20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Tei Shi to Chini.png

Tei Shi - “Best Be Leaving”

Less than a year after dropping Valerie, her first independently released album, Tei Shi is back with a new single to kick off a new era. Created alongside Noah Beresin and Tommy English, the heartwrenching ballad “Best Be Leaving” is one of the pieces written by Tei Shi during a week-long creative retreat in Vancouver Island, Canada, and showcases her more introspective side. Between delicate guitar work, sparse beats, and tinkling synths, Tei Shi spills her emotions as she can feel it’s time to say goodbye to a relationship that has inevitably come to an end. — Cheky

Chini.png - “Manflorita”

Singer-songwriter Chini.png has been a mainstay of the Chilean indie scene for over a decade, first ushering a folk-pop resurgence with her band The Technicians and her label mates at Uva Robot, and later emerging as a noisy rock goddess with her 2023 solo debut, El Día Libre de Polux. Kicking off a new era with “Manflorita,” Chini.png injects minimalist folk with psychedelic distortion as she spins a visceral tale of mourning for her grandmother. In the self-directed music video for “Manflorita,” she appears as an emerald green humanoid-snake locked away and forgotten in a sanatorium. Oscillating between grief and guilt, she attempts to exorcise her pain by feverishly chanting, “Toma te lo regalo,” as if anyone but herself could free her from such a prison. – Richard Villegas

Ambar Lucid - “There Goes My Baby”

Ambar Lucid makes her anticipated return with her latest single, “There Goes My Baby.” An ethereal and sultry affair caught in a daydream, the songstress takes on a yearning journey as she fantasizes about all the ways life could be if she was with the one she can’t stop thinking about. The visuals undertake this narrative through hazy lights and washed colors, making us a part of this reverie. Amber’s latest is a hypnotizing soundtrack for a moment we’ve all experienced, locking eyes with someone in passing and imagining what life could be like together, and it makes love (or lust) at first sight feel – and sound – so good.  — Jeanette Diaz

Alejo - “NENA”

Alejo has been on a tear recently, marking several successful shows during his sold-out tour in Spain, all on the back of the 2024 release of his albums EN ESTA NOS FUIMOS LEJOS and ANTES DE. He keeps the ball rolling this week with “NENA,” which brings him back to the flirty perreo he excels at. He’s always been an artist you can count on to put out a catchy track, and this one is no exception. Melding his signature singsong-y cadence with rapid fire bars, he glides over the rowdy beat. As bops go, this is another sure one from someone who’s proven he can churn them out with ease. — Juan J. Arroyo

Ari Abdul - “Dreams”

Reminiscent of an older style, yet still innovative in its instrumentation within pop production, Brooklyn’s Ari Abdul is taking a break from the more moody, atmospheric melodies for something far more playful. While Abdul has built her catalog on airy, minimal, yet gloomy pop, “Dreams” proves to be a reignition of style and form. It maintains the atmospheric nature of Abdul’s brand of alternative dark pop with an upbeat twist. The track retains the emotionally charged lyricism and attitude-crusted chorus, with her personality on full display. “Dreams” sees the young singers’ influences front and center, utilizing elements of shoegaze and early 2010s alternative pop with fleshed-out reverb and ecstatic drums, making for the perfect track to soundtrack your ex’s favorite indie horror film. – Alan Baez

Karla Grunewaldt - “Otro Amor”

Despite sorrowful lyrics filled with melancholic intensity, Karla Grunewaldt’s latest single, “Otro Amor,” is vibrant enough to create its own gravitational field that stops the listener from falling into misery, instead compelling its audience to freely dance to groovy, ‘80s-inspired beats. With a beautiful mix of ethereal vibes and vibrant pop, the Chilean artist pays homage to the iconic decade, resembling the legend Kate Bush most of all, both in sound and appearance. “Otro Amor” is the first peek into Grunewaldt’s upcoming album, which – judging from her previous releases – is bound to be a beautiful work of art from a talented, blossoming young artist . – Júlia Henn

Lila Tirando a Violeta - “New Flesh”

On the first song shared from Dream of Snakes, her forthcoming album, Uruguayan electronic explorer Lila Tirando A Violeta finds a balance between dissonance and beauty. “New Flesh” starts with hard and disjointed sounds before morphing into something more danceable, yet her skewed vision remains throughout the track. While drums keep things moving and melodic synths give the track a sense of innocence, jump cuts and abrupt noises keep listeners on their toes, stradling the line between traditional club music and something more sinister. “New Flesh” is an excellent note from the far side of electronic music with a wicked edge. — Marcos Hassan

