Podcasts by Alt.Latino
The global Latinx community is evolving and growing fast. Alt.Latino is here to celebrate it and all of its nuances through music. Each episode, NPR Music's Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with a different living legend or rising star to discuss Latinx culture, heritage, and the shared borders of our experiences. Let the chisme begin!
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Regional Goes Global, Part 2: A band finds its voice amid a storm of controversy from 2023-11-29T10:00
For the second episode of Alt.Latino's regional Mexican music series, hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras interview the rising family band Yahritza y Su Esencia in its hometown of Yak...
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Regional Goes Global, Part 1: Finding Peso Pluma's music revolution in Nashville from 2023-11-15T08:00
Earlier this year, Peso Pluma — a 24-year-old who grew up in between Guadalajara, Jalisco, and San Antonio — became the first regional Mexican artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Global 2...
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Marinero: How the diversity of the Bay Area shaped the artist's approach to music from 2023-11-02T09:00
Recently Ana and Felix traveled to NPR member station KQED in San Francisco to meet Alt.Latino listeners and interview the musician Marinero, who has deep musical and familial roots in the Bay Area...
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Maluma: On becoming a dad, hustling across genres and reggaeton's rise in Colombia from 2023-10-20T15:35:41
The Colombian singer Maluma has a lot to be excited about these days — a world tour, a new album and a shot at exploring a different part of his humanity: being a parent.
The artist has ofte...
Becky G: Why the Mexican American pop star always identifies as '200%' from 2023-09-27T15:18:47
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Becky G, right after her forthcoming Tiny Desk performance, to talk about the cultural mash-up of her music, her philosophy for working with women i...
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Dissecting the Latin Grammy noms, from Regional Mexican snubs to Edgar Barrera love from 2023-09-20T14:20:25
Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras and producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento sit down to talk some real chisme this week — a special episode dedicated to the Latin Grammy nominations. Was there really a r...
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It's 'El Tiny' season — and Alt.Latino has the lineup from 2023-09-13T09:00
This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras preview the artists coming to play Tiny Desk performances for their 'El Tiny' takeover, including indie explosion Kali Uchis returning home to Colombia...
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Omar Montes: Why the Spanish artist thinks the best school for flamenco is the street from 2023-08-30T09:00:31
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Spanish artist Omar Montes to talk about why he'll never lose his flamenco influences, expressing the oppression of his Romani ancestors in his musi...
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: DannyLux, Kali Uchis and Dario Acosta Teich from 2023-08-16T09:00:35
This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including Mexican bedroom pop from Bratty, jazz from Argentinian composer Dario Acosta Teich, a...
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Eladio Carrión: Why the athlete-turned-rapper thinks everything in life is practice from 2023-08-02T09:00:59
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with the Puerto Rican hip-hop artist Eladio Carrión to discuss what drives him, learning Spanish through music and how he's changing the game of Latin ra...
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YEИDRY: How she uses music to bridge her Dominican roots and Italian upbringing from 2023-07-19T16:22:33
Anamaria Sayre speaks with YEИDRY, the Dominican-born, Italian-raised singer about using music as a tool to marry her two worlds.
Audio for this episode of 'Alt.Latino' was edited and mi...
Alt.Latino presents the best music of 2023 (so far) from 2023-07-05T09:00:43
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite albums of 2023 so far, from the modern corridos tumbados of Peso Pluma, a new, reimagined version of one of Fito Paez's greatest albums, d...
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Sheila E.: On how faith and family shaped the drummer's eclectic music career from 2023-06-21T09:00:22
Felix Contreras sits down with percussion icon Sheila Escovedo, aka Sheila E., to talk about the influence of the Bay Area on her music, holding her own in the face of music industry sexism and why...
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Eduardo Cabra, Santa Fe Klan and Elsa y Elmar from 2023-06-07T09:00:47
This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, including new work from the prolific Eduardo Cabra, surprisingly straight-ahead regional from S...
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Mabe Fratti: The cellist on the importance of imperfection and going to extremes from 2023-05-24T09:00:48
Anamaria Sayre sits down with the experimental, Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti to discuss the admiration she's developed for imperfection, finding a musical community in Mexico City and how religio...
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Karol G: Why the Colombian superstar will never stop being a 'happy heartbreak girl' from 2023-05-17T09:00:30
While coming up with the concept for her new album Mañana Será Bonito, Colombian superstar Karol G had an epiphany that would change her life: what if she was just more herself? Anamaria S...
