Mariachi El Bronx Suit Up Again After a Decade Away
While the idea of hard-core gringo rockers Mariachi El Bronx covering the hyper-emotional Mexican genre might seem like a goof, the musicians dove in and took it seriously.
latin music
The Red Universe of Mari Jasca: Song, Circus, and Soul
Brazilian singer-songwriter and circus performer Mari Jasca is a lover of the Latin American song ideal. She discusses her musical inspirations and songwriting.
Carminho Expands Portuguese Fado’s Boundaries
Carminho says Portuguese fado is, in some ways, analogous to punk because of its spontaneity and spilling over of raw emotions.
iLe’s Boleros Give Women a Powerful Voice
iLe’s vocal outpouring makes the boleros seem like cousins to flamenco or Portuguese fado, which aim to express deep and powerful emotions.
Coco Maria Curates in Full Color on New Compilation
Coco Maria is a genuine selector: knowledgeable and curious. Her Club Coco series has long offered a soundscape going beyond smooth background beats.
Los Bitchos’ ‘Talkie Talkie’ Is a Genre-Defying Celebration
Los Bitchos’ Talkie Talkie builds an immersive experience with a larger narrative. They challenge the conventions of rock through sound and representation.
Puerto Rico’s iLe Transforms From Rappers’ Kid Sister to Bolero Warrior
Formerly the sole female vocalist in rap group Calle 13, iLe has turned into a Latin alternative firebrand, pushing her art and her politics in exciting ways.
Rodrigo Amarante on the Joys of Interpretation in Latin Music
Award-winning Brazilian musician Rodrigo Amarante talks with PopMatters about diversifying Latin sounds and ringing the political alarm in Brazil.
Doctor Nativo Rejoices in His Mayan Heritage on the Politically-charged ‘Guatemaya’
Doctor Nativo creates a lively fusion on Guatemaya that blends hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, reggae, and strong elements of specifically Mayan and Central American sounds.
Various Artists: Nu Yorica! Culture Clash In New York City: Experiments in Latin Music 1970-77
A newly-reissued compilation from the Latin music explosion of the 1970s with names familiar and obscure.
Diana Reyes: Mis Mejores Duranguenses
Heartbreaking melodies belted over Hi-NRG beats of endless momentum -- only the beats are polkas.
Banda Los Recoditos: Sueño XXX
Pinup banda provides forum for drinking stories and sex dreams; its brass lines tangle together like sweaty bodies.