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 – from the most exciting new names in urbano to the burgeoning SoCal neo-Chicano soul wave and everything in between.
Consider this your genre-diverse guide to the most exciting releases from rising Latinx artists each week. Follow our Nuevo Noise playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
1
Ryen - “Discoteca”
Rising urbano talent Ryen is back with another perreo-friendly bop, this time with romantico slow burner “Discoteca.” The Chicago crooner linked up with New York MC Fortuna to put a fresh twist on the age-old tale of nightclub romances and literal mating dances — the best way to stay warm during the encroaching winter. -Richard Villegas
2
Mueveloreina - “Muertos”
Spanish reggaeton duo Mueveloreina have finally unveiled their debut LP Carne — a record not quite lo-fi enough for the Neoperreo canon, yet too edgy and experimental for mainstream categorization. “Muertos” is a prime example of their ambitious, effervescent sound; swirling with synthesizers, faintly Middle Eastern influences and Karma Cereza’s sultry flow into what’s an unusually robust perreo experience. -Richard Villegas
3
Bruxista - “Interregno”
Almost a month into the nationwide protests that have kept Chile at the center of international headlines, musicians remain essential narrators of the violence and anxiety afflicting the streets at this very moment. Cerebral producer Bruxista, formerly known as El Sueño de la Casa Propia, has channeled his homeland’s overwhelming uncertainty into a new track called “Interregno,” an experimental clash of electronic exploration and jazz improvisation that builds on the nebulous question of who is actually in charge. -Richard Villegas
4
MOÜGLI - “Siento” (ft. Cimarrón)
Bogota duo MOÜGLI throw a rave in the middle of the Colombian plains with “Siento.” Their latest single explores elements from música llanera, represented by harp plucks and stunning vocals sung by Cimarrón’s Ana Veydó — all of which adds an earthy layer to the track’s expansive house beat. They ask us not to think too hard about the song but to just dance and feel. -Cheky
5
Miguel - “Funeral”
Before you call 911, Miguel isn’t really confessing to committing a murder on his new single, “Funeral.” He’s actually digging deep into grim metaphors to sing about a different way of dying — the little death. The electro-fueled track sounds menacing, yet the L.A. artist still sweats sensuality all over the place with his provocative lyrics and sultry swagger. -Cheky
6
Los Rakas - “Ya Tú Sabes”
Los Rakas arrive with a new single that finds them back on the trap path they followed on their latest album, Manes de Negocio. “Ya Tú Sabes” is a success story, as they share how they became kings in their genre after coming from nothing. Still, they take the time to point their fingers at anyone who makes money appropriating Black culture without ever giving back. -Cheky
7
Zairah - "Serio"
With the release of Bad Bunny’s corrido with Nathanael Cano and Ozuna teasing a similar entry into the genre, Mexico has become one of the referents of the moment for urbano. Exhibit C: Spanish rapper Zairah’s new visuals for her single, “Serio,” which throws a physically adept exotic dancer into the rodeo ring for good measure. Vaquero video aesthetics aside, there’s little in the music that reads regional — rather, we see a hip hop artist whose flow climbs over a cumbiaton-inspired beat. -Caitlin Donohue
8
Girl Ultra - "Discreción"
Nan de Miguel has a talent for relating those painful, undoing moments. Anecdotes of desamor and lust allow Girl Ultra’s Sade leanings to shine; here accessorized by mournful saxophone riffs. Directed by Diego Mur — the founder of Mexico City dance troupe Nohbords, who also makes an appearance in the video — the visuals for “Discreción” deliver beauty shots in heaps. -Caitlin Donohue
9
Austero - "Control"
Chihuahua, Mexico has a track record for amazing new music, especially for those with folk and indie persuasions. So it shouldn’t be surprising that Austero are emerging from the area with great tracks of their own — yet their noise-rock approach stands in stark contrast to what we’re used to hearing from the land of Ed Maverick. “Control” seems to be on the verge of falling apart at any moment, making it a song that demands your attention and gets your adrenaline rushing. Guitars slash through chords as if their strings are about to break, while the drums pummel you to a smiling pulp. “Control” is discordance as catharsis, an event for all lovers of distortion. -Marcos Hassan
10
Rafa Maya - "Canaries"
The Mexican producer Rafa Maya sends chills down our gloomy synapses with this haunted house soundtrack turned timeless. “Canaries” stretches the Halloween creeps into November – if that’s the vibe you’re down for. -Caitlin Donohue
11
El Irreal Veintiuno - “Yuto Nahua”
We were not joking when we said tribal guarachero’s return is in full effect. El Irreal Veintiuno is helping bring back the genre of pre-Hispanic rhythms with new Poliformo EP, released through Siete Catorce and AMAZONDOTCOM’s imprint, SUBREAL. “Yuto Nahua” lures you in with its irresistible percussion, only to punish you with a pounding, distorted kick drum, making you dance until your pointy boots wear off. -Cheky
12
Sexores - "Mistress of the Marble Hill"
After the career-high that represented their last album, East/West, Perú’s merchants of evanescent melodies are ready to take another stratospheric step with tracks to yearn and gloom in style. Stashing away their synths for the time being, “Mistress of the Marble Hill” revisits Sexores’ old Historias del Frío and Red Rooms roots, presenting itself as a goth ballad complete with a shredding, haunted piano solo. Their songwriting keeps improving, giving off not only dark vibes but also a depth seldom heard in this kind of music. -Marcos Hassan