All Songs Considered: Alt.Latino Episode Summary

Released on April 23, 2025

NPR's flagship music discovery program, All Songs Considered, presents its "Alt.Latino" episode, delving deep into the vibrant and diverse Latin music scene. Hosted by Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras, the episode spotlights renowned artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, Eladio Carrión, Irene Diaz, Luis Gabriel Lopez, Santi Sac, and Maria Marquez. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their discussions, key insights, and the emotional resonance of the featured tracks.

1. Natalia Lafourcade’s "Cancionera"

The episode opens with Ana Maria’s excitement about Natalia Lafourcade’s eagerly anticipated album, "Cancionera". Natalia, celebrated for her role in reviving traditional Mexican music, returns with her second album of original compositions, marking her continued evolution as a solo artist.

Ana Maria Sayer highlights Natalia’s meticulous craftsmanship:

“She does everything so precisely and perfectly. And even the lyricism here, Felix, like, it's her, I guess, being this alter ego, being the songstress...”
[01:54]

The hosts play the title track "Cancionera", which encapsulates Natalia’s effervescent energy and poetic lyricism. Natalia’s dedication to sound engineering is emphasized, showcasing her ability to blend traditional elements with modern precision.

Felix Contreras expresses his admiration:

“It's just. Just gets better and better, you know?... I can't wait to hear the rest of the record. It's just incredible.”
[07:21]

The duo also features "Como Quisiera Quererte", a collaboration with El David Aguilar, praised for its simplicity and the harmonious blend of voices:

“Absolutely stunning. It's simple, but it's stunning. And it's clear.”
[06:00]

2. Irene Diaz’s New Single "Anything for You"

Transitioning to Irene Diaz, the hosts introduce her latest single, "Anything for You", set to release on May 2. Felix Contreras lauds her for embodying the essence of classic Chicano oldies with a contemporary twist:

“Her voice is so adaptable, and it's perfect for the drama and the intensity...”
[12:15]

Ana Maria admires the nostalgic feel of Irene’s music, likening it to vintage recordings with a modern polish. The track highlights Irene’s ability to evoke deep emotions through her vocal prowess, making it a standout in her repertoire.

3. Eladio Carrión’s "Don Cabron"

Eladio Carrión is next, with his new record "Don Cabron". Ana Maria appreciates his authenticity:

“I'm just going back to my roots. I'm doing full trap. It has a lot of hip hop and R and B influence.”
[13:11]

Eladio’s commitment to his Puerto Rican heritage while infusing American hip hop and R&B influences is a focal point. The hosts discuss his track "Memoiro", featuring Akali Memoiro, highlighting its innovative use of traditional church organ sounds melded with modern beats:

“Ridiculous the way he is approximating the church organ in the background...”
[16:49]

4. Collaborating with Indigenous Brazilian Musicians: Luis Gabriel Lopez’s "Cayativo"

Luis Gabriel Lopez, also known as Luis Ga, collaborates with the Hunikin people from the Amazon. Their project, "Cayativo", bridges indigenous Brazilian musical traditions with contemporary production.

Felix Contreras expresses deep respect for Luis’s approach:

“I really respect and admire the approach that he has on this record and how he's, like, bridging these two cultures...”
[21:33]

The featured track "Nai Basa Machete" showcases the enchanted spirits of the forest through poetry and chants, performed by Yaka, an indigenous vocalist and visual artist. The episode underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage through innovative musical collaborations.

5. Rising Star Santi Sac from Chile

The episode spotlights Santi Sac, a 14-year-old prodigy from Chile who has taken TikTok by storm with his emotionally charged performances.

Ana Maria Sayer shares her fascination with Santi’s emotional depth:

“I was like, what is this? The level of emotionality...”
[23:50]

Despite his youth, Santi delivers powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences. His versatility across genres—from emotional love songs to trap beats—has garnered widespread acclaim in Chile, blending seriousness with a unique cultural humor.

6. Salsa de la Bahia’s "Renegade Queens" Featuring Maria Marquez

Concluding the episode, the hosts celebrate the rich history of salsa music in the Bay Area with Salsa de la Bahia, Volume 3: Renegade Queens. This project, led by trombonist Wayne Wallace and filmmaker Rita Hargrove, documents the pivotal role of women in the Afro-Caribbean music scene.

The featured track, "La La Grima" by Maria Marquez from Venezuela, encapsulates the tight rhythms and soulful melodies that define the Bay Area’s salsa legacy:

“The rhythm, it's just so tight, so beautiful.”
[28:43]

Felix Contreras reflects on the archival significance of the project:

“Renegade Queens is the title of a film that Rita Hargrave made that is basically a history of the women's role in the Latin music in the Bay Area.”
[28:47]

The episode honors the contributions of women-led bands and the enduring cultural fusion that shapes modern salsa music.

Conclusion

"Alt.Latino" on All Songs Considered offers a rich tapestry of Latin music, celebrating both established artists and emerging talents. From Natalia Lafourcade’s poetic explorations to the indigenous collaborations of Luis Gabriel Lopez, and the youthful dynamism of Santi Sac, the episode underscores the diversity and depth of the Latin music landscape. The inclusion of Renegade Queens highlights the importance of historical preservation and the ongoing evolution of salsa in the Bay Area. This episode is a must-listen for music enthusiasts seeking to explore the multifaceted world of Latin music.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ana Maria Sayer on Natalia Lafourcade:

  “She's such an engineer. They were doing sound checks... No, it sounds like this over here.”
  [03:50]

• Felix Contreras on Natalia’s music evolution:

  “I remember playing her because I didn't know how to pronounce her name... I can't wait to hear the rest of the record.”
  [07:21]

• Ana Maria Sayer on Irene Diaz:

  “This kid is incredibly versatile... it's so distinctly Chilean.”
  [26:21]

• Felix Contreras on Salsa de la Bahia:

  “Renegade Queens... all over the Caribbean, Nicaragua, all over the place.”
  [29:56]

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the "Alt.Latino" episode, capturing the essence of each discussion, the passion of the hosts, and the profound artistry of the featured musicians.