20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From SANTOS BRAVOS to ISMA

Latine boy band SANTOS BRAVOS’ “KAWASAKI” got a makeover by Tropkillaz. In this new remix, the Brazilian duo adds more electronic and funk carioca hues, giving the catchy, high-energy K-pop banger more of a baile-funk-coated EDM trap flair (“Toma, toma toma!”). Originally produced by Diplo and “Hitman” Bang, the new remix explores more of the Brazilian producers’ signature trap, bass, and funk elements that have made them one of EDM’s favorite hitmakers since 2012. At the same time, the new remix demonstrates the demand for more Latine producers to put their own spin on the global K-pop scene that’s taken over mainstream media. – Jeanette Hernandez

ISMA seems keenly aware that good decisions are tomorrow’s problem on “BIPOLAR.” On the latest track, the Brazilian trans diva extraordinaire joins forces with Katy da Voz e as Abusadas for a gloriously chaotic dose of funk, attitude, and queer nightlife energy that leaves inhibition at the door and heads straight for the dancefloor. Completely unbothered by anyone else’s expectations, the track is equal parts horny and hilarious, as it embraces its contradictions unabashedly the whole way through. What makes the track so fun is that it’s not interested in cleaning itself up or keeping things sanitized. Instead, ISMA leans fully into the playful absurdity, sexual freedom, and larger-than-life personalities that have long made underground baile funk such a liberating space. Packed with quotable one-liners, outrageous humor, and enough energy to carry the whole damn function, the single is proudly unfiltered from start to finish, understanding that sometimes the mess is the point (and definitively all of the fun). — Jeanette Diaz

For their entry to the second volume of Kuboraum Sound Residency, Mexican artists Luisa Almaguer and Estrella Del Sol chose to play to their respective strengths to find a sound that blends both their aesthetics in a unique way. “Deseo” unites Almaguer’s art pop impressionism with Estrella Del Sol’s shoegazey abstractions into an ethereal yet catchy combination. The results feel both dramatic and profound, with Almaguer’s theatrical singing style complementing Del Sol’s beautiful high-register harmonizations over a bed of hauntology electronics. “Deseo” represents a meeting of two musical worlds from the Mexican underground that sounds like an organic yet one-of-a-kind pairing. — Marcos Hassan

On “Menta,” Puerto Rican artists Caleb Calloway and Bassyy return to familiar house music territory with effortless confidence, resulting in a track that balances dancefloor energy with a tender romantic core. The song embraces the genre that has long been part of Calloway’s musical identity and wraps its pulsating beats in warm melodies and affectionate lyrics that tell a story of irresistible attraction, where two people seem destined to find one another. The production creates an immersive atmosphere that feels both vibrant and comforting, allowing the sweetness of the song’s emotions to shine through. By pairing the infectious momentum of house music with a heartfelt sense of romance, Calloway and Bassyy deliver a track that feels equally suited for late-night dancing and getting lost in the glow of a newfound connection. – Júlia Henn

The kawaii vibe and sound that Chihuahua-born diva FLVCKKA has successfully merged with the tumbado movement creates the perfect environment for “MADRUGADA,” a collaboration with Chino Pacas, whose undeniable chemistry and lyrical flirting make it all work. In the first part of the track, their contrasting voices deliver the same lyrics, telling the story of an early-morning romance that is best kept secret, yet they couldn’t care less about opinions and risk as long as they’re together. As the song evolves, they go back and forth singing about what has them spellbound and enamored about each other as FLVCKKA’s soft and angelic voice against Chino’s raspy and irreverent delivery over a thumping hyperpop sound turns this into a modern Romeo and Juliet. Just like the original, they put love above all, but they didn’t have giant SUVs and Dior bags back then, so this is much better. – La Morra Lisa

Even though his debut album, sorry si soy GRRRIS, just dropped last week, that doesn’t mean ROBI is planning on pumping the brakes any time soon. The fast-rising Puerto Rican pop savant continues to add to his repertoire today with a collab that’s been on his bucket list for years: “Se me hace imposible olvidarte :(” alongside reggaetón legend Wisin. Even though Wisin’s better known for his perreo classics, he’s dabbled in pop more and more over the last few years, which yields a surprising chemistry with ROBI and a track that feels authentic despite how different they read on paper. It works, and for fans of either, it’s one they’ll be able to enjoy over and over. — Juan J. Arroyo

