Latin summer anthems

Felix Contreras is on vacation, so Anamaria decided to throw her own kind of summer bash in his absence. With NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento along for the ride, today’s Alt.Latino sails through tropical bangers from Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and more.

Simon Grossmann, “Copa del Mundo”

A beachy pop-ballad about building a soccer team (as a metaphor for making love), “Copa del Mundo” is the latest single off Grossmann’s upcoming album, Empezar Ganando, out Sept. 21. The Venezuelan-American artist is known for laidback acoustic melodies and sentimental lyrics that transport listeners to romantic sunsets on the coast of Morrocoy (or Puerto Rico, where Grossmann produced the record alongside Fux Beat and Bebo Dumont).

Xavi and Kapo, “Bien Pedos”

A regional Mexican vocalist and Colombian rapper team up for an unexpectedly welcome collab. On “Bien Pedos,” Kapo’s signature afrobeats sound is infused with charcheta horns from Sinaloa, resulting in an infectious pan-Latin pop sound ideal for making moves on a late-night dancefloor. At the center of it all is Xavi, the 21 year old who started covering corridos for his mom and has quickly emerged as one of the most magnetic voices in contemporary musica Mexicana.

Ana Frango Elétrico, “A Sua Diversão”

Traveling down to Rio de Janeiro, the latest single from multi-instrumentalist (and poet) Ana Frango Elétrico mixes elements of jazz, funk and pop for an uncategorizable groove that we wish would never end. A standout voice in the Brazilian new wave (and with a co-sign from bossa legend Marcos Valle), the Latin Grammy winner infuses their nostalgic yet innovative sound with a refreshingly punk attitude.

Letón Pé, “Prendan Un F**** Abanico,” and “Madrugá”

Dominican singer and actress Letón Pé can do it all. An Ibiza-ready club hit that tracks the soaring summer temperature? Check. A sultry, ‘80s retro siren song detailing a late-night fantasy? Check. Whether she’s working with Spanish DJ Piek or Mexico City-based producer Julián Bernal, Letón Pé’s voice draws listeners into a world of Caribbean textures, melodies and dance moves.

Martox, “Si Es Verdad” and Lena Dardelet feat. Martox, “A mi de ti”

Dropping an anchor on the Dominican Republic, we listen to two tracks from underground duo Martox. Their pulled-back approach on electronic and R&B production crafts a subdued merengue vibe on their latest single “Si Es Verdad.” Ana takes the opportunity to resurface their collab with French-Dominican vocalist Lena Dardelet, “A mí de ti,” a dreamy meditation on a missed connection.

stivijoes, “Solo” and “No he nacido rico”

Ana ends the show with a sad-boy mic drop courtesy of Catalan artist stivijoes. “Solo” and “No he nacido rico” use melancholic piano and lush synths to capture the producer and songwriter’s battle with grief, familial pressures and creative ambitions.

The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy