20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Ysa C With Hamilton to DARUMAS

Ysa C, Hamilton - "No Se Dió"

“No Se Dió” lyrically paints a picture of the chemical connection between two lovers who can’t seem to figure out how to make a relationship work. The warm, tropical single fuses Afrobeats riddim with the dreamlike nostalgia that is instantly triggered by the gentle echoing of metal drums. The editorial-style video captures scenes where the two singers are together, but feel emotionally miles apart. In one such scene, Hamilton is standing outside of a car and sings the verse, “Yo pensé que tú sentías lo mismo que yo, el corazón se confundió,” while Ysa C sits inside or pokes her head out of the car and appears alone singing, “Yo contigo lo quise todo, no se dio, por algo no se dio, fue culpa de los dos,” as they each tell us their side of the story of why it didn’t work out. “No Se Dió” is a bouncy single that allows listeners to dance through the pain without regretting the past because acceptance is the light at the end of the tunnel. – Rosy Alvarez

DARUMAS - “Wanna Be”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8OQsgy3SeM

One of the reasons why music is such an important part of people’s lives is how often it reflects their own emotions, allowing a cathartic experience to give way to their feelings instead of bottling them up. “Wanna Be” by DARUMAS — a trio formed by three Latinas from very different countries and backgrounds — brings forth all the sensations of a trip to the coast, like the sudden chill of dipping toes in shallow water, the powerful and humid wind running through your hair, and the bright sun reflecting on rose-tinted sunglasses. All of that is achieved thanks to groovy instrumentals paired up with intense and mesmerizing vocals that will leave anyone craving for more of this feeling. – Júlia Henn

Matt Louis, RaiNao - “ABA

Matt Louis has spent the better part of the last two years crafting his image, utilizing music videos and his songs to sell the lush, artful, and lyrical visuals that compliment his moving alt-R&B sound. All that work will pay off this December with the release of his debut EP, and his first single says everything you need to know. Teaming up with rising star RaiNao, “ABA” is a rousing house-pop that dares you not to move along with its infectious beat. Together, Louis and Nao spin their sensual lyrics into some of the catchiest — and temperature-rising — of the year. — Juan J. Arroyo

El Malilla, Maury - “Mami Tu”

Hot on the heels of the news of him playing Coachella next year, El Malilla is dropping a new banger about treating his lady right. “Mami Tú” boasts icy synths and punchy dembow beats, over which the emcee tells us how he’ll buy his woman some Jimmy Choos or get his piece out in case someone threatens her, offering loyalty all the way. Shoutout to El Chamako De Valle for respecting his would-be partner in such a detailed manner while, at the same time, overflowing with charisma and excitement — it’s this kind of energy that has projected him from Mexico to the international stage. — Marcos Hassan

Armenta, Chino Pacas, Jorshhh - “PTS”

Armenta looped in Chino Pacas and Jorshhh for their latest track, “PTS.” With strong guitar strings, a steady beat, and hard-hitting verses, the trio lays down a provocative track about their type: a baddie with an angel face. While the collaboration sounds promising, the trio’s innovation is lacking by following their usual song formulas. There’s no doubt that Armenta has a signature touch and knows how to compose a hit (take Fuerza Regida’s “TQM” and “Que Onda,” for example), but using the same style could feel outdated in the oversaturated state of corridos tumbados. Regardless, it’ll be a hit for their loyal fanbases – I can already hear the boys singing “P*TAS” in unison with their caguamas in hand. – Jeanette Hernandez

Joss Favela, Codiciado - "Antídoto de Amor"

Joss Favela has had himself quite a year. After recording the theme song for Mexico’s edition of Love is Blind and reaching the top of Billboard’s Regional Mexican charts with “Con Todo Respetillo” earlier this month, the Sinaloa singer is back with another collaboration, this time with Tijuana native Codiciado. “Antídoto de Amor” combines elements of downtempo hip-hop with música mexicana instrumentals as the two singers lament over the loss of their loves and attempt to drive away the pain over a couple of beers and a blank canvas in the single’s video. – Nayeli Portillo

Kevin Kaarl - “Esta Noche”

Chihuahua, Mexico’s indie folk darling Kevin Kaarl has returned with an announcement of a new album and has shared a first single “Esta Noche” to ring in the new era. The track is doused in a slightly heavier pop-rock sound than his more signature sullen guitar-driven compositions, evolving stripped-down melodies for a fuller orchestration that backdrops the emotive song beautifully. Kaarl also displays his mastery of pulling all things intimate and sentimental through his lyricism and identifiable bellowed croon, circling around a last night with a lover and all that comes with accepting the need to let go and saying goodbye with a final kiss. — Jeanette Diaz

