All Songs Considered: Alt.Latino – Featuring Paloma Morphy, Rosowski, and Pachyman

NPR's flagship music discovery program, "All Songs Considered," delves into the vibrant world of Latino music in its episode titled "Alt.Latino: Paloma Morphy, Rusowsky, Pachyman." Hosted by Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras, the episode released on May 21, 2025, offers an engaging exploration of emerging Latin artists who are redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries.

Paloma Morphy: A Fresh Voice in Pop

Ana Maria Sayer introduces listeners to Paloma Morphy, a dynamic pop vocalist hailing from Mexico City. Morphy's debut album showcases her inventive approach to pop music, blending diverse production styles and lyrical content that remain distinctly her own.

• Debut and Musical Journey:
  Ana Maria Sayer shares, “She actually does something really different, production-wise, lyrically, on every single song. And it all still sounds like her, her.” [02:18]

• Breakthrough Story:
  Despite having no prior performance experience, Morphy's rapid ascent in the music scene is remarkable. Sayer recounts, “She was in law school, Felix, and she just started writing songs. She played one open mic. She had never performed before, and she just exploded.” [03:00]

• Featured Tracks:
  The episode features tracks like "Un Tipo Nuevo" and "Pijama," highlighting Morphy's versatility and emotional depth. Sayer adds, “It's hard to not notice him (referring to Michael B. Jordan's involvement). But that wasn't my focus on the film... It has so much to say about culture and life.” [05:13]

Camila Mesa: Bridging Jazz and Latin Influences

Though not in the episode's title, Camila Mesa receives significant attention for her contributions to the jazz genre. A Santiago, Chile native immersed in the New York jazz scene, Mesa's upcoming album "Portal" marks a six-year hiatus since her last release.

• Artistic Vision:
  Sayer explains, “She says her goal in writing is to, quote, portray the human capacity to transform our reality from evident darkness that surrounds it into its potential for light and beauty.” [07:04]

• Musical Style and Collaborations:
  Mesa's work blends traditional jazz elements with Latin American folk influences, featuring collaborations like harpist Margaret Davis. Her compositions emphasize melody over strict musical theory, offering a more fluid and emotive listening experience.

Rosowski: Emotion and Innovation in Production

Rosowski, an artist rooted in the Spanish music scene, presents his debut album "Daisy," which includes standout tracks like "Malibu" and "Sophia."

• Production Mastery:
  Sayer remarks, “He's used to playing with sounds, almost sound design, in these very inventive and creative ways.” [10:09]

• Emotional Depth:
  Rosowski's raw vocal performances elicit strong emotional responses. Sayer shares, “I heard raw vocals from him recently. Oh, my God, I cried. There's so much soul under all those layers of effects.” [10:09]

• Musical Influences:
  With a foundation in classical piano training, Rosowski interweaves strong, beautiful piano melodies with intricate electronic sounds, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

Pachyman: Mindfulness and Repetition in Modern Music

Pachyman offers a contemplative take on music with his album "Another Place," featuring tracks like "False Moves" and "Hard to Part."

• Thematic Focus:
  Sayer discusses, “The whole record is kind of... the repetition is the point.” [21:16] Pachyman's work emphasizes mindfulness and the essence of living in the moment, avoiding traditional song structures that build toward a climax.

• Cultural Fusion:
  His music blends Caribbean influences with a tropical vibe, encouraging listeners to engage deeply and attentively with each track. Sayer notes, “He's bringing the culture he's bringing where he's from, but he's doing it in a way where he's making you sit and pay attention and sit in front of the record player and listen to it.” [22:05]

Ines Velasco: Poetry and Jazz Converge

Ines Velasco, a jazz composer and arranger from Guadalajara, infuses her music with poetic narratives. Her album "A Flash of Cobalt Blue" begins with the recitation of poetry by Jorge Esquina, creating a seamless blend of literary and musical artistry.

• Creative Process:
  Velasco draws inspiration from Esquina's poetry to construct intricate jazz arrangements, reminiscent of the collaborative genius between Miles Davis and Gil Evans. Sayer observes, “Her compositions and arrangements remind me of a very well-known jazz composer, Maria Schneider.” [16:00]

• Emotional Resonance:
  The album delves into themes of death and transformation, particularly reflecting on personal loss and the broader human experience. Sayer reflects, “The album's called A Flash of Cobalt Blue. It’s a deep meditation on the moment.” [19:27]

Las Choriceras: Blending Tradition with Americana

Closing the episode, Las Choriceras, a new quartet from Southern California featuring vocalist Nancy Sanchez, bridges traditional acoustic Mexican music with Americana folk.

• Origin Story:
  Sayer shares, “She was visiting her family in Toluca, Mexico, and came up with the idea for an all-female group doing the music she grew up with...” [25:07] The band's name, inspired by the regional specialty chorizo, reflects their deep cultural roots.

• Musical Style:
  With tracks like "Blue Eyed Man," Las Choriceras blend soft Mexican rhythms with the rugged edges of Americana, creating a unique soundscape that honors both traditions. Sayer enthuses, “The band is called Las Choriceras... Keep putting it out because we'll keep playing it.” [26:41]

Conclusion

"Alt.Latino: Paloma Morphy, Rusowsky, Pachyman" offers a rich tapestry of Latino music, highlighting artists who are not only talented but also deeply conscious of their cultural and emotional narratives. From the inventive pop of Paloma Morphy to the mindful repetitions of Pachyman, and the poetic jazz of Ines Velasco, the episode underscores the diversity and depth of the Latin music scene. Hosts Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras guide listeners through these compelling stories, enriched with notable quotes and thoughtful analysis, making it a must-listen for those seeking fresh and meaningful musical experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Ana Maria Sayer at [02:18]: “She has got to be one of the most inventive, dynamic pop vocalists out there right now.”
• Ana Maria Sayer at [07:04]: “She says her goal in writing is to, quote, portray the human capacity to transform our reality from evident darkness that surrounds it into its potential for light and beauty.”
• Ana Maria Sayer at [10:09]: “I heard raw vocals from him recently. Oh, my God, I cried. There's so much soul under all those layers of effects.”
• Ana Maria Sayer at [21:16]: “The whole record is kind of... the repetition is the point.”
• Ana Maria Sayer at [25:07]: “She was visiting her family in Toluca, Mexico, and came up with the idea for an all-female group doing the music she grew up with...”

For those who haven't tuned into "All Songs Considered," this episode serves as an accessible and insightful gateway into the evolving landscape of Latino music, celebrating artists who blend tradition with innovation to create unforgettable sounds.