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
Camila Moreno - "Quememos el reino"
It’s no secret that Chile is burning, but the flames didn’t first spark this fall during the sweeping anti-Piñera protests that continue to rage across the country. No, Chileans have always been radical. For proof, check the timeline on singer Camila Moreno’s new track “Quememos El Reino.” Moreno formulated the track and the presentation of its green panuela-clad video warriors during this spring’s #8M feminist protests. Its gender justice focus gives the song’s lyrics complex meaning; “Quemaremos a los demonios, asesinos cobardes dueños de la nación.” -Caitlin Donohue
2
Nino Augustine - "120 Millas"
Panamanian reggaetonero Nino Augustine veers into romántico territory with his latest tale of mojadito selfies and determined returns to bae’s house. “120 Millas” give you a far softer lover’s vibe compared to this year’s Augustine debut album Toca A Mi and certainly the single he dropped earlier this month, the tale of year-end triumph that is “Celebración.” -Caitlin Donohue
3
Bronko Yotte - "Swerte"
Chile’s Bronko Yotte spent only a few weeks this year writing, producing and recording his latest Deli EP, but these five songs invite us to reflect deeply on how today’s world works. Featuring vintage samples and fun melodies, “Swerte” yearns for a sense of community and solidarity, and he sees them as the antidote to the oppressive, competitive dynamics capitalism has brought upon us. -Cheky
4
Kaytranada - "10%" (ft. Kali Uchis)
Just in time for the announcement of his star-studded sophomore album Bubba, Haitian-Canadian producer Kaytranada shared “10%,” featuring Kali Uchis. Kay brings the funk with his usual thumping rhythmic section, this time fueled by restless congas, while Uchis shuts down an old flame and exposes their nasty ways. That’s got to burn. -Cheky
5
Barda - "Las cosas que hay detrás del sol" (ft. Nick Drake)
We missed the playful side of nu-cumbia and we didn’t know. At least Fértil Records remembered what made this so special and are now delivering a new compilation of pirate edits that reminds of that there’s more to the genre than invoking the Andean spirits through cracked recording software. For this track, Buenos Aire’s Barda has made an unlikely partnership of tropical beats and ‘60s British folk music to deliver a casual banger, Nick Drake’s voice becoming one with chill beats and house-inspired keyboards. The results will leave you strangely moved by it, and enjoying the whole ride. -Marcos Hassan
6
Akapellah & Lil Supa - "Scape"
Venezuelan rappers Akapellah and Lil Supa join forces once again to bring us the second chapter of their Oldtape-produced collaborative effort titled Funky Fresco. Following their previous single “Ímpetu,” the two MCs go into full-on take-no-prisoners mode on “Scape,” riding a fat mean beat to make it clear why they’re the best in the game in their home country, for those few who still haven’t realized it. -Cheky
7
Myuné - "Inner Child (What Is Love?)"
Amor Amezcua has kept busy since her unexpected departure from Tijuana krautrock darlings Mint Field – diligently crafting her second solo EP as Myuné, out now. Moonlight Face Vol. 1 unfolds as a collection of brooding goth ruminations, with standout track “Inner Child (What Is Love?)” building tension on saturated bass lines and pulsating synth atmospheres that casts a spell of anxious fascination over the listener. -Richard Villegas
8
Leandro Fresco & Rafael Anton Irisarri - "Elevado Como Barrilete"
“Elevado Como Barrilete” is just one taste of Una Presencia En La Brisa, a new collaboration between two ambient artists from Buenos Aires (Freso) and New York (Irisarri) that explore human connection in an age were contact can be easily achieved but not without its faults. Harmonious human voices are stretched and warped to a point of presenting a beatless sonic mass of unique emotion, with swells of a sea of sound that demand attention instead of being relegated to the background. -Marcos Hassan
9
Pasaje - "En La Oscuridad"
Chilean synthpop duo Pasaje have been on a steady climb over the past few years, polishing their arrangements and storytelling into increasingly emotional rabbit holes. Under the watchful production guise of Milton Mahan, the pair has now unveiled “En La Oscuridad,” a moody piano-driven ballad that attempts to capture and exorcize the trauma of our darkest days. I’d say the attempt is exceedingly successful. -Richard Villegas
10
Turbo Sonidero - "Kumbia de Última Hora"
Check Spanish net label Caballito’s Graveton 5 compilation for reports coming in from across the world of tropical bass. San Jose, California’s Turbo Sonidero came through with his trademark hip-hop cumbia alchemy, a blatantly West Coast fusion to be sure. -Caitlin Donohue
11
Bodine - "Latigazi"
At a time where weepy perreo bops are dominating the charts, Bodine has arrived to disrupt our seasonal affective disorder with some good ol’ chapiadora energy. With “Latigazi,” the second single of her musical career, the former beauty queen turned-runway model ramps up the sexiness to near camp levels, hitching her wagon to sex positivity and steering clear of prop-like video vixen territory. Bodine has charisma to spare and her S&M-flavored lyrics pack a witty punch reminiscent of fellow Dominicanx, La Pajarita. -Richard Villegas