Coghlan - “Diego Torres”

Coghlan is one of the most intriguing rising stars in the Buenos Aires underground, oscillating between boundary-pushing studio wizardry for the likes of Feli Colina and Broke Carrey, and a cheeky online persona populated with tennis imagery and wild hairstyles. Though he’s traced his own artistic path with dance pop and electro-acoustic tunes, the producer has begun teasing his next record, Hyper Coghlan, with a dazzling double single of Beach Boys-esque surf rock (“Real Sociedad”) and an effervescent ’90s empowerment anthem (“Diego Torres”). The latter is the indisputable highlight, evoking the rousing feel-goodness of the “Color Esperanza” icon while also nodding to new age pop auteurs like Jon Secada and Moby, leaning into cheesy majesty that is also delightfully refreshing. – Richard Villegas

julia de arco - "SWAGGERBOYZZZ"

The debut track from Spanish producer and songwriter Julia de arco is a strong first start to an already plentiful career. The Seville native has been building a coalition in the underground music scene, prepping for the right time to drop. “SWAGGERBOYZZZ” captures the very essence of arco, where her musicality stems from, and her own personality echoes with the warped vocal effects for a dynamic introduction to a larger audience. At only age 18, the track captures the building momentum of arco’s creative force within her growing sphere of influence with heavy bass loops and an Adams & Fleisner sample filling and lingering through the short but intentional track. Its arrangement of blaring samples, with her own voice acting as a sample, brings a sense of consistency to a sound that dangerously teeters the line of chaos. The suave drum patterns and booming vocal performance display an ambitious and confident performance of character. – Alan Baez

Zona en Reclamación - “Always Your Heart (feat. Edward Ramírez)"

Mexican-Venezuelan trio Zona en Reclamación just dropped their debut album Todo es un Instante, a stunning nostalgia-packed set of songs that includes “Always Your Heart,” a quirky trip to Venezuela’s Guayana region. Referencing folkloric outfit Serenata Guayanesa, Zona en Reclamación takes a shot at Venezuelan calypso with a little help from C4 Trío’s Edward Ramírez on cuatro, bringing a flavorful rhythm topped with lovely vocal harmonies. Each member shares the lead, singing about a loved one who came into their life like a beacon of light in the dark, and it’s ridiculously endearing. – Cheky

Saul Villarreal - “PERDIENDO”

At only 19 years old, Saul Villarreal has proven he can tap into deep human emotion and mirror our rawest truths. In “PERDIENDO,” the singer is consumed by acceptance and heartbreak. He yearns to get his ex-girlfriend back and accepts that it was never meant to work out, but that doesn’t mean the pain just evaporates. The melody of somber keys, echoing vocal stacks, and a video set in the forest evoke loneliness and being haunted by what was. In the video, Villarreal bends reality, the day scenes with his leading lady dressed in white appear like they’re set in the present, while the night scenes where his leading lady is dressed in black feel like a nightmare. By the end of the video, the singer wakes up from a nap and finds a token from one of the earlier moments in his hand, which feels representative of the memories, feelings, and yearning he carries with him. “PERDIENDO” taps into the parts of us that struggle to let go of the past and the indefinite time it takes to fully heal from heartbreak. – Rosy Alvarez

Gina D'Soto - "Comfort Zone"

Gina D’Soto’s “Comfort Zone” is the second single from the Cuban artist’s upcoming album, set to be released in 2025. The tune, heavily influenced by R&B, is an honest take on what facing romantic rejection from a friend feels like and that staying true to yourself might just be the best way of dealing with it. Despite the more than upsetting theme, the song reveals an optimistic approach, be it with the lyrics or the delicious beats accompanying them. If the bittersweet narrative is already captivating by itself, who knows what Gina’s upcoming album might have in store for her audience? – Júlia Henn

Chango Menas, Musiana, Rick Moon - “Final Fatal”

The IRL couple of Venezuelan singer-songwriter Musiana and Puerto Rican musician Rick Moon has teamed up with fellow boricua rock star Chango Menas in “Final Fatal,” a soft meditation on letting go of a love that seems doomed. Menas takes the lead with his always-stirring vocals, while Musiana and Moon back him up with their harmonies. Early next year, they plan on debuting formally as a duo under the name Dos Perlas, but “Final Fatal” is an apt and moving introduction to what their combined talents will sound like. Moon’s often solemn and introspective lyrics along with Musiana’s heartfelt and whimsical words are sure to make for an emotional mix. — Juan J. Arroyo

