Alt.Latino: New music and a psicodélico explainer

Summary

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

Transcript

[Unknown Sponsor]

Support for this podcast and the following message come from Dignity Memorial. When your celebration of life is prepaid. Today, your family is protected. Tomorrow, planning ahead is truly one of the best gifts you can give your family. For additional information, visit dignitymemorial.com A quick note before the show. This podcast contains explicit language.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

You're here for a really special day.

[Felix Contreras]

What is that? No one told me.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Today is a big launch. I'm rolling out my new life philosophy. Are you ready? Drum roll, please. My new life philosophy. Thank you. Is I don't care. We're gonna see how it goes. This is day one.

[Felix Contreras]

From NPR Music. This is Aunt Latino. I'm Felix Contreras.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And I'm Ana Maria Sayer. Let the chisme begin. Do you have any chisme for me this week, Felix?

[Felix Contreras]

You know, no, I'm too tired till recovering from my move, so, no, I don't have any Cheeseman.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Okay, Well, I think I'm kicking off this week.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah, we're doing new music. Bunch of cool stuff.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

This was one of those shows, Felix, where I had to limit myself a little bit. There were so many new things I want. It's kind of like that point in the year where things are picking up. You know what I mean? Like, the albums are starting to drop.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

January, February. We started a little slow. Everyone's coming back. But now people are like, all right, let's drop some music. So this album, Felix, truly blew me away. Es La Bon Armado, a band from Paterson, California, that you've loved to talk about where they're from.

[Felix Contreras]

Central Valley, California, San Joaquin Valley.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Most people, I think, probably know them, or at least you've definitely heard them because they were on the song they did with Peso Pluma, Ella Baila Sola. This was the song that, like, completely blew up, changed the course of Mexican regional. But these guys, they have only been making music for the past four. Four years, Felix. And in the past four years, guess how many albums they've released.

[Felix Contreras]

They've released five albums.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

No, they released eight albums. Yeah. No. These guys get to work. They're young, too, but they. They get it going. This is their eighth studio album they have released. They released it a couple weeks ago. It's called Vibras de Noche Dos. I'm gonna. I'm gonna play you a little bit of the song. ESA noche.

[Felix Contreras]

Yes. Okay. Wtf? That is amazing. Oh, my God.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Okay, so a couple things about this record, Felix. One, I love to just set the scene, like I said, talking about Ella Baila Sola, which is the straight ahead corrido tu mado. When you take this album and you put it next to that sound. 1. Mind blowing. 2 actually, not that surprising for them. If you listen to their catalog so far, it has been a little bit more of this low tempo, melodically, really strong sound. Like, they are actually excellent songwriters, but. But this is like, grown up next level. Their second album was called Vibras de Noche. So this is technically right, Vibras de Noche dos. And you can feel all the ways they're leveling up. After I listened to this record, Felix, I immediately texted Julisa Lopez, dear friend of mine, editor at Rolling Stone. I was like, you need to hear this album. You know, when me and Julisa are texting about an album, that's when, you know, it's like, okay, this is something really to listen to. I love what they're doing here. They're almost doing this, like, Ivan Cornejo, sad boy, romantic, kind of very low, deeply emotional sound. You know what I mean?

[Felix Contreras]

Okay.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Oh, this is such a good way to start the show. Felix is speechless.

[Felix Contreras]

I'm listening to the sonic quality because that 12 string guitar, what they're doing, it's so muted. Everything. This reminds me of the work that Los Lobos did. Again, there's always. I'm always hearing equivalency somewhere. But they had done all of this, like, this work just straight ahead. And we put out these great records. And then they put out this album called Kiko, which was completely a sonic mind blower, and it just raised their whole thing up to a different level. Oh, my God.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And the Production's so elevated, 100%, Felix. Like, this is. You gotta listen to the whole thing. Because I pulled a song that was a little bit more off center for them. They really have a diversity of sounds on here. Melodically, it's just so interesting.