Carlos Zaur - “Si Me Voy”

Carlos Zaur, a recognized pop ballad singer from Monterrey, Mexico, is back with “Si Me Voy.” The new heartfelt track intertwines elements of regional music with pop flair as he croons about leaving an unrequited love behind. Though he’s no stranger to singing love songs, he’s exploring música mexicana in a new way, this time with the help of composer Claudia Brant. “It is the first song of this next album in which I am exploring many sounds of Mexican music,” the singer said in a recent post. Based on this track alone, Zaur is bound to continue enthralling his listeners with more passionate love ballads dipped with regional Mexican elements like acoustic guitar strings and mariachi hues. – Jeanette Hernandez

ASTROPICAL - “Fogata (Leo)”

Last month, ASTROPICAL, the side project formed by members of Colombian electropop outfit Bomba Estereo and Venezuelan pop sensation Rawayana, announced the release of their self-titled, astrology-inspired debut LP. Now, the supergroup gives us a glimpse into the world of ASTROPICAL with the Afrobeats-tinted “Fogata (Leo)” and a stunning video directed by Brooklyn-based Colombian filmmaker Paolo Ossa. “Fogata (Leo)” draws on the joyous feelings of fleeting moments — sitting seaside and taking in the scenery, exchanging adoring glances with your beloved, companionship —that make life worth celebrating and feels like a much-needed breather from the unending doom scroll we’re all living through. – Nayeli Portillo

Andrea Bayardo - “Venenosa (NO ES NO)”

Guadalajara native Andrea Bayardo wears many hats. The singer, songwriter, and actress has an extensive resume, and with her latest single, “ Venenosa (No Es No),” she’s adding to it. The women-centered track, which translates to “Poisonous” in English, embodies her melodic vocals, blunt lyrics, and elements of cumbia, rumba, and reggaeton. Throughout the song, Bayardo doesn’t shy away from stating how tired she is of feeling bad for being vocal about ever being harassed, objectified, or violated. “Venenosa” is advocating for mujeres to live in a world where peace and freedom don’t feel like a stretch. Given the current political turmoil we are seeing today, Bayardo’s song hits deeper than ever. — Brenda Barrientos

Catnapp - “Overk1LL”

Get ready for an assault on the senses. Berlin-based Buenos Aires electronic music artist Catnapp just dropped the first preview from her upcoming new album BIIIG STRETCH, and by the time it finishes, you won’t know what hit you. Fitting right in with today’s hyperpop but enhanced with drum and bass breaks, growling hardcore drops, and breakcore scrambles, “Overk1LL” is a synthetic piece that blurs the lines of reality and fantasy, with Catnapp in the middle of a collapsing world, standing strong. It’s an overwhelming but rewarding experience in just under three minutes. — Cheky

Bodega Club - “La Verdad (Entrar de Nuevo)”

While Chile’s bohemian stronghold of Valparaíso is synonymous with romantic boleros and outspoken singer-songwriters, the city’s electronic underground should not be overlooked. Back in October, singer-producer Toronja and Colombian double bass player Dan Colmena unveiled their joint project, Bodega Club, pouring nu-disco, electropop, and unexpected salsa flourishes into their debut EP, Mundo al Revés. Now they’re back with a thumping new single titled “La Verdad (Entrar de Nuevo),” unspooling the unhealthy patterns people get caught within, sometimes out of denial and others for sheer comfort. Whether the song is about toxic relationships or junk food is for you to decide, but the mix of dramatic strings, slap bass, and galloping kick drums will have you working through those emotions at the center of the dance floor. – Richard Villegas

Yungatita - “home appliance” 

Lo-fi indie rockers Yungatita shared a new track with “home appliance.” A treat for their fans who have caught the band live, as they’ve been teasing their latest in recent performances. The single is a woozy, melodic joyride mixed with more chaotic chorus breakdowns that rummage through as Valentina Zapata’s breezy vocals narrate the technical difficulties that come with the sheer experience of existing. Making the song even more irresistible is its unexpected and sudden thrashing finale, serving as a bit of a hard reset after built-up thoughts and emotions get released with pure striking energy. — Jeanette Diaz

KUZi, Nohemy - “BAJANDO DE 200”

Influencer and entertainment journalist KUZi has built up a high reputation over the years, landing exclusive interviews with artists such as Natti Natasha, Ozuna, Young Miko, Tainy, Nicki Nicole, and many more on her YouTube platform. Last year, she decided to lose weight for the sake of her health, with the help of BFF and artist Nohemy. To celebrate her new look and the milestone of losing 145 lbs, this week they drop “BAJANDO DE 200” — a reggaeton that hypes up the story of her process and, hopefully, serves as inspiration for her followers. It’s a refreshing use of the genre to celebrate personal achievements that aren’t usually publicized, but go a long way towards pushing back on some of the stigma, all while still keeping it fun and light. — Juan J. Arroyo

Kidd Keo & Yay - “Que Dedo?”