Ela Minus - “UPWARDS”

On her new single, Ela Minus turns up the tempo to celebrate herself, or rather, the protection of the self. Here, Ela’s vocals weave melody and pseudo-rap delivery, bringing emphasis to her lyrics. The track’s words function as much as a spell as a mantra, a way for the listener to reassure themselves that strength is found inside you and to resist in spite of outside obstacles. Despite its subject matter, “UPWARDS” is a party, thanks to its slick electronics, pulsating basslines, and kinetic groove. Once again, Ela delivers an anthem of radical positiveness to dance to. — Marcos Hassan

Vanita Leo - “Si Dios Quiere”

Rising Tejana star Vanita Leo released her latest single “Si Dios Quiere.” Inspired by the Tejano cumbias from the ‘90s, the new motivational track intertwines elements of cumbia and pop with an enlightening message about moving on from the past and being ready for new blessings. Leo describes this song as “[her] favorite song that [she’s] created so far,” making it that more special to dance to. Undoubtedly, the young Mexican-American artist captured our attention with her last heartbreak sad cumbia “Putazos Al Corazon” and now kept it with “Si Dios Quiere” – and we hope to hear more of her in 2025. – Jeanette Hernandez

Tito Double P - “Nadie” 

Visuals of houses set aflame, struggling to find that missing piece of the puzzle, and tales of vapid hookups with women that remind you of your ex take center stage in regional singer-rapper Tito Double P’s latest single, “Nadie.” The track follows the release of Tito Double P’s now quadruple-platinum debut album INCÓMODO from August. Fiery trumpets and booming percussion give “Nadie” that sonic edge as the Tepic singer recalls giving a former love his all, only to be met with a crushing level of heartbreak that even the most potent weed and liquor can’t offset. – Nayeli Portillo

Raissa - “Penita” 

Spanish-born, now LA-based world pop artist Raissa shares her latest EP Cute Threat, which includes a hypnotic new track “Penita.” The single finds itself in an innovative experimental pop world, utilizing synth beats, electro-instrumentation, and dynamic vocal cadences that create an enticing experience. The upbeat melody creates an aura of reclamation and refound confidence, building as the song’s themes develop to move the emotions from feeling shame and heartbroken for being done wrong by a lover to those of pity and lament towards the other party after recognizing and reveling in all the good that they didn’t appreciate and have now lost. — Jeanette Diaz

Giorgio Siladi - “El Diablo Se Soltó”

The liberation of Giorgio Siladi is upon us! Once the squeaky-clean bandleader of Dominican pop-rock idols Bocatabú, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has since exited the closet, moved to Mexico City, and found his voice as a social critic and steamy heartthrob. His latest single, “El Diablo Se Soltó,” is a sensual, nocturnal celebration of his growing freedom and self-assuredness, melding disco and crunchy synthpop for a banger about looking for trouble in dark corners. If you’re wise, you’ll run out and meet him there. – Richard Villegas

Leexa Fox - “La Llorona”

Latine drag artist and songstress Leexa Fox makes her bolero debut with her first track of the year. It’s been an essential, hectic few years for the Latine creative since the release of her debut track “Tu Perdicion” back in 2021. Since then, she’s won the second season of Drag Race Mexico and developed her musical prowess. After honing in on her musical craft, Fox is focusing on musicality as well as executing her own personal style, and “La Llorona” is a wonderful demonstration of it. Ditching dance-influenced drums for something more somber and intimate in tempo, Fox trades the pop grooves for a traditional bolero track. The romantic strums of the guitar for the minimal instrumental give Fox the creative space to flex her vocal range. The change in style best accurately accompanies Fox’s voice, making this pivot in genre into a seamless transition into a more vividly exciting start to her music career. – Alan Baez

Jessie Reyez - “JUST LIKE THAT (feat. Ari Lennox)"

For her new single “JUST LIKE THAT,” Jessie Reyez joined forces with Ari Lennox to create a song that basks in the light of true love. Led by a classical guitar with a bolero swing, the R&B jam features Reyez and Lennox’s contrasting voices trading passionate verses that truly sound like they’ve finally found the one, that special someone with whom they can let their hair down and just be themselves. They even find a little time to shake things up with a cute cumbia-inspired moment, followed by a banging trap break to wrap things up. – Cheky