[Felix Contreras]

Hats off, man. You got me on that one.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And the other thing I will say about this, Felix too. Cause I thought about this a lot. Last night I went to go see Ed Maverick, who, you know, I adore. He's singer, songwriter from Chihuahua. Deeply emotional, beautiful songwriting. And it made me think for a second, because I think there's a lot of questions right now around, like, what's authentic? Especially when you're talking about mechanism, Mexican, Mexican American singer songwriters. And you look at an Ivan Cornejo, you look at these guys, and some might say, oh, the emotionality of it and the texture of it and the musicality of it. I keep making these comparisons to Like a more American folky sound. They might say that's just derivative of their experiences here, but you stack them up against an Ed Maverick, who is from Chihuahua, who's lived in Mexico his whole life, and he still has some of that same pained and deeply expressive energy in his. In his music. And I have to believe that there's something so deeply Mexican, actually, about. About the way that these guys write. And I was thinking again, because, you know, I like to bring in Octavio Paz all the time, and he has this line where he says that Mexicans, we love to lick our wounds. And I was watching Ed last night, and I was like, that's what this music is. Exactly. It's licking our wound. That was Es a Noche by Es Labon Arnado.

[Felix Contreras]

Okay, so I'm gonna play something next that is also sort of sonically interesting. I'm gonna play something new from Adrian Quesada. In 2022, he had an album called Boleros Cicondelicos, and that had, like, all kinds of great collabs. Gabby Moreno, Girl Ultra Gabriel Garzon Montano, Angelica Garcia. I mean, like, all of these great singers reimagining classic boletos and then new compositions by Adrian as well. Boleros Cicodelicos Dos is coming in late June. More dreamy collabs. Your mind's going to be blown once I tell you who's on it. But the first single coming out features our friend Cuco, and the song is called Hojos secos. You go first.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Well, first and foremost, I just have to say I saw these photos coming out of south by this year, and literally the only thing Felix that made me really jealous that I wasn't there was everyone who got to go to Adrian Cassada's little jam show. Because I just want to be in the visionary presence. He's like a wizard of just finding the magical little sauce of each artist and bringing it to the fore. You know what I mean? Like, he just does it. It's like he's a musical therapist completely.

[Felix Contreras]

Believe me, the people on the record, Cuco Ile, Angelica Garcia again, Ed Maverick, Hermanos Gutierrez, Monsier Perrine, Hepe Natalia Clavier Daime Arucena, and more.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Ridiculous. Ridiculous.

[Felix Contreras]

And Adrian Quesada has been a creative powerhouse in the Austin area for years. Years ago, I did a show with him, asking him why he needed five different bands. He was working, producing and working.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

I feel seen by that Felix, five.

[Felix Contreras]

Different bands at that time. Because he knows, like you said, he knows how to put Together great records. And it seems like he can barely contain his creativity when you consider all the irons that he has in the pot going right now. He's still performing with this killer R and B band called Black Pum. They opened for the Rolling Stones once. Right. They're just. They're everywhere. They're so good. He's producing other artists. He's doing his solo records. He was nominated for an Oscar for this year's Oscar for the song Like a Bird from the film Sing Sing. Big fan, and I can't wait to hear the rest of the record.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

There's really, truly, Felix, absolutely nothing I'm convinced that Adrian Quesada cannot do.

[Felix Contreras]

Exactly.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

If he wanted to open up, like, a. I don't know, some fancy new restaurants or some, like, I don't know, fly people to space, I'd be like, yeah, it's gonna. That's gonna work.

[Felix Contreras]

The name of that song is Ojo Secos, featuring Cuco. The album is called Boletos Psicodelicos Dos. It's coming out in late June. The artist is Adrian Quesada.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Oh, I'm so excited. I just saw what I have next. Oh, my God, I totally forgot. So, Felix, I typically, as a rule for myself, try to do this thing where, 1. I try to only bring on songs, singles, when a record is actually out, because I'm gonna be tempted to talk about it again when the record comes out. And ideally, I wanna talk about a song so I can talk about a record and everyone can go listen to the record. Yay. This is a rule I have for myself. No one knows this but me. Jesse Reyes. I am breaking every rule for my girl. I already brought on a single from her new album. The album just dropped and I heard the first track, and I was like, well, rules are going out the window because I have to talk about this track in the album. It's too good. I am playing you this song. I never said I was sane. I also identify with it. Here we go.

