20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From rusowksy & Bb trickz to KIANÍ

rusowksy, Bb trickz - "uwu ^^"

Spanish artists rusowsky and Bb trickz teamed up for their newest joint track “uwu ^^.” In the new mellow track, rusowksy blends his soft and reverbed vocals with Bb trickz’ hushed raps, giving listeners her signature hard-hitting verses in a more serene, almost over-the-phone way. The song – produced by Rusia-IDK – features simplistic slow chords in an echoing, reverb soundscape complemented lyrics about an unresolved love. Together, they make a go-to song for those in a puzzling situationship with someone who maybe should’ve stayed in the best friend zone. – Jeanette Hernandez

KIANÍ - “Sed”

After years of crafting music for others, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter KIANÍ is marking a path for herself with her triumphant debut. Working with artists such as Mimi Maura, Andrés Jiménez, and Jerry Medina, KIANÍ has been exposed to working with all genres, giving her an overall sense of range in musicality. This debut EP proves just that. Her opening track, “Sed,” establishes the singer’s prowess in songwriting and production. It’s a transcendent instrumental with a wavy groove to match. KIANÍ’s voice has a commanding, confident presence. Matched with a backing track that’s equally dreamy and jazzy, it’s a vivid immersion of sounds that can’t be tied to any one genre, “Sed” is an assertive introduction for the singer. – Alan Baez

Lismar - “No Drama”

For her COLORS debut, Dominican rapper and songwriter Lismar lets listeners know she’s not here to play. In “No Drama,” Lismar’s silky voice is accompanied by suspenseful keys and a booming trap beat as she unleashes rapid-fire verses conveying her relentless determination to succeed. Her lyrical prowess is on full display as she seamlessly transitions between earnest musings of desire for a better life for herself and her family, flexing her natural ability to secure a bag, and descriptions of the razor-sharp focus she lends to her craft. At only 19 years old, Lismar is a raw talent who is rightfully claiming her stake amongst the newest generation of rising Dominican rappers. – Rosy Alvarez

Parcels - “Leaveyourlove (feat. Ximena Sariñana, Rawayana)”

“Puro Michael Jackson ahí,” Beto Montenegro of Rawayana jokes beside singer-songwriter Ximena Sariñana as he dusts off his highest falsetto in the opening of their remix of Australian electropop five-piece Parcels’s “Leaveyourlove.” The cross-continental collaboration comes as part of Parcel’s surprise EP under the same name and includes different versions of the single, which originally debuted last month. Sariñana swoops in with tender verses as Montenegro adds his flirty flair to the mix in this retro-leaning track fueled by bright, staccato guitars and a snappy, funk-like bassline. – Nayeli Portillo

Ed Maverick - “valor de más”

Revered singer-songwriter Ed Maverick recently released his latest album, LA NUBE EN EL JARDÍN, in an avant garde single track and is now circling back to release individual segments to provide them each with their own moment of veneration. The first to be shared is album opener “valor de más.” The impassioned guitar-driven ballad indulges into very vulnerable corners of Maverick’s sentiments on his grappling and complex feelings around fame and that inevitable life that comes with it. Through his signature sentimental and emotive croons, he attempts to detail the feelings of separation of the artist and the art — a yin and yang type of reflection of the reality of being an admired artist. He teeters between feeling a disconnect as his music is an extension but not a fully realized version of himself that is still a stranger to his audience that can often leave him feeling a false sense of idolization while also understanding the relatability of people finding their own personal narratives within his words, underlying the true goal and connective power of music. – Jeanette Diaz

El Culto Casero, Isla de Caras - “Solo”

On his new album Mi Verano Oscuro, Paraguay’s El Culto Casero goes all in on sadboi angst, conjuring a tidal wave of Y2K-era slacker rock with assists from Juan López and Dromedarios Mágicos. A standout from the LP is “Solo,” his crossover with Argentine indie pop crooners Isla de Caras, which meditates on bittersweet dreams of puppy love shattered by the reality of waking up alone. Sounding like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Pixies, and Jean Dawson were thrown in a blender and poured over a pedal board, El Culto Casero tugs at MTV nostalgia while honing timeless sensibilities. —Richard Villegas

Ivenno - “Muchachita”

With his new track, Ivenno shows his own way of taking care of his emotional state and expressing love to the fullest. This young Ecuadorian artist does it with this catchy uptempo track adorned by clean synthlines, with Ivenno singing an uncomplicated melody that sounds like a sugar rush straight to the heart. Produced by ninokamikaze, the track samples Gwen Stefani’s “Luxurious” to great effect, making it the perfect soundtrack for young love and the fizzy feeling it brings while also placing the importance of self-healing before really committing to a new relationship. — Marcos Hassan

