We are living through an era where more music is available to us than ever – whether it be via social media, streaming, or apps. But despite this wealth of options, it can be difficult to cut through the industry hype, the homogenizing algorithms, and find something new and exciting. In our weekly Nuevo Noise playlist, you’ll find some of our favorite releases of the week.
Follow our Nuevo Noise playlists featuring these tracks and more on Apple Music and Spotify.
Michi – "Sugarbaby"
Like a quiet storm, rising star Michi is growing into a fresh embodiment of California pop–glam, laid back, and effortlessly engaging. With her latest single “Sugarbaby,” we’re treated to groovy ’70s guitar riffs and a sticky-sweet hook bound to cling to your eardrums for days. –Richard Villegas
Katzù Oso - "Park Ave"
L.A.-based bedroom-pop artist Paul Hernandez, a.k.a. Katzù Oso, just shared an ’80s-inspired six-track EP called Colour, and track “Park Ave” has the power to make disco balls spin spontaneously. The glitzy throwback number dazzles with its synth work and percussive seasoning. Hernandez dives into romance in the lyrics, trying to relive an old flame with the promise of being better if he gets a second chance. –Cheky
Brigitte Laverne – "Si Veo A Tu Mamá"
Barcelona synthpop sweetheart Brigitte Laverne is showcasing her edgier, whittier side on her first single of 2020: an irreverent garage pop cover of Bad Bunny‘s “Si Veo A Tu Mamá.” Mimicking the opening synth stabs of YHLQMDLG-itself a dreamy reimagining of the opening notes of bossa nova classic “The Girl From Ipanema”-Laverne’s version seems primed for a Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack, turbo-loaded with buzzing guitars and her distinctly gauzy falsetto. –Richard Villegas
Mariah Angeliq - "Tócame" (feat. Ñengo Flow)
Puerto Rican-Cuban singer Mariah Angeliq hopes to live up to her thriving hype with her new Normal EP. For “Tócame’s”s trap moment, Ñengo shows up to compliment Mariah’s lilting, deceptively insouciant vocal stylings laid on top of a strobing pulse. –Caitlin Donohue
MULA - "En El Aire"
Dominican trio MULA previewed their upcoming album Mundos with the slow-grinding “Agua Que Quema” just weeks ago, and now they dropped “En El Aire.” With a beat that sounds like the definition of Caribbean synth-pop–half reggaeton, half Ladytron–the song is about the inexplicable, instant connection we have with certain people and places, and the joy of simply experiencing it. Pretty much what we’re feeling with this song. –Cheky
Armenia, Margarita Siempre Viva - "Un Hogar"
Doing their best to put Colombia at the forefront of the pop rock scene, the collaboration between Juan Antonio Toro and this Medellín quintet is as large as you can imagine. Splitting the difference between straight-up power pop and weirder, almost math rock influences, “Un Hogar” is an anthem and explosive, while the message of belonging keeps things to a personal level, proving that fast, effervescent, and catchy music can also carry a sensitive side. –Marcos Hassan
Vuelveteloca - "Ciudades Subterráneas"
Out of the brilliant Chilean psych rock bands that have come out to shock the world in recent years, Vuelveteloca is probably the weirdest of the bunch, as well as the most willing to rock hard, and “Ciudades Subterráneas” reiterates those intentions for 2020. Propelled by a weird drum beat and exploiting their grunge-meets-space rock guitar sound to the max, “Ciudades Flotantes” is a hit for the best band in the solar system that we humans can relate to. –Marcos Hassan
Amazondotcom & Siete Catorce - "Shells"
Broken beat masters Stella Ahn and Marco Polo Gutiérrez join forces for Vague Currency, a split album on the up and coming SUBREAL label that will get those looking for the future sound of bass pumped and ready. The highlight of the record is this collaborative track, a fusion of influences that recall juke, footwork, and future bass, resulting in a percussion-heavy club joint that will make you want to rip shit up on the dancefloor and astral project yourself to the pleasure zone. –Marcos Hassan
Ynfynyt Scroll - "Ella Baila Como NunK"
Every year, I am required by law to alert everyone to the fact that this Bogotá-based producer has dropped his annual summertime romp. Between Isabella Lovestory remixes and other hot weather drops, Sech unleashes a beat on “Ella Baila Como NunK” that will make you sweat under your N95 on a Friday night. –Caitlin Donohue
El Cezar - "El Celular"
Is Atlanta the next perreo haven? Not only have La Choloteca and Nino Augustine become local institutions, but rookie Venezuelan MC El Cezar is steadily making his move on the scene, astutely colliding elements of reggaeton, trap, and afrobeat. His latest single “El Celular” is a moody, extremely relatable bop about wanting to hit up your ex when the going gets tough, with a subtle mid-song beat change from reggaeton into trap that’ll make your head spin. –Richard Villegas
Lukro & Sonido Berzerk - "Donde Están Las Drogas"
We’re not sure if this many fire collaborations between Latin America’s most forward-thinking producers are making us feel fortunate to witness such brilliance or bad for missing out on banging out to these tunes in a communal space. For their turn, Lima meets Veracruz in this highlight of the T.W.G. Vol. 1 compilation where hyperactive drums house cradle chord vamps, high-pitched melodic runs, and lyrics about wanting to dance with somebody, a feeling that we know all too well nowadays. –Marcos Hassan
Pablo Osorio - "Loteria"
For those who have been impatiently awaiting the second coming of José José, may we humbly suggest this Oaxaca-born heartthrob, whose new EP Cisne employs Osorio’s rich, classically-trained voice for six tracks of acute longing and synth-strobed hope. “Lotería” is a wistful, eclectic take on love’s close calls. –Caitlin Donohue
Orieta Chem - "De los Andes"
This entirely atmospheric interlude opens the first cutting-edge compilation of TWG, a fresh project that sprung out of Lima’s Matraca label. Orieta Chem layers chants and traditional percussion over ambient washes, animatronic ticks building out an echoing, multi-dimensional experience. –Caitlin Donohue