[Jesse Reyes]

Got holy books on my wall The Quran says I'm haram and swears that they'll be a child to see if my soul's worth shit with inflation Holy books on my wall if the Bible's true then I'm fucked Hopefully there's a higher power Forgiving all my mistakes Cause I'm just a half a million in the safe no, my number didn't change when oh Lord, try to pray Pray for death I need a break Sacrilegious. But at least it's the truth Baby imagination They could do what I do but really I just don't want to go back home but that's the past now that is long gone that's why I act out Got holy books on my wall the swears that there be a child hopefully there a higher power Forgiving all my mist.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Honestly, Jesse Reyes is one of those artists that I think a lot of people know, but don't really properly acknowledge. Like she's collaborated with so many different massive artists. It's one of those where you're like, oh, didn't know that song was her type of artist. But she in her own right is talent in every way. She's in a way, a little Adrian Quesada to me, just in that she kind of has it all. Like she has the incredible voice, she can rap, but she has creative vision. Like every single song on this record. To me, Felix is a different experience, a distinct experience, a different genre, sound, mood, vibe, heart, mentality. I think in a way, like she expresses different parts of herself on different songs. But all of it is somehow cohesive and it's all brilliant. Honestly, like, I just love this track.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah, I like what I heard. I like some of that. Those sentiments, especially in this track, you know, it still applies some of that stuff, you know, some of that self examination can still be very helpful.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

I think there's something really powerful, you know, to acknowledging our imperfections and then. And owning them and maybe not seeing them as imperfections is the next step. But I think that Jesse especially is really a master of. When I say that she expresses different parts of herself like the. The track I brought on before that I've been listening to on repeat. Goliath is just this beautiful, gracing, poetic love song. Just lay it all out there. I'm so in love with you Let me just. I think I said last time she speaks in Arabic. She speaks so effusively, so beautifully. And she can be that and express that and also kind of express her maybe seemingly more toxic parts or just more out there parts and all of those feelings somehow in her musical landscape. Right. Like they all feel equally Jessie. And I think so many of us are so many things in one, but maybe feel as though we have to show up as the version that people know us as. And I think her music in all that it is, allows people really provides space for people to try out all the versions of themselves without feeling bad about it.

[Jesse Reyes]

If you can't threaten me with sending me to therapy this love story it might not be meant to be no, it sounds crazy but I never said I was saying I never said I was saying Lost some screws along the way to LA where they pay me for pain.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

That was I never said I was sane By Jesse Reyes I think it's break time. Felix.

[Felix Contreras]

Yes, it is. We're going to take a short break and we'll be right back because I got a little bit of a class is going to be in session here in a second.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Oh, I'm ready. Okay, here we go.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah, we'll be right back.

[Unknown Sponsor]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Betterment, the automated investing and savings app. CEO Sarah Levy shares how Betterment utilizes tech tools powered by human advice.

[Felix Contreras]

Betterment is here to help customers build.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Wealth their way and we provide powerful.

[Felix Contreras]

Technology and complete human support where technology can deliver ease of use and affordability.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And the people behind that technology can provide advice and guidance.

[Unknown Sponsor]

Learn [e-mail] Investing involves risk performance, not guaranteed. Support for this podcast and the following message come From Lagunitas Brewing Co. Since 1993, Lagunitas has been challenging the status quo, brewing innovative beer and crafting stories along the way, featuring a wide range of craft brews, cult classics and non alcoholic options. There's a seat at the bar for everyone. Bring the dog to Lagunitas Brewing Co. Because every great song deserves a great beer. It's good to have friends. Learn [e-mail] support for NPR and the following message come from LinkedIn Ads One of the hardest parts about B2B marketing is reaching the right audience. When you want to reach the right professionals, use LinkedIn ads. LinkedIn has grown to a network of over 1 billion professionals. Target buyers by job title, industry, company role, seniority skills, company revenue, all the professionals you need to reach in one place. Get a $100 credit on your next campaign. Just go to LinkedIn.com allsongs Terms and conditions apply only on LinkedIn ads.