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Bad Bunny, Grupo Frontera, Becky G and more from 2023-04-26T09:00:01
This week, Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite music from the last few months, kicking things off with a surprising collab from Bad Bunny and regional Mexican group Grupo Fro...
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La Brega: Bonus Track — Songs for the Future of Puerto Rico from 2023-04-14T09:00:19
From our friends at WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios, today we're sharing an episode from the latest season of the podcast La Brega — which traces the history of Puerto Rican music across eight tran...
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Girl Ultra: On Mexico City's 'haunted' energy and why she secretly loves sad songs from 2023-04-12T09:00:52
Across her evolving discography, which includes everything from R&B ballads to danceable electronic beats, Girl Ultra has solidified her approach to deep, dark songs of love and heartbreak. In this...
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Camilo Lara: How Mexico's musical 'double agent' seeks a universal dance floor from 2023-03-29T09:00:28
Anamaria Sayre sits down with world-building producer and Mexican Institute of Sound frontman Camilo Lara to talk about using his fearless intuition to help artists find their voice in the burgeoni...
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Radio Ambulante: Getting Down from 2023-03-20T09:00:56
From our friends at Radio Ambulante, today we're sharing a thought provoking episode from their latest season. Puerto Rican Patricia Velasquez has spent her whole life listening to reggaeton. It's ...
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Julieta Venegas: Why the Mexican pop icon wouldn't call herself a pioneer from 2023-03-15T09:00:42
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Mexican pop icon Julieta Venegas to discuss her role as a trailblazing female vocalist and mom to a daughter with impeccably cool music taste.
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Alt.Latino's Best New Music Round-Up: Karol G, Y La Bamba, The Latin Dead and more from 2023-03-01T10:00:18
Our digital mailbag continues to overflow with tons of new music from every corner of the Spanish-speaking world. Yet even as we update our weekly playlists on both Listen
Adrian Quesada: How the U.S.-Mexico border shaped the prolific producer's fluid sound from 2023-02-15T10:00:05
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with prolific producer and creator Adrian Quesada to discuss his experimental approach to border-driven sonic expression.
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Cimafunk: How his Afro-Cuban funk tells a bigger story about the African diaspora from 2023-02-01T16:15:13
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Cimafunk to talk about how he's created his singular sound, the complex African lineage of his music and why his band is his "tribe."
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Reyna Tropical: How Fabi Reyna learned to listen to her revolutionary intuition from 2023-01-18T10:00:56
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Fabi Reyna of Reyna Tropical to talk about the process of trusting yourself, how music saved her life and moving forward after losing her creative collaborator Sumohair.
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Encore: The Cuban roots of rock and roll from 2023-01-04T10:00:28
Can you hear the cha-cha-cha in The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"? Or the mambo in Ray Charles' "What'd I Say"? This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2019...
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Encore: Selena's spark still shines from 2022-12-28T10:00:44
Since her death in 1995, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez' legacy has spread far beyond her Tejano music roots. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode and explores how Selena became a po...
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Encore: An Alt.Latino Christmas, with Cantigas in concert from 2022-12-21T10:00:09
¡Felices fiestas y'all! This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2014 to enjoy the music of D.C. Latino choir, Cantigas.
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Alt.Latino presents our favorite music of 2022 from 2022-12-14T10:00:38
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Rolling Stone's Julyssa Lopez and NPR Music contributor Stefanie Fernández to talk about (some of) their favorite albums of the year.
Show notes: You can help u...
Encore: Cumbia, the musical backbone of Latin America from 2022-12-07T10:00:25
Whether you're from Ushuaia or East Los Angeles, you've likely heard cumbia blaring from a stereo. This week, Alt.Latino revisits a classic episode from 2015 and takes a closer look at the...
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Linda Ronstadt: On getting to fully embrace her Mexican heritage in her music from 2022-11-30T10:00:34
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Linda Ronstadt, who recently released her book Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands, to talk about her Mexican heritage, wan...
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Hermanos Gutiérrez: How their cinematic guitar music reconnected them as brothers from 2022-11-23T10:00:52
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez to talk about their musical legacy, sad songs and creating strong familial bonds through music.
Show notes: ...
