All Songs Considered: Alt.Latino - New Music and a Psicodélico Explainer

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Hosts: Ana Maria Sayer & Felix Contreras

Introduction

In this engaging episode of NPR's flagship music discovery program, "All Songs Considered," hosts Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras delve into the vibrant world of Alt.Latino music. They explore the latest releases, spotlight emerging artists, and provide an insightful explanation of the psychedelic influences shaping contemporary Latin music. The episode seamlessly blends artist interviews, music analysis, and cultural discussions, making it a must-listen for music enthusiasts seeking depth and diversity in their playlists.

Highlighting Es La Bon Armado

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Es La Bon Armado, a dynamic band from Paterson, California. Ana Maria praises the band's prolific output, noting, “They have released eight albums in just four years” (02:03), highlighting their dedication and rapid creative process. Felix echoes this admiration after hearing a sample from their latest album, Vibras de Noche Dos, exclaiming, “Wtf? That is amazing. Oh, my God” (02:58).

Ana Maria elaborates on the band's evolution, explaining how their new album marks a significant progression from their earlier work: “You can feel all the ways they're leveling up” (03:25). Felix adds that the production quality has notably improved, drawing comparisons to Los Lobos and the transformative impact of their album Kiko (05:16).

Thematic and Cultural Insights

The hosts discuss the authenticity and emotional depth in the music of Mexican and Mexican American singer-songwriters. Ana Maria references Octavio Paz, stating, “Mexicans, we love to lick our wounds,” to describe the introspective nature of artists like Ivan Cornejo and Ed Maverick (07:38). She draws parallels between these artists and their ability to express vulnerability and emotional complexity in their music.

Felix introduces Adrian Quesada’s upcoming album, Boleros Psicodelicos Dos, highlighting his role as a creative powerhouse in the Austin music scene: “There's absolutely nothing I'm convinced that Adrian Quesada cannot do” (11:37). Ana Maria echoes this sentiment, marveling at his versatility and creative vision (11:43).

Exploring New Releases and Collaborations

The conversation shifts to emerging artists and collaborations that are making waves in the music industry. Felix previews Adrian Quesada's new single, “Ojo Secos," featuring Cuco, and anticipates exciting collaborations on the forthcoming album (12:02). Ana Maria shares her excitement about Jesse Reyes’ new track, “I Never Said I Was Sane,” praising her ability to blend different genres and express multifaceted emotions: “Every single song on this record... it's all brilliant” (14:30).

Felix concurs, highlighting the therapeutic quality of Adrian Quesada’s music and its capacity to bridge various musical styles (10:11). Ana Maria emphasizes Jesse Reyes' unique talent, stating, “She really has a creative vision... all of it is somehow cohesive and it's all brilliant” (15:24).

Psychedelic Influences in Latin Music

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the psychedelic elements in Latin music. Felix provides a historical context, tracing the roots of psychedelic music back to the 1960s counterculture movement and its influence on contemporary artists. He references iconic bands like the Grateful Dead and the Beatles, drawing connections to modern Latin bands such as Osmutantes and Baltus.

Ana Maria adds depth to this discussion by highlighting the subtle yet profound lineage of psychedelic music in Latin genres: “It's so small you can almost miss it. If you blink too fast, you won't see the depth of the lineage” (26:35). Felix further explores the geographical diversity of psychedelic influences, noting how bands like Baltus from Colombia are incorporating these elements into their unique sound (27:28).

Spotlight on Baltus and Psychedelic Music

Felix introduces Baltus, a Colombian trio making significant strides in the psychedelic music scene. He plays their single, “Year of the Snake,” and analyzes its sonic qualities, drawing parallels to the psychedelic influences discussed earlier. Ana Maria expresses her admiration for Baltus, emphasizing their innovative approach and the fresh perspective they bring to the genre: “It's cool that it's making its way there in this style” (27:28).

The hosts discuss the impact of the internet on global music dissemination, allowing bands like Baltus to gain recognition beyond their geographical origins. Felix remarks, “The Internet has just made everything an amazing, equal, open playing field for everyone” (27:57), underscoring the democratization of music production and distribution.

Closing Remarks and Final Track

As the episode nears its conclusion, Ana Maria introduces Valeria Castro, a Spanish singer whose collaboration with Celia Perez Cruz exemplifies the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. She highlights Castro’s growth and creative vision, particularly in her latest album, El Cuerpo de Peste Todo: “She gets production wise, really interesting... these nuanced changes that show her growth” (33:39).

Felix expresses his enthusiasm for discovering such talented artists through "All Songs Considered," emphasizing the show's role in unearthing hidden gems and fostering musical exploration: “Where has the music been? Right here” (34:14).

Notable Quotes

• Ana Maria Sayer (02:03): "They have released eight albums in just four years."
• Felix Contreras (02:58): "Wtf? That is amazing. Oh, my God."
• Ana Maria Sayer (03:25): "You can feel all the ways they're leveling up."
• Felix Contreras (05:16): "Hats off, man. You got me on that one."
• Ana Maria Sayer (07:38): "Mexicans, we love to lick our wounds."
• Felix Contreras (11:37): "There's absolutely nothing I'm convinced that Adrian Quesada cannot do."
• Ana Maria Sayer (15:24): "She really has a creative vision... all of it is somehow cohesive and it's all brilliant."
• Ana Maria Sayer (26:35): "It's so small you can almost miss it. If you blink too fast, you won't see the depth of the lineage."
• Felix Contreras (27:57): "The Internet has just made everything an amazing, equal, open playing field for everyone."
• Felix Contreras (34:14): "Where has the music been? Right here."

Conclusion

This episode of "All Songs Considered" masterfully intertwines musical analysis with cultural commentary, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the current Alt.Latino landscape. Through passionate discussions and insightful observations, Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras highlight the innovative strides of Latin artists while tracing the rich, psychedelic roots that continue to influence their work. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre, this episode provides a captivating exploration of music's evolving tapestry.

Credits

• Hosts: Ana Maria Sayer & Felix Contreras
• Audio Producer: Simon Rentner
• Executive Producer: Sorea Muhammad
• VP of Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins
• Executive Team: NPR Music Family