Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "Alt.Latino's Favorite Music of 2025 (So Far)"

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Felix Contreras & Ana Maria Sayer
Producer: Simon Rettner
Executive Producer: Zaraya Muhammad
Special Thanks: Keith Jenkins

Introduction to the Episode

Felix Contreras and Ana Maria Sayer kick off this episode of NPR's flagship music discovery program, "All Songs Considered," by emphasizing the integral role of Latino music in shaping cultural narratives and reflecting the community's diverse experiences. They set the stage for a deep dive into their favorite Latino music releases of the first half of 2025, highlighting emerging artists and impactful albums that resonate both personally and collectively.

The Intersection of Music and Social Context

Felix Contreras (00:26):
"Music does not exist in a vacuum. We need to take a couple of minutes to talk just a little bit about what's going on in the world."

Felix and Ana Maria underscore the connection between music and the socio-political landscape, particularly focusing on the Latino community's visibility and representation. Ana Maria highlights the power of art, especially music, as a medium to showcase the community's diversity and complexity.

Ana Maria Sayer (00:36):
"Understanding Latinos in this country... is one of the most effective ways to do that is to see our art, to hear our art."

They reflect on their show's history of addressing significant issues such as immigration through music, emphasizing storytelling that impacts both listeners and artists alike.

Featured Artists and Albums

Damaris Bourgeois – Folk Piranha

Felix introduces Damaris Bourgeois, a Mexican artist whose album Folk Piranha released in May 2025, has quickly ascended in prominence. He praises her unique blend of Mexican folk with North American country influences.

Felix Contreras (01:28):
"I really like her because of her take on Mexican folk music and Mexican region, how it kind of all fits together and the performance. I heard how she even dips into a little bit of country music here from North America."

He plays the track "No Es Normal," highlighting the seamless integration of diverse musical elements that make Bourgeois a standout artist this year.

Paloma Morphy – Ow

Ana Maria presents Paloma Morphy, a promising Mexican pop vocalist whose debut album Ow has made a significant impact with its innovative sound and lyrical depth.

Ana Maria Sayer (04:48):
"Every single track, truly, for me, was not skippable. I just see her going to major places."

She showcases the single "Sola," describing Morphy's ability to blend contemporary electronic production with thoughtful lyricism, setting her apart in the pop genre.

Camila Mesa – Portal

Felix spotlights Camila Mesa, a Chilean-American guitarist whose album Portal released in May 2025, showcases her evolution from a jazz guitarist to a versatile artist incorporating elements of R&B and beyond.

Felix Contreras (05:26):
"The entire record is amazing. It's more than I even expected. This track is called Transmutacion. The album is Portal."

He emphasizes Mesa's exceptional vocal arrangements and guitar work, recommending listeners to explore the full album for a comprehensive appreciation of her artistry.

Gerald Lajos – 9:30pm

Ana Maria introduces Gerald Lajos, a Spanish vocalist whose sophomore album 9:30pm blends flamenco with experimental pop sounds, drawing comparisons to artists like Rosalía.

Ana Maria Sayer (09:30):
"Everything is so percussive with flamenco in this very, like, natural way... Geralt Lajos is so talented at harnessing this strength and using it to create something really unique."

She plays "Un Poco Más," highlighting Lajos's ability to infuse traditional flamenco elements with modern hip-hop beats, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural tradition.

Adrian Quesada – Boleros Cicodelicos Dos

Felix and Ana Maria celebrate Adrian Quesada's album Boleros Cicodelicos Dos, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Cuco, Ile Daime Arosena, and Angelica Garcia.

Felix Contreras (18:00):
"The artist is Adrian Quezada. He may have started as a jazz guitarist, but her aesthetic is getting so wide."

Ana Maria adds, "He hangs with all the people we hang with," emphasizing the album's rich collaborations and Quesada's creative versatility.

Reflections on Bad Bunny's Impact

Despite focusing on emerging artists, Felix and Ana Maria acknowledge the absence of major names like Bad Bunny, Natalia La Forcade, and Lido Pimienta from their selections. They delve into the cultural and social influence of Bad Bunny's latest album, noting its profound connection to themes of identity and belonging.

Ana Maria Sayer (15:27):
"Bad Bunny manages to do both of those things on this record. He is simultaneously calling home and being like, I miss you, Puerto Rico, and I'm coming back for you."
"He puts it in the music that no matter who you are, where you're from, you can feel that."

Felix shares a personal anecdote illustrating Bad Bunny's widespread recognition and impact within the Latino community, highlighting a Calvin Klein underwear ad featuring the artist that resonates across generations.

Emerging Collaborations and Noteworthy Projects

The hosts discuss additional standout projects, including:

• Rosalaki – Baby Rome
  Ana Maria praises Rosalaki's transition from a behind-the-scenes producer to a soulful vocalist, spotlighting the track "Baby Rome" featuring Ralphie Chu.

• Other Collaborations:
  Adrian Quesada's album features an impressive lineup of artists, reinforcing the collaborative spirit within the Latino music scene.

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Felix and Ana Maria express excitement for the continuous influx of innovative Latino music, emphasizing their commitment to highlighting diverse sounds and stories from across Latin America. They acknowledge the rapid passage of time, anticipating the forthcoming end-of-year music reviews while assuring listeners of more thrilling discoveries ahead.

Ana Maria Sayer (24:26):
"There's always tons of incredible stuff we're always keeping tabs on. And it's a great place to just relax, enjoy, experience the fruits of some incredible diverse sounds that we have coming out of all of Latin America."

Acknowledgments

• Audio Producer: Simon Rettner
• Production Coordination: Grace Chubb
• Executive Producer: Zaraya Muhammad
• Special Thanks: Keith Jenkins for his unwavering support

Notable Quotes

• Felix Contreras (00:26):
  "Music does not exist in a vacuum. We need to take a couple of minutes to talk just a little bit about what's going on in the world."

• Ana Maria Sayer (00:36):
  "Understanding Latinos in this country... is one of the most effective ways to do that is to see our art, to hear our art."

• Felix Contreras (15:27):
  "I could start crying. It's just so profound about what's going on right now."

• Ana Maria Sayer (20:54):
  "He hangs with all the people we hang with."

This episode of "All Songs Considered" serves as a vibrant exploration of the Latino music landscape in 2025, celebrating both established and emerging artists who are shaping the sounds and narratives of their communities. Through insightful discussions and curated music selections, Felix and Ana Maria provide listeners with a rich tapestry of Latino musical excellence.