Silvana Estrada: On cultivating intimacy and generosity in her live performances from 2022-11-16T10:00:04
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Silvana Estrada to talk about vulnerability, bringing light into her shows and the lessons her parents have given her.
Show notes: You can he...
Natalia Lafourcade: How making original music again helped grow her 'inner garden' from 2022-11-09T10:00:37
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Natalia Lafourcade to talk about interpreting old songs, taking things slow and releasing her first album of original material in seven years.
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Canción Exploder: Ibeyi from 2022-11-04T09:00:25
From our friends at Canción Exploder, we're sharing a conversation with Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz from the musical group Ibeyi. The twins discuss "Sangoma," the first song off their album Spel...
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Angélica Negrón: The genre-subverting composer on embracing all sides of her identity from 2022-11-02T09:00:49
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Angélica Negrón to talk about the importance of representation, making music with plants and what inspired her to begin composing.
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Carlos Santana: Why 1972's divisive, spiritual 'Caravanserai' wasn't 'career suicide' from 2022-10-26T09:00:06
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Santana to talk about nurturing his spirit, growing as an artist and 50 years of Caravanserai, an iconic album he co-produced with d...
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Snooze: Rosario Dawson from 2022-10-21T09:00:18
From our friends at the LAist Studios' podcast Snooze, host Megan Tan sits down with Rosario Dawson to discuss relationships, abuela's sage advice and the things in life that people put off.
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iLe: How the rhythms and resilience of Puerto Rico shape her music from 2022-10-19T09:00:15
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with iLe to talk about salsa music, Puerto Rico's role in her art and being la bebé of the family.
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Farruko: On his partying persona and religious transformation (English version) from 2022-10-13T09:00:53
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado to talk about creating the character of Farruko, developing a relationship with God and spreading a message of love.
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Farruko: On his partying persona and religious transformation (Spanish Version) from 2022-10-12T09:00:15
Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado to talk about creating the character of Farruko, developing a relationship with God and spreading a message of love. This ...
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Carla Morrison: How a break from music and a move to Paris led to a personal rebirth from 2022-10-05T09:00:26
Felix Contreras sits down with Carla Morrison to talk about her new sound, the importance of mental health and the art of the Parisian non.
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Alisa Amador: Why the Tiny Desk Contest winner almost gave up on music from 2022-09-28T12:02:38
Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras sit down with Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador to talk about intentionality in community building, almost quitting music and finding nourishment in her art.<...
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Rosalía: How the genre-bending pop star found her confidence from 2022-09-21T12:44:57
Anamaria Sayre sits down with Spanish superstar Rosalía, who just earned eight Latin Grammy nominations, to talk about her musical inspirations, divine sensuality and constant pull to transform.
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Omar Apollo: Ballet Folklórico OG, Pharrell Whisperer, and Hot Sauce Entrepreneur from 2022-09-14T09:00:26
Anamaria Sayre sits down with R&B darling Omar Apollo to talk about his experiences growing up in Indiana and becoming a role model for queer Latinx kids.
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Alt.Latino: Where we've been and what's next from 2022-09-12T18:21:08
After an extended hiatus, Alt.Latino returns with longtime host Felix Contreras and new co-host Anamaria Sayre. On this reintroduction to the program, the two talk about how the landscape ...
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Reintroducing: Alt.Latino from 2022-09-12T17:02:17
Longtime host Felix Contreras introduces the program's new co-host, Anamaria Sayre — and gets a blessing from her abuelita.
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From the archives: flamenco, rock and songs of rebellion from Spain from 2022-07-03T13:00:22
Alt.Latino intern Vita Dadoo revisits podcast episodes to feature three conversations about music from Spain and explores the musical traditions that inspired these artists as well as the ...
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From the archives: the many faces of 'Regional Mexican' from 2022-06-26T13:00:49
Alt.Latino intern Vita Dadoo parses through the podcast archive to feature two conversations on the musical styles referred to as "Regional Mexican," its history, and its rising popularity among au...
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From the archives: interviews with Ibeyi, Ivy Queen and Silvina Moreno from 2022-04-03T13:00:08
Alt.Latino intern Cat Sposato takes over the show to feature more stories for Women's History Month.
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From the archives: Latinas in punk from 2022-03-27T13:00:54
The San Antonio based punk band Fea is featured in a discussion about Latinas and punk.