With two sensational projects under his belt this year, Mexico City native 1OO1O is next on the roulette for the slate of forward-thinking producers. 1OO1O is a part of Club Romantico, a record label embracing the next wave of ambitious club-centered electronic music all across Latin America. Club Romantico has produced numerous cutting-edge acts that are shaping the electronic genre, with this year housing their first album release from Venezuela’s Safety Trance. 1OO1O encapsulates the realms of dembow, merengue, and salsa, with a broad brush of techno, breaks, and hard house, proudly teetering between his Latine influences and love for club music. His latest song is a vibrant banger that furthers that ambitious mix of experimentation in production, while channeling something darker. “Lo Que Quiero” taps in longtime friend and collaborator Rico Rica for a spacey, eerie vibe. Rico’s feature is uncomfortably sexy, providing luscious vocals that fit the hedonistic energy. There’s an unsettling atmosphere to the song, defined by these wiry synth textures, but also sounding tempting with the suave dembow drum loop and Rico’s vocal feature. Almost like Rico is taking me out dancing in the “Backrooms.” – Alan Baez

Mariah Angeliq turns up the heat with “Q’Fay,” a fiery new reggaeton collaboration with

Chilean hitmaker King Savagge. The track blends their distinctive styles into a confident, flirtatious exchange as both artists trade verses that leave little to the imagination. Mariah’s bold energy pairs seamlessly with King Savagge’s flowing delivery, creating a lively, irresistible rhythm that keeps listeners hooked. Anchored by infectious rhythms and tight hooks, “Q’Fay” captures the dynamic interplay, revealing their strong attraction to each other with a modern edge. Each verse showcases their commanding presence, making the song feel effortless, adding depth to their fiery energy. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Mexican-American songstress Andrea Bejar is coming out with a new album later this year, and every taste we’ve gotten so far has hugged our hearts. Her latest single, “Petrichor,” is a folky ode to homesickness. She spends the first half of the song weaving together acoustic guitar picks and layers of her own voice to create a warm sweater of sound, as she looks through her window longing for the summer nights she spent in Mexico growing up. As the rest of the instrumentation joins in, complete with lap steel guitar and keys, the full image is conjured, and we’re transported into this nostalgic polaroid. The petrichor is summoned through music. – Cheky

Argentine synthpop queen Violeta Castillo is back with a new single titled “La Carta,” teasing her first album in a decade. Parsing through the wreckage of a messy breakup, the electropop dirge takes shape as a letter to her ex-paramour, airing grievances and owning up to fuck-ups over a flurry of synth melodies and drum machines. Arriving on the heels of Castillo’s 10th anniversary celebrations for the 2016 indie pop classic Errorws de Tipeo, the new track showcases robust sonic growth and a penchant for melodrama fitting for our overstimulated times. — Richard Villegas

Mon Laferte’s vulnerability and raw lyrics always pull at one’s heartstrings. This time, she shares a story of a regretful loss in “A Pesar De Ti Y De Mi,” the focus single of her new album FEMME FATALE VOL. 2. With her passionate and commanding vocals, the Chilean-Mexican singer-songwriter continues to expand her poetic and rich FEMME FATALE chapter that’s already given us so many stunning ballads and jaw-dropping fashionable looks. In the new heartbreaking music video, she takes on a beauty pageant she once won but now prefers youth—something we’ve seen in the entertainment space for years. However, with this type of artistic vision, this isn’t Mon’s case. In her new album, Mon keeps pushing forward and reaches alternative soundscapes, featuring blues, folk, punk, and alt-rock, giving a new life to her FEMME FATALE chapter that’s far from over. FEMME FATALE VOL. 2  is out now. – Jeanette Hernandez

No matter how far Trueno and Milo J’s music continues to travel, they still sound like two kids proudly talking about where they’re from on “PUMAS.” The latest preview from Trueno’s upcoming project TURR4ZO blends rap, folk traditions, and references to Argentine musical history while turning its lyrical attention toward migration, community, and the people who continue to shape them long after they’ve left home. Inspired in part by Facundo Cabral’s iconic “No soy de aquí, ni soy de allá,” the track carries the understanding that sometimes you don’t just return to your roots, you bring them with you. What makes the song particularly charming is that neither artist approaches the subject through nostalgia alone. Instead, there’s a genuine pride running throughout the single, whether they’re planting flags across borders, shouting out their neighborhoods, or simply reminding listeners that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your identity. For the duo, the world may have gotten bigger, but neither artist sounds interested in leaving Argentina behind. — Jeanette Diaz

With a sound that could fit perfectly on any scene from “Twin Peaks,” Pato De Minas, Brazil’s Marina Liori makes otherworldly music that references the past while occupying a timeless space. Mixing bossa nova, MBP, and R&B mutates in seamless spurts. “Agua Na Boca” grows with confidence and abstract energy where keyboards swirl, guitars are strummed gently, and vibraphone embellishes the track. Over it, Liori’s vocal is pure sweetness and melody, delivering the lyrics with quiet confidence and a wink, resulting in a blend of tradition and contemporary flavor for that particular mood. — Marcos Hassan