[Felix Contreras]

Welcome to Black in the Garden. I'm your host, Cola B. Talkin. There's a deep rooted connection in history between our heritage and the earth's soil. Are you ready to dig deeper soil cousins? Tune in weekly to Black in the Garden, the intersection of black culture and horticulture, part of the NPR Podcast network. And we're back. Now I want to play a track from a band called Baltus. They're from Colombia. They've only been around for four years and they've done a lot of really cool stuff in a short amount of time. I've been listening to their stuff. I really like it for a lot of different reasons. And I spent some time thinking about it, why I like it, and I'll get into that. But let's. First, let's hear the song. It's the same kind of psychedelic vibe as the Adrian Quesada album, sonically, but then also from perspective, emotionally, thematically, all that stuff. The album's gonna be out later this year. They have a single out, sort of a single preview. It's called Year of the Snake. And this is Baltus, very cool trio out of Colombia. They're definitely have their heads and their minds in a certain space. I know they talk about being influenced by music from Turkey that they discover over the Internet and all that, but that whole psychedelic thing again, this Boleto Psycho Delicos is the name of the. Of Adrian Casale's record. And we talk about psychedelic music here on the show often. So I want to take some time to do a psychedelic deep dive, if that's okay. Of course it's okay, because I'm running the board here. The whole idea of psychedelics, right, the root word is psychedelics, and that refers to things like lsd, psilocybin, mushrooms, peyote, organic and synthetic psychedelics that were all part of the 1960s counterculture mind expansion movement. You got to remember that LSD was legal until 1968. It was the same as marijuana is now. And drinking, having a drink, you know, you could drop some acid and everything was. You wouldn't get in trouble legally. The musical soundtrack for Tripping was made by musicians who were tripping. We're talking late 60s and principally in the Bay Area, San Francisco, because that was ground zero for, you know, counterculture. And the main band behind that is my favorite and you know very well, the Grateful Dead. They were famous for having participated in these acid tests. And they were playing while they were high and then also playing for people who were high in their earliest, earliest days. I want to play a little bit of music so you can hear. You can hear some of the musical echoes of all of this psychedelic stuff that we play in some of this music. This is from their 1969 live album, was recorded at the Fillmore west in San Francisco. This is a song called Dark Stone.

[Jesse Reyes]

It.

[Felix Contreras]

Of course, Jerry Garcia on guitar. So very, very of a time of a place. Lots of improv, lots of texture, lots of experimenting with sound and doing all that. That was very counterculture. At the same time, just a few years earlier, the Beatles, who had already become enlightened, in 1967, they released Sergeant Pepper. And now we're going to move to one of the bands that was heavily influenced by the Beatles, a band from Brazil called Osmutantes. And they have a song written by JORGE Ben in 1968, Amina Menina. And you can hear some of the same musical and cultural references. Check it out. Imagine the impact that had in the land of samba and bossa nova, right? Completely shattering all musical exceptions, expectations, and completely shattering the landscape and setting a whole new bar for what cultural and contemporary expression could be. But wait, you may say, wait, Felix, what about that guitar sound that we heard in Baltus, that we heard in Adrian Cassandra?

[Ana Maria Sayer]

But wait, Felix, what about that guitar sound that we heard in B?

[Felix Contreras]

That goes back to 1958 and in the late 50s, from a guy named Dwayne Eddy, who was the king of twangy guitar sound. Everything we heard and Hermanos Gutierrez and everything else, it all goes back to Dwayne Eddy. Here's a song from 1958 called Rebel Rouser. Now you're going to hear this guitar that you're so familiar with. So when you mix a guitar sound with the psychedelic influence and Osmutantes and the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia and the Beatles and everything else, and LSD and psilocybin and all this other stuff, that's what I hear when I hear these young musicians doing this psychedelical music. Right.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

It's one of those things, Felix, where it's so small you can almost miss it. If you blink too fast, you won't see the depth of the lineage. And I think that it's actually that exact thing. It's all of this Runway. It's all of these things that had to happen before to create these current sounds that actually make them so strong.

[Felix Contreras]

I know we didn't even get into the whole psychedelic guitar. Chicha, Peruvian Cumbia from the 60s that was made out in the jungle somewhere, man, even that is its own little room of psychedelica.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Well, we talked about that too recently with that band, actually, Chicha, remember?

[Felix Contreras]

Right, right, exactly.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

So we're seeing it. It's interesting too, like where geographically it pops up. That's what's distinct about this band, as Colombia is not the first place I would have expected, but it's. It's cool that it's making its way there in this. In this style.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah, I saw an interview with them on KEXP's website. They're stationed from Seattle, and they talk about how Colombia is not known for that sound or for any of those influences. You know, there's all These other amazing folkloric styles and contemporary styles, but I think that's what makes them stand out there. But then, you know, then like I say, you kids, man, you young people these days, you know, the Internet has just made everything an amazing, equal, open playing field for everyone.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

I told you, Felix, that that guy came up to me. The guy came up to me at that conference a couple months ago and was like, there's not really any independent music coming out of Colombia. And I was like, bro, you were.