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From the archives: exploring the representation of women in reggaeton from 2022-03-20T13:00:20
This week we go back to the era of "Despacito" to discuss the impact of reggaeton on women and reggaetonera pioneer Ivy Queen.
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From the archives: vibrant conversations with artists Daymé Arocena and iLe from 2022-03-13T13:00:03
For another edition from our archives, we go back to interviews with vocalists Daymé Arocena and iLe much earlier in their careers.
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Celebrating Women's History Month with three powerful Latinas from 2022-03-06T11:00:43
We celebrate Women's History Month with three complex yet stylistically distinct Latina musicians: Ana Tijoux, Li Saumet and Lila Downs.
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From the archives: A deep dive into Afro-Latinx culture from 2022-02-27T14:00:57
Revisiting a program from 2014 that offers an overview of Afro-Latino culture and history.
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Revisiting the work of two Afro-Latinx pioneers from 2022-02-13T14:06:49
Celebrate Black History Month with two interviews from the Alt.Latino archive with Puerto Rican rapper Tego Calderon and Dominican vocalist Amara La Negra.
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Speaking truth to power through music from 2022-01-30T14:00:41
This week we reach back into the Alt.Latino archives to bring you three recent shows about contemporary protest music in Latin America and the U.S.
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Alt.Latino and Code Switch: What is 'Latin Music' anyway? from 2021-12-26T14:00:55
This week, Felix and Anamaria sit down with Shereen Marisol Meraji of the NPR Code Switch podcast to find out what exactly connects all the artists under the 'Latin music' category.
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Looking back on the original 'West Side Story' and its impact on Nuyorican identity from 2021-12-19T14:00:46
This week, Alt.Latino takes a look at how the original 1961 West Side Story impacted Puerto Ricans growing up in New York.
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Alt.Latino presents the best singles of 2021 from 2021-12-12T14:00:11
The Alt.Latino team discusses the best Latin music singles of 2021.
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Alt.Latino looks back at the best albums of 2021 from 2021-12-05T14:00:36
The Alt.Latino team brings you a discussion of a few of our favorite album releases from 2021.
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Voices from the past in Ecuador and Venezuela from 2021-11-21T14:00:11
Two new compilations capture moments long lost to time using archival recordings from the 1960s and 70s.
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Honor the Departed in Our Annual Sonic Altar from 2021-10-31T13:00:35
In what's become an annual Día de los Muertos tradition, we play music and personal dedications honoring the departed.
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Presenting 'It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders': Pop music's 'Latin Explosion' from 2021-10-24T13:00:26
This week on Alt.Latino, we're featuring a special episode from our friends at It's Been a Minute with ...
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Alt.Latino And NPR News: Musical Profiles From Mexico, Cuba and Peru from 2021-10-17T13:00:07
This week we share music stories from NPR News that you should know about, featuring Cimafunk, Susana Baca and 'El Charro de Mexico' Vicente Fernandez.
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Alt.Latino Unpacks the Latest Music News, Including Latin Grammy Drama from 2021-10-10T16:07:06
An eclectic round-up of all the current happenings across the Latin Music world. Listen to conversations with Juanes, José González, Yosmel Montejo, as well as a run-down of the Latin Grammy nomina...
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Humanity Has No Border on La Frontera from 2021-10-03T13:00:22
We bring you three stories from the U.S.-Mexico border: an unlikely music festival, musician/activist La Muna, and a bullfighting training center in Texas.
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It's Lit! Latina Novelists On Living With (And Writing In) Two Languages from 2021-09-26T13:00:09
Isabel Allende (The Soul of a Woman) and Sandra Cisneros (Martita, I Remember You/Martita, te recuerdo) tell Alt.Latino about the role of women in Latino cultures, and wh...
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Elvis En Español: 'This Year's Model' Reimagined from 2021-09-19T13:00:07
A score of Latin artists reimagine Elvis Costello's 1978 classic album, This Year's Model, completely in Spanish.
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Alt. Latino's Fall Music Preview from 2021-09-12T13:00:39
Our digital mail bag overflows with great new music to head into the last part of 2021.
Songs heard on this episode:
• Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, "Dreaming i...
End Of Summer Rooftop Listening Party from 2021-09-05T12:42:14
What better way to end the summer than with friends, a little vino, music and former Alt.Latino co-host Jasmine Garsd?
