Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "Alt.Latino: The Mars Volta, Argentine Beatles Covers, and More"
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Hosts: Ana Maria Sayer & Felix Contreras
Producer: Sara Mohamed
VP of Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins
Executive Producer: Grace Chung
Introduction
In the May 7, 2025 episode of NPR's All Songs Considered, hosts Ana Maria Sayer and Felix Contreras delve into the vibrant world of Latin music, exploring a diverse array of artists, genres, and influences that shape the current Alt.Latino scene. From Chilean jazz vocalists to Peruvian rap artists and the eclectic sounds of The Mars Volta, the episode offers listeners a rich tapestry of Latin musical expression.
Feature Segment: Natalia Bernal – "Masaya" [02:00]
The episode opens with Felix Contreras introducing Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, highlighting her upcoming album En Diablada and her latest single, "Masaya." Bernal's music blends her South American roots with jazz influences cultivated through her studies in the United States.
"She has studied jazz and is incorporating where she comes from into her jazz sensibilities. This new single is called 'Masaya.' Check it out." – Felix Contreras [01:55]
Ana Maria connects Natalia's work to the legacy of earlier Latin jazz musicians, setting the stage for a discussion on musical heritage and innovation.
Historical Context: From Gato Barbieri to Natalia Bernal [04:00]
Felix provides a historical backdrop by referencing Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri and Colombian alto saxophonist Justo Almario, drawing parallels between their pioneering efforts in Latin jazz and Natalia Bernal's contemporary work.
"Gato Barbieri was one of the first musicians to incorporate all these really interesting folk rhythms from Latin America into his own music once he got here to the United States." – Felix Contreras [05:02]
This segment underscores the enduring influence of these early artists on today's Latin musicians, emphasizing a legacy of blending traditional rhythms with jazz.
Spotlight: Juan Carlos Iwasaki Puente (J's) – "Mil Procedimientos" [07:00]
Ana Maria Sayer shifts the focus to Peruvian artist Juan Carlos Iwasaki Puente, known as J's, discussing his third album Quisano Esparatu and the track "Mil Procedimientos." She contrasts this album's live instrumentation and jazzy flair with his previous electronic and trap-heavy work.
"It's almost easy listening in a way, but it's such a departure from his last record because he started in freestyle competitions." – Ana Maria Sayer [07:00]
Felix reacts enthusiastically to J's collaboration with iconic Afro-Peruvian vocalist Susana Baca, highlighting the fusion of traditional and modern elements.
"The iconic Afro Peruvian vocalist. Wow." – Felix Contreras [08:56]
The hosts discuss the broader trend of live instrumentation permeating Latin hip-hop and R&B, acknowledging its growing influence across Latin America.
Exploring The Mars Volta – "Lucro Suio Los Ojos del Vasillo" [14:00]
Delving into progressive and experimental sounds, Felix introduces The Mars Volta, a band renowned for their expansive sonic palette. He plays four tracks from their album Lucro Suio Los Ojos del Vasillo, each showcasing the band's innovative approach to music.
"You never know what to expect. But it's always... creatively challenging, adventurous." – Felix Contreras [14:35]
Ana Maria praises the band's percussion and distinctive threading across tracks, emphasizing the unique yet cohesive soundscape they create.
"The percussion alone is just like absolutely next level... something that's always threading commonly across all the tracks." – Ana Maria Sayer [14:52]
Collaborations and Diego Mama's Influence [20:00]
Ana Maria transitions to discussing Diego Mama, collaborator and producer for J's, highlighting his solo work La Montana and its instrumental beauty.
"It's really, really sweet. It feels very, from the Southern cone, from the nature out there." – Ana Maria Sayer [19:07]
Felix draws connections between Diego's work and broader Latin music movements, referencing bands like Mano Negra and artists like Julieta Venegas and David Byrne.
"It's a really heady mix... They have a new song out. It's called Abuela." – Felix Contreras [22:43]
Emerging Artists: The Roomba Madre – "Abuela" [21:00]
Introducing the Nashville-based trio The Roomba Madre, comprised of members from Spain, Colombia, and Puerto Rico/New York, Felix showcases their single "Abuela." The song narrates the journey of a woman fleeing Francoist Spain to settle in Mexico, reflecting on historical displacement through a modern musical lens.
"They defy specific description. And the only musical acknowledgement is the rumba." – Felix Contreras [21:00]
Ana Maria compliments the track's stylistic fusion, likening it to the energy of the early '90s rock en Español movement.
"Incredible. Very in the style of the bastard region in my opinion, too." – Ana Maria Sayer [22:38]
Contemporary Rap: Junior Zamora – "Salsa y Class" & "Feelings" [24:00]
Concluding the episode, Ana Maria introduces Peruvian rapper Junior Zamora, discussing his role in sustaining Colombia's vibrant rap trap scene. She highlights his second album Jullas del Barrio, featuring tracks like "Salsa y Class" and "Feelings," the latter a collaboration with Dominican artist Jane Noah.
"It's distinctly Latin American hip hop for me." – Ana Maria Sayer [24:29]
Felix appreciates the dynamic blend of rap with rich, funky bass lines, praising the collaborative energy with Jane Noah.
"Like her presence... it's like, okay, everyone take a step back." – Felix Contreras [27:22]
Conclusion
Wrapping up, Sayer and Contreras reflect on the diverse musical landscapes they've explored, celebrating the fusion of traditional Latin sounds with contemporary genres. They emphasize the importance of supporting Alt.Latino artists who continue to innovate and preserve the rich tapestry of Latin musical heritage.
"We like it." – Ana Maria Sayer [27:53]
"You have been listening to Alt Latino from NPR Music." – Felix Contreras [27:56]
Behind the Scenes
- Producer: Sara Mohamed
- VP of Music and Visuals: Keith Jenkins
- Executive Producer: Grace Chung
- Host Credits:
- Felix Contreras: Co-host
- Ana Maria Sayer: Co-host
Supporting NPR
Throughout the episode, NPR underscores its commitment to public media despite external challenges, encouraging listener support to continue providing free access to diverse musical content.
"NPR remains committed to serving the public, and that's you." – NPR Message [00:00]
This episode of All Songs Considered offers a deep dive into the Alt.Latino genre, spotlighting both established and emerging artists who are redefining Latin music through innovative collaborations and genre-blending artistry. Whether you're a longtime enthusiast or new to the scene, Sayer and Contreras provide insightful commentary and engaging musical selections that showcase the dynamic evolution of Latin music today.