate” hand-clapping game in the chorus to try to veil what’s happening under the sheets. The queer artist displays his chops in this richly detailed production that complements his singing and theatricality, giving us an unexpected experimental pop bop. – Cheky

Henao - “Jaque”

For “Jaque” — a clear highlight from her new EP, Tu Fatale — Colombian-American singer Henao conjures a slick synthetic dembow that’s somewhere in the Venn diagram of popetón, neo perreo, and horny R&B. This song strikes a balance between dancefloor-ready beats as well as bittersweet emotions, with lyrics evoking the longing and lust for a former lover and soundscapes that are minimalist, lush, and subdued. Don’t let the opening badly-compressed synth line — like a low-quality MP3 downloaded from Napster at the dawn of the millennium — “Jaque” is no retro fodder. Instead, it demonstrates Henao’s gift of communicating complex emotions with her charismatic voice. — Marcos Hassan

Phantasma, Bleu Santana, Kalid Abdul - “Like U Never Left”

After making a splash with Dallas hip-hop group Chroma, rappers Bleu Santana and Kalid Abdul have embarked on a new joint adventure called Phantasma. Debuting earlier this week with “Like U Never Left,” the pair proves their bars are as playful and introspective as ever, unspooling a tale of heartbreak and longing over a bouncy disco beat that’ll stick with you like Texas BBQ sauce. – Richard Villegas

BARBEL - “Rayito de Sol”

With lyrics that often touch on themes of longing and heartbreak, BARBEL’s output has resonated with fans who find themselves going through the same motions. The Panamanian artist has meshed reggaeton and trap with his homeland’s cumbia sound and successfully made a name for himself, offering that marriage of lyrics and music. His newest single, “Rayito de Sol,” strikes a more upbeat attitude, switching out lamenting for romancing, inviting himself — and listeners — to be optimistic about real love entering their lives and brightening the days. The Bomber Musik-produced rhythms give BARBEL a tropical sound to encompass his message and a soundtrack for fans to dance with the rayito de sol of their eye. — Juan J. Arroyo

Kirko Bangz - “Pull Up / Vent 5”

Kirko Bangz, who has Mexican and Dominican roots, is back with his newest offering, “Pull Up / Vent 5.” The new track channels his early trap soul mixtape days and highlights two faces of his rap spectrum. In the song’s first half, he features his soothing vocals convincing his love conquest to meet up, complemented by a wavy, nostalgic trap beat. In the latter half, he raps about intimate situations, struggles without a present father figure, and how he masks his real feelings. With emotionally raw lyrics and backed by an ethereal trap melody, the track takes the listeners inside Kirko’s vulnerable mind, reminding them there’s so much more to him than his breakout single “Drank in My Cup,” released more than a decade ago. – Jeanette Hernandez

Rey Pila - “One Of Us”

Mexico City rockers Rey Pila are officially closing out Halloween with their new single “One Of Us,” the latest cut from their forthcoming album entitled Estan Strange I. The new record marks their first full-length release since 2020’s Velox Veritas, slated for a late November release. Punchy, ghostly synth lines and a tight falsetto hook evoke the sounds of late 2000’s dance rock tinted with electronic touches as frontman Diego Solórzano leads a chorus that recalls the iconic scene from the 1932 film Freaks, where Hans and his crew chant “One of us!” to a reluctant Cleopatra (“He said just like us/Become one of us”). – Nayeli Portillo

BeMyFiasco - “Pretty Little Love (feat. Lola Vialet)”

Bringing harmonious vocals over a refreshing instrumental, BeMyFiasco is back to follow up her 2021 debut. Having kept herself occupied supplying vocals for neo-soul heavyweights like Little Brother, Lalah Hathaway, and Oddisee, BeMyFiasco is a lowkey artist, keeping the hype for her album rollouts minimal and her circle of collaborators consistent. With her latest project, the singer is intentional with the album crafting and artistry of the music itself. “Pretty Little Love” is the title track, which captures the growth and care she has put into the three-year process. Its weary delivery in the vocal performance, mixed with sensual lyrics, blends with the subtle, whimsical instrumentation for a song that oozes tenderness and clarity. – Alan Baez

DJ Dali, MC MN - “VAI QUERE SENTAR TODO O DIA”

“Vai Quere Sentar Todo Dia” by DJ Dali and MC MN offers a catchy beat that reflects the rhythmic essence of Brazilian funk. The song is driven by powerful bass lines that make it an interesting addition to any party playlist. However, listeners should be aware that the lyrics are extremely explicit, which may limit its appeal for some audiences. Non-Portuguese speakers may find the song easier to appreciate solely for its infectious rhythm and atmosphere, as the graphic content might go unnoticed without a translation. Overall, it’s a bold take on funk culture, pushing boundaries with unapologetic energy and intensity. – Júlia Henn

Yungatita - “Armchair”

Skyrocketing out of East L.A., Yungatita, an alternative lo-fi pop rock project led by Valentina Zapata, shares a new music video for “Armchair” off debut album Shoelace & A Knot. The hazed indie meets slacker rock track journeys through battling against the feelings of being trapped inside your mind until you begin to question whether the sentiment is at the mercy of someone else or ultimately yourself. Directed by Angel I. Salinas, the music video adds texture to the world of the dreamy indie rock group with retro throwback aspects from VHS intros and outros to stop motion, as it segues into more modern but hallucinogenic visuals fueled by vivid colors and a very emotive frontwoman playing into various attempted escaping acts in animated and entertaining ways. – Jeanette Diaz

Alex Linares - “Enfermo”

Have you ever been so lovesick with joy that you hope it’s contagious? That’s what Alex Linares’ newest single “Enfermo” is all about. Released under the famous Hear This Music label, the track is filled to the brim with a hopeful and optimistic vibe while still keeping that modern, catchy beat. In “Enfermo,” Linares offers a welcoming and fresh perspective that even after heartbreak and sadness, we’re all better off focusing on the good in our lives and celebrating that. Love is all around us, and giving in to the feeling is worth it. – Sofia Viera

Los Mundos - “La Música”

Monterrey quartet Los Mundos aren’t showing any signs of slowing down, as they just dropped their ninth album Máquinas en Movimiento, yet another testament to their signature brand of psych-infected rock. Its third track, “La Música,” proposes that music is alive and breathing and begs us to reconnect to it in a meaningful way by reigniting our intuition. Wailing synths and gnarly fuzzed-out guitars clash with the machine-like drums, giving this piece of music its pulse. – Cheky

Odd Mami - “inocencia interrumpida (feat. Bratty)”

Argentine singer-songwriter Helena Massucco, aka Odd Mami, has dropped this ode to not-so-teenage angst with help from Mexican pop-folk singer Bratty. Inspired by ‘90s alt-indie rock, “inocencia interrumpida” features loud yet soft dynamics, crashing power chords, and catchy vocal melodies. Odd Mami masterfully contrasts edgy music with sweet vocals from her and Bratty to great effect, which perfectly complements the lyrics about nostalgia and gloom. Bringing an artfulness to confessional music that takes it to the next level, “inocencia interrumpida” is a ray of sincere emotions at a time of cynicism and braggadocio. — Marcos Hassan

Mariscos - “Garotinha”

Colombian singer-songwriter Marianna Velasco – aka Mariscos – has been stirring buzz in Bogotá’s troubadour underground for quite some time, and with her new single “Garotinha,” it’s easy to see why. Melding folk guitars, gossamer samba percussion, and moody vocals that evoke post-punk darkness, the track transforms a simple meditation on coming and going into an epic paean to wanderlust, longing to explore the highest mountains and bathe in the nearest shores. – Richard Villegas