Rosario Alfonso, Niña Tormenta -  “La Vida Pasa”

The second collaboration between Chilean artists Rosario Alfonso and Niña Tormenta is no less emotional, but certainly more optimistic than their first one, “Un Día Lo Encontré.” “La Vida Pasa” is an introspective bolero that invites the listener to relax and enjoy the song just as much as they should enjoy the time that is given to them in life, in the present. The ethereal harmonies and contrasts between both singers serve as a catalyst to the proposed relaxation and, towards the ending, your brain will be echoing the phrase “siempre pasa lo mismo,” which should be taken as a sign for you to slow down — even if just a bit. – Júlia Henn

Inés Pacheco - “X ti”

Inés Pacheco is one of the most consistent emerging artists of 2024, constantly pushing the boundaries of R&B while staying true to a style that has undeniably helped to shape Guadalajara’s vibrant youth scene. To close out the year — and, in her own words, as a personal artistic milestone — she released Por La Noche Mixtape, a collection of tracks born from late-night creative sessions. The mixtape features collaborations with artists like hyperpop darling Foudeqush, Aloe, and Washi Hanna. “X Ti,” the second single from this compilation, stands out with its smooth harmonies and catchy bass rhythms. These elements form the foundation for lyrics that convey an emotional state rooted in unconditional love — always a delight to hear from Pacheco. It’s hard not to dance while listening to this track. Other than its emotional tones, it carries a special glow that could easily light up any night at the club. — Alan López

Negro y Los Colores - “All Inclusive”

Negro González started his career two decades ago as one of the premiere Puerto Rico hip-hop figures — not to be confused with the island’s “underground” scene — and gained a robust fan following in the course. He recently started a new project called Negro y Los Colores alongside other singers and musicians and segued into new acclaim. Their newest single, “All Inclusive,” serves as a perfect introduction to the concept: Negro rapping with freestyle fury over live band instrumentals and harmonious backup singers, marrying jazz fusion with alt-rock, funk, and more. It’s a successful second wind to an already impressive career and one that’ll introduce fans to a new world of sounds and vibes. — Juan J. Arroyo

Nova Materia - “Fictions of Myself”

Caroline Nov and Eduardo Henriquez, formerly of Chilean post-punk cult band Pánico, just announced their latest EP as Nova Materia, slated for a February 2025 release. The first preview we get of the upcoming project is the noisy dance jam “Fictions of Myself.” Standing at the intersection of electroclash and industrial, they blend drum machines and electronic pulses with distorted recordings sourced from banging materials like metal and stone to create a visceral experience. Nov is on the mic defending the multiplicity of the self, daring us to be more than one thing, reject labels, and reinvent ourselves whenever the hell we want to. – Cheky

Pepe Aguilar - “Cliente Frecuente”

Beyond buzzy family-related headlines, Pepe Aguilar has been a hitmaker for over three decades. Now, the Mexican icon is back with a new heartfelt ballad, “Cliente Frecuente.” The new track blends traditional música mexicana sounds with modern pop-rock elements with his signature echoing croons. Moreover, besides his iconic baritone vocals, the star of the track is the engaging electronic guitar solo, which reminds us that he’s still pushing rock tinges in his repertoire that’s still expanding today. – Jeanette Hernandez

Vitu Valera - "Caballo Suelto" 

Painting an illustrious daydream of lucid movement and warehouse dance, Peruvian beat necromancer Vitu Valera returns with a new project. “Caballo Suelto” is the opening track from the beatmaker’s latest EP, the latest from independent Peruvian label Matraca. While Valera has harbored more upbeat acid-house sensibilities with previous projects, “Caballo Suelto” paints an acid-fueled trance. It’s filled with hard-hitting high hats and a commanding instrumental that forces every bodily muscle to move. The song gives listeners a bright-eyed welcome to an even more elusive and colorful project, filled with dreamy loops and ambient waves that lift you from the listening experience. It’s all gas from beginning to end, with Valera flooring it from the driver’s seat and the aux. The EP comes right after Valera’s sophomore project from earlier this year, showing that the young beatmaker has way more in the tank. – Alan Baez

Nino Freestyle, El Mayor Clásico, Boy Wonder CF – “Bien Happy”

