Every week, we highlight some of our favorite releases in a handy list. Although we try to cover as much new music as possible, there are so many stellar releases to talk about. Consider this our genre-diverse guide to songs we have on repeat.
Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
1
Lao Ra - "No Pressure"
Bogotá-born, self-proclaimed “pineapple pop” purveyor Lao Ra has swag to spare. Find yourself a thirst oasis in this track, an eclectic reggaeton-inspired ballad for which her home country is fast gaining a rep. –Caitlin Donohue
2
Ibeyi ft. Emicida - "Hacia El Amor"
After the virtuosic 2017 album Ash, French-Cuban twins Ibeyi return with a trilingual battle cry for global unity, featuring Brazilian rapper Emicida. On “Hacia El Amor,” the duo’s knack for featherlight vocals and sparse instrumentation highlighting their afro-diasporic roots shines. –Isabelia Herrera
3
Jasper Bones - "I Can't Stay"
With bare-bones, lo-fi production and very few instruments, Jasper can give us the best of 60s soul, 90s R&B, and some jazz-tinged chords thrown in for good measure, while also showcasing his unique indie rock sensibility. “I Can’t Stay” is psychedelic and sexy, layered with just a little bit of sorrowful vocals. –Marcos Hassan
4
ZIM - "ZIM"
5
Furino & Sam The Psychic - "In Other Words, I Love You"
A sort of late-night beat-centered lullaby for broken hearts, Caracas’ Furino conjures innocence and vulnerability in this spare arrangement with “In Other Words, I Love You.” The track captures the moment you’re about to go to sleep, but thoughts of someone who’s not there anymore pop into your head a few seconds before slumber overtakes you. Sam The Psychic’s voice is the balm that makes the sting hurt less, like the warm, familiar sensation of tears welling up underneath closed eyes. –Marcos Hassan
6
Sky ft. J Balvin and Ozuna - "Karma"
Those wondering what a project would sound like with Balvin’s key producer Sky in the driver’s seat need wait no more. The answer is this song of baby love that pushes the envelope on reggaeton romántico, leaving it sweeter and more rueful than previous attempts of even the two superstar softies tapped to deliver. –Caitlin Donohue
7
Uji ft. Barrio Lindo - "Kiok"
Uji and collaborator Barrio Lindo got inspired by the 2016 Standing Rock struggle to create “Kiok,” the fourth track on the producer’s debut album Arbolada, out now on ZZK. By cutting up samples from recordings of the Toba indigenous group from Argentina, they created a remedy to give us all strength in these dark times. –Cheky
8
Dinamarca - "Tú y Yo"
With “Tú y Yo,” Dinamarca is teasing his upcoming Sol De Mi Vida EP, out on June 15. It’s a dramatic take on Caribbean styles, and although it references dancehall rhythmically, the song’s airy synths and moody chord progressions will put you in your feelings on the dance floor. This one goes out to the half of the world entering winter right now. –Cheky
9
Riel - “Paseo Psicodélico”
Sonically, “Paseo Psicodélico,” the title track from Argentine duo Riel’s freshly released EP, follows in the footsteps of their 90s indie rock heroes and signature quiet-loud-quiet dynamics. But it’s a sweet, sometimes dissonant snapshot of the hopeful moment when the smoke has cleared in a relationship gone sour and love bubbles up to the surface again. Make up and listen to Riel. –Cheky
10
Mente Orgánica - "Ícaro"
Bogotá’s Mente Orgánica specializes in healing music by using elements of indigenous rhythms and modern ambient music. Considering the proliferation of future folkloric sounds in recent years, it’s refreshing to hear “Ícaro,” a song that manages to be a chant, a mantra, a catchy tune, a rainforest ritual, and a droney synth song all at the same time. It lifts you up while suggesting a diversion into sad songs a few centuries old, something not everybody can accomplish. –Marcos Hassan
11
Zampa - "No Me Verás Caer"
Although Mexican artist Guillermo Berbeyer’s project as Zampa is based on minimalism, the song “No Me Verás Caer” expresses complex emotions that somehow betray that principle. Sorrow pours out of the melodies, yet at the same time, it evokes a rushing sensation. It’s like love going wrong in a big-budget action movie. –Marcos Hassan
12
San Cha - "Capricho del Diablo"
The voice on this LA-based singer and musician will call directly to your early summer blues. “Capricho del Diablo” is a slow burning, cumbia-influenced llanto. Maybe it’s her punk past, but somehow San Cha is most melodic hitting her most hysteric notes. –Caitlin Donohue
13
Hexorcismos - "( • Göthenburg • Θεσσαλονίκη • Berlin • )"
Former Los Macuanos member Moisés Horta, also known as Hexorcismos, not only wants to metaphorically trace the world’s geography with the free-form experiments in his new ongoing series ¡OKUPA!, but also draw a sketch of our minds. Opening track “( • Göthenburg • Θεσσαλονίκη • Berlin • )” is a mind-boggling exercise through rhythm and space, like the frustrating promise of a cyberpunk adventure that never takes off. –Cheky