Navigating a music career alongside internet fame with stride and without the cringe can be a hefty task, but for Spanish trap rapper Kidd Keo, it’s all for the brand. Kidd Keo has never shied away from shedding humor in and out of his music, with a witty comment towards fans or a silly bar here and there, Keo’s funny side shines through his work. He’s a man with an understanding of today’s digital age and how to utilize it to his advantage. After building steam as an internet sensation with his viral Dracukeo interview, he’s morphed the moment of digital celebrity into a vibrant, EDM-coded banger. With production provided by Yay, “Que Dedo?” morphs a viral moment of his online presence into a sonically sound and formidable musical experience. His humor bleeds through every instance of the song, without taking itself too seriously, utilizing a minimalist beat to promote the brand with a bounce-filled groove. – Alan Baez

Tiago PZK - "Sometimes (feat. Teddy Swims)”

With “Sometimes,” Argentinian artist Tiago PZK presents a tasteful reflection on heartbreak. The longing and regret present in its lyrics are enhanced by the artist’s powerful vocals and the addition of Teddy Swims’ iconic verses. A poignant moment has Tiago and Swims harmonizing in a way that encapsulates the best qualities of each of their voices. The deep, soulful themes of the tune are expertly represented by a dark music video that manages to sensitively compare the pain of a heartbreak with grief by letting its stars sing their sorrows out in the middle of a church, as well as a graveyard. Impactful visuals and impressive vocals make “Sometimes” the perfect song to sing along to when dealing with a broken heart. – Júlia Henn

Hyldon & Adrian Younge - “Um Lugar Legal”

The Jazz Is Dead label continues to bring forth fresh sounds from Brazilian masters, with Hyldon being one of the most noteworthy in their current catalog. Blending soul with bossa nova, MPB, and similar genres, the vocalist displays his fair share of charisma and emotion through his performance, with Adrian Younge and his group of amazing players keeping things interesting by dressing up the instrumental with jazz and hip-hop flavors and bringing in a psychedelic edge to the song. “Um Lugar Legal” sounds like a message from a parallel universe, with familiar elements that sound wholly new in this collaboration. — Marcos Hassan

Natalis - “Aguanile”

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Natalis covered Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón’s classic track “Aguanile” as a way to connect with her culture. It doubles as a gift to honor her father, a salsero from the 1970s. Filled with a lively band that includes salsa staples like powerful trumpets and rhythmic percussion, the cover is a strong testament to what’s to come as Natalis teases her upcoming salsa-inspired album VIVA. In her new album, she aims to reintroduce her audience to the classics and honor the legends that made the fruitful genre a huge success. With this new project, she joins other mainstream artists like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro, who are also putting a new twist on older-generation sounds. – Jeanette Hernandez

Oscar Maydon - “Amigos? No (feat. Neton Vega)”

Rancho Humilde signee Oscar Maydon has been making waves in the world of regional music (not to mention sparking controversy) with viral hits like last year’s “Tu Boda” and has earned cosigns from megastars within the genre like Natanael Cano, Junior H, and Fuerza Regida frontman JOP. Now, the Mexicali-based artist enlists fellow rising regional singer Neton Vega and wrestles with feelings of unrequited love on his latest single, “Amigos? No.” The blistering new track accompanied by lush guitars and rhythmic horns shows Maydon trying his best to stay cool in the sidelines, despite his deep infatuation and readiness to drop everything for the woman of his dreams: “Ella no me mira como yo la miro/Yo le doy mi vida y ella ni un besito/Está noche, niña/tú te vas conmigo/Haremos de todo, menos ser amigos.” – Nayeli Portillo

Axel Olloqui, CHANE - “Egoísmo”

In case you’re looking for a new soft tune to add to your playlist rotation, “Egoísmo” by Mexican artist and producer Axel Olloqui and newcomer CHANE is one to consider. Olloqui, whose roots stem from Monclova, Coahuila, is notably known as “el más romántico del norte,” and his latest song proves it. Throughout the Latine R&B infused track, you can find the lover boys professing their desire for a lowkey romance, unsure whether it will turn into a loving bond or a situationship. Still, there’s an eagerness to attempt a try. While it’s a first for these two rising artists to collaborate on a song, they are definitely one’s to keep on your radar. — Brenda Barrientos