[Felix Contreras]

Much better than I would have been, man. I was so polite.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

You don't say. It's like, I might have a few names I could your way.

[Felix Contreras]

So anyway, that is my reflection on Year of the Snake from Baltus. Their album's coming out later. They're singles out right now. The whole psychedelic thing. Thank you for indulging me. You didn't.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

I loved it. I did love your lesson, even though I don't care. I did. I did love your lesson.

[Felix Contreras]

Because you don't care. There won't be a quiz and you didn't have to take notes.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

I do always say, if and when I become a professor, one day, it's going to be like everyone gets an A and you just have to bring me your good cheeseman. That's all.

[Felix Contreras]

Oh, my God. Let's hope you don't get in that classroom, man. Okay.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

You should be so lucky to take my class, my lessons on life.

[Felix Contreras]

Felix, you got a point there. I don't care 101.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Okay, so speaking of not caring, I really do care about this last song that we're gonna end on, Valeria Castro. She is one of these singers from Spain that I just absolutely adore. I've been following her project for a while now, and really, she just has that special quality, Felix. I can't even describe it. You just have to hear it. This is her song, De Becer. It's her and our absolutely beloved, adorable, amazing Celia Perez Cruz. Felix, you know your playlist you make where you put beautiful female vocalists back to back?

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

They did that for you on a song. Congratulations.

[Felix Contreras]

Wow.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

There's something so magical to me about this pairing. It's just Sylvia, I say this all the time. She has this oldest soul of a voice. Centuries live in there. And Valeria is like, fresh and gorgeous and booming, and they compliment each other so perfectly. I needed peace, Felix, and this song is just peace to me. It's like a balm. It's just. I don't know, it has this really special quality to it, and it's been amazing too. I was really excited for this album. It's called El Cuerpo de Espueste Todo. It's her second album and it has all kinds of things on it. I do want to play a little bit of one more song to play us out on and I'll explain it first and we can go out on it. Because she does subtly just really push herself here. She gets production wise, really interesting. She almost has an electronic vibe at certain moments. You catch there's a cumbia on this track. So it's small, it's little. But it's these nuanced changes that show her growth. And honestly, I think her potential. There's just so much space to grow for her still. And yet, like, I think she's hitting it right on the nose. So this song is called Sentimental.

[Felix Contreras]

Wow.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Yeah, right? No, she's got, she's got some depth to her feelings, for real. She's not just some little singer from Spain. She really, she has a creative vision for sure.

[Felix Contreras]

I hope people out there are taking notes, man. Cause this I'm having the time of my life, really. Seriously, every week discovering new music and you bring stuff in like this ana that just, man, like, where has it been my whole life?

[Ana Maria Sayer]

You know, where have I been your whole life?

[Felix Contreras]

No, where the music. Where has the music been?

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Right here.

[Felix Contreras]

Yeah. That's why you have been listening and you have to keep listening to Alt Latino from NPR Music. Our audio producer for this episode, as always, is Simon Rentner. He makes sense of all this stuff.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

The woman who keeps us on track is Grace Chung.

[Felix Contreras]

Sorea Muhammad is the executive producer of NPR Music.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And Keith Jenkins is VP of Music and Visuals.

[Felix Contreras]

I'm Felix Contreras.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

And I'm Ana Maria Sayer. Thanks for listening.

[Felix Contreras]

Thank you for listening.

[Ana Maria Sayer]

Not that I care though, because the ending sounded like I cared.

[Unknown Sponsor]

Support for this podcast and the following message come from Lagunitas Brewing Company. Challenging the status quo and crafting stories along the way. Featuring a wide range of innovative craft brews and non alcoholic options. It's good to have friends. Learn [e-mail] this message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker? It's all the invisible extras without the extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around the country. This message comes from Carvana. Carvana makes financing your next car Easy buy 100% online with customizable terms. Good for 30 days. Buy your car the convenient way with Carvana. Terms may apply.