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Gina Chavez Picks Her 5 Favorite Tiny Desk Contest Entries from 2021-08-15T13:00:28
With Tio Felix on vacation, our guest host illustrates the width and breadth of Latinx musical expression through Tiny Desk Contest submissions.
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Encore: The Meteoric Rise Of Latin Urban Explained from 2021-08-08T13:00:05
The story of Latin America has always been reflected through music. This week, we rerun one of our most popular episodes and talk to experts to help us understand Latin Urban's pop music dominance.
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We Excavate Cuba's Rallying Cry, 'Patria Y Vida' from 2021-07-24T13:28:08
The Cuban experience is synonymous with Cuban music. This week, we take a look at the uprising in Cuba and the island's history with protest music.
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Indie Film And Latinx Reality from 2021-07-18T18:58:49
To celebrate The Latino Experience film series from PBS, we chat with Latinx indie filmmakers to discuss the state of the industry, and why independent films are powerful for accurate repr...
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No Boundaries On The Island: The Music Of Puerto Rico from 2021-07-11T13:00:32
Puerto Rico is an island full of sonic diversity. We take you across time, genre and musical boundaries through interviews with pop star Rauw Alejandro, vocalist Sebastian .Otero and punk rocker AJ...
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The Alt.Latino Interview: Rita Moreno from 2021-07-04T13:00:01
To celebrate a new documentary about her life and career, we revisit our 2018 conversation with none other than Rita Moreno.
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Alt.Latino's Best Music of 2021 (So Far) from 2021-06-27T14:09:28
As we hit the midpoint of 2021, our host Felix Contreras is joined by Alt.Latino producer Anamaria Sayre, NPR Weekend Edition producer Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, L.A. Times culture writer Suzy Expos...
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Resilience and Innovation: An Alt.Latino Podcast Extra En Español from 2021-06-22T19:51:19
Two stories of determination, innovation and strength from different sides of the Latinx community: a father-son pair separated at the border and a musician from Cuba using blockchain tech to bring...
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Lin-Manuel Miranda, Los Lobos And Tania León Post Their W's from 2021-06-20T12:00:38
We take a look at the headlines from the past week and can't help but notice Latinos and Latinos stacking up wins.
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'Music As A Weapon': A Discussion About Garifuna Music from 2021-06-13T13:00:01
A workshop on the eastern coast of Honduras is keeping Garifuna culture alive and accessible for young musicians.
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Loss, Love And Resilience Across Latinidad from 2021-06-06T12:00:46
We're taking a step back to do a survey of what's happening across the community. We'll introduce you to an artist that maybe you don't know, hang out with some Cuban drummers, meet high school tea...
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Bakosó: Cuban Grooves Meet Afrobeats from 2021-05-30T13:00:34
The documentary film Bakosó: Afrobeats of Cuba captures the development of a new music style in Santiago de Cuba.
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You Just Can't Peg Pedrito Martinez And Rubén Blades from 2021-05-23T13:00:04
We talk cultura, new tunes and what it means to step out of comfort zones with Pedrito Martinez and Rubén Blades.
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Long Hair And Lowriders: Latin Rock In 1971 from 2021-05-16T13:00:28
We take the Alt.Latino Time Machine back 50 years to tell the story of how three albums captured a moment when music, culture and current events collided in song: WAR's All Day Music Listen
Not Your Abuela's Music: A Deep Dive Into Mexican Regional Music from 2021-05-05T22:10:37
The music of your parents and grandparents is now part of a music industry trend that may soon overtake the popularity of reggaetón.
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Alt.Latino's LAMC 2021 Cheat Sheet from 2021-05-02T13:00:17
Here's a little preview of six artists we're most excited to see at the virtual Latin Alternative Music Conference — most of which we've never heard before.
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New York City's Influence On Latin Music from 2021-04-25T13:00:16
Ben Lapidus, scholar and Grammy-nominated musician, explains New York's central role in developing Latin music across the U.S. and Latin America.
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Selena's Spark Still Shines from 2021-04-19T10:20:51
We sat down with the director of Selena, an author, a college professor and the creator of the wildly popular Anything for Selena podcast to talk Selena's legacy. Touching on topi...
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Speed Dating Through Spring's New Music from 2021-04-11T13:00:13
Featuring Mon Laferte, Cuco and Juanes, Alt.Latino shares the latest songs you need to know. Follow the