Brazilian drag queen and multiartist Kaya Conky joins forces with singers LUAA FLORAH, WES, Laryssa Real, and Murillo Zyess on “Festa da Carne,” one of the many irresistible songs present in her latest album, Maria Boa. The track embraces the most outrageous characteristics of Brazilian funk as a music genre to create an energetic tune that compels every listening soul to throw it back along with the fast-paced beats and comically indecent lyrics. Explicit lyrics that celebrate sex as a festive and enjoyable act instead of a reproachable taboo are inherent to the LGBTQ+ music scene and Conky and friends surely don’t spare a single comma of their spicy vocabulary in this song that is bound to hypnotize listeners into surrendering themselves to its unapologetically sensual chaos. – Júlia Henn

Breaking through the silence by shouting “BIMBAMBAU,” strings and spoons (yes, spoons used as percussion) join Colombian-American visionary Cain Culto in a new track that, as no surprise for anyone familiar with their previous work, slaps. The song evolves through Caribbean sounds, beautiful background choruses, unpredictable rhythm switches, and name-dropping legends like Shakira, Rosalía, Selena, Kali Uchis, and even Gloria Stefan, who is sampled and honored through this original experience. Across this contagious and temperature-rising sound, Cain delivers bars with a natural flow and a humorous perspective that does not compromise his musical prowess, communicating a strong message of diversity for hairy, hairless, big, or small bodies that are united by the desire to shake and be shaken. That spirit carries through the accompanying visual, where red-haired unibrow-clad baddies play the violin, twerk, and eat chili-powdered elotes by the beach as Cain rocks extremely fresh outfits. It’s basically heaven. If asses had a nation of their own, this could easily be the strongest contender to become the n-ass-ional anthem (apologies for the cheeky humor). – La Morra Lisa

Pantera Stasha returns to the scene after a sabbatical with “Noche De Satas,” and they don’t hold back with this aggressive and riotous reggaetón track. Teaming up with AV María—whose “TOTONKA!” back in 2022 made waves in the nascent cuir reggaetón scene—the two Puerto Rican divas tap into their naughtiest side and demonstrate they have spiciness to spare. Their fast and furious lyrics stay sexy even when the delivery gets fired up, with some segments even channeling old school bars. It’s pure perreo, both in homage and the ability to heat up any dance floor. — Juan J. Arroyo

Continuing their hot streak of sonic club classics and gorgeous displays of youth, the latest collaboration between Salvadoran artist Jules and Brolow brings together a world of fantastical pop sensations. “MultiO” is the follow-up to last year’s “En La Oscuridad,” continuing the total immersion of both’s love for hard-hitting 808s, club-centered drum loops, and ethereal textures. Submerged in complete neoperreo vibes, “MultiO” is another vibrant energy between the two, combining reggaeton sensibilities with a dynamic flair. This comes in the middle of Brolow’s streak of production collaborations, including his latest EP with Gabriela Triste and his own instrumental album, released at the start of the year. While Brolow has been keeping busy, this summer is looking to be a defining moment for Jules. – Alan Baez

In the best way possible, Trucha’s “Mystica!” feels like a throwback to the ‘80s— with its electric sound, magical use of the synthesizer, and visuals that perfectly match. It’s a mystical song that gets your pulse racing, wrapping you in its charm from the very first beat. Trucha takes us straight to the dance floor, where new love—or maybe a daring conquest—sparks in the heat of movement. Sweat, rhythm, and chemistry collide as the music drives you to move, and he can’t help but crave to take it further. There’s a playful tension in the way the track pulses, a magnetic pull that makes it impossible not to surrender to the moment. “Mystica!” serves retro, hypnotic, and alive, where every synth note and every visual detail pulls you deeper into Trucha’s electrifying world. – Natasha Melina Argudo

From Salvador, Bahia, Latin Grammy-nominated artist Melly just dropped MAIS FORTE QUE A DÚVIDA, a brand-new 14-track album where she charms us with her stunning voice in a variety of genres, joined by the likes of Anitta, Luedji Luna, and Liniker, the latter featuring on standout track “ANA.” Here, Melly is completely spellbound by the titular woman, and she’s just melting with a pure love that is contagious. Blending reggae with vintage R&B and soul, she creates a cozy bed where we can dream of new love, as she serenades us with her gorgeous melodies. Liniker joins her on the bridge, adding a spoken word bit wrapped in her own harmonies to further sink us into this fantasy. – Cheky

Chilean rapper and glitch-pop sensation Akriila has announced her hotly anticipated sophomore album, Lucy miró y notó que el mundo está girando, out via Atlantic Records this summer. Guns blazing out the gate, the lead single “Suave” features industrial hyperpop singer and producer Jane Remover, delivering a rapturous duet about a love so deep that it’s easy to get lost in each other’s essences. “Ya no pienso en las dos / yo solo pienso en tí,” they sing together on the hook, before surrendering to a thumping beat reminiscent of Alice DJ’s “Better Off Alone.” Featuring additional production from Akriila confidant, Heartgaze, the track is a collaborative effort all around, with Remover even rapping in Spanish on the exquisitely emo bridge. — Richard Villegas