In “Bien Happy,” Nino Freestyle, El Mayor Clásico, and Boy Wonder CF take their lusty party boy energy from bar to bar and back to their house, leaving no woman behind. The steamy dembow track is a testament to feral excess; with liquor flowing, music bumping, and beautiful women to choose from, this group of playboys gets descriptive about what exactly is bringing them so much joy. In the accompanying music video, the squad gathers for the ride of their dreams. Stranded on the road with suitcases in their hands, El Mayor Clásico, Boy Wonder CF, and Nino Freestyle find themselves wandering in style until a school bus full of buxom beauties drives by and welcomes them to the party. The duo dances along with the women as they take turns delivering verses about flexing their wealth and the salacious ways they choose to spend it over high-energy percussion beats.– Rosy Alvarez

Ruzzi - “Bendita”

After teasing us with slow jams like “Lo Sientes Tú?” and the moodier “Désolé” earlier this year, Ruzzi has reemerged with a new single off her new full-length album Mariana. “Bendita” is yet another example of the Mexican indie singer-songwriter’s knack for crafting polished, atmospheric synth-pop songs, but shows us a more delicate and somber side. “Bendita, bendita tu alma/bendita, bendita tu piel,” Ruzzi croons over warm, washed-out guitars, immediately juxtaposing those blissful feelings with the ache of being away from a loved one (“Maldita las horas sin verte…Maldita las horas sin olerte”). – Nayeli Portillo

Juana Molina - “Astro de la luz segunda”

It’s been seven years since Juana Molina’s last album, Halo, but Argentina’s experimental high priestess has far from forgotten her fans, finally unveiling a new EP titled EXHALO. Made up of unreleased cuts from the Halo sessions, the new tracks expand Molina’s hypnotic universe with textured, twangy guitars, as well as her signature looping systems. But there is also new information, as on “Astro de la luz segunda,” where she meditates on the untouchable awe of marble and magic, perhaps considering the superlative praise bestowed upon her and ultimately reminding us she is merely human. — Richard Villegas

Madi Diaz - “Kid On Christmas”

Christmas can be a time of complicated emotions, and Madi Diaz expresses them perfectly in this early holiday track. On this new seasonal ode, the singer longs to feel like a kid on Christmas. And she tries hard, buying lights of every color and putting up a plastic Jesus even after she “lost her religion.” To really drive the emotion home, the spare backing track features guitars and her spectacular vocals, making Diaz sound desolate as she looks for true joy where she usually doesn’t. “Kid On Christmas” captures the anxious feeling of the holiday with soul and a glimmer of hope. — Marcos Hassan

CHESCA MÚSICA - “ONLY IF IT'S IN PARIS”

Sometimes, even with all the difficulties that we face in our daily lives, it’s necessary to learn how to dream or, better yet, daydream. Singer and songwriter Chesca Música takes it literally in her latest release, “Only If It’s In Paris,” a sweet tune where she reflects on her most recent heartbreak and how everything could be forgiven — but only if it’s in Paris. With a charming accompanying music video, the tenderness and sincerity of the lyrics are easily conveyed by the singer’s wistful performance. For those who have ever dreamed of living a special moment in the City of Love, this one is for you. – Júlia Henn

Gera Akaté, La Kone, sashadai - “Mi Ciela”

Gera Akaté has made a name for herself as a DJ, spending the last year building her image and brand with a string of successful appearances in and outside of Puerto Rico. She founded her label, Akochema, and has used it to back up her own branded shows with fellow artists and DJs. Now, she releases “Mi Ciela” along with alt-trap singer sashadai and producers La Kone. The track is a hype song for baddies with the blues, urging them to shake off the sadness and let the energy of a fun night out renew their spirit. Sashadai takes control of the beat and makes sure to drop the spirited rallying cry: “Tonight Gera’s playing, you know what that means.” As many fans can attest, it means a night of lights, house, and dancing ‘til the sun says so. — Juan J. Arroyo

Trinka - “Dois No Ilê”

Trinka, the Brazilian-Portuguese trio formed by Dandara Modesto, João Pires, and Juninho Ibituruna, is set to debut in January with EP, a six-song project that includes the opening track “Dois No Ilê.” Written by Brazilian songwriter and poet Pedro Luís, the song is a tale of and a prayer to two Candomblé orixás, brothers Oxossi, king of hunting and the forests, and Ogum, king of war and iron. With little more than repetitive guitar motifs and hypnotic percussion, they create a narrative that intensifies by the end with Modesto, a Candomblé practitioner herself, singing in Yoruba and showing the full range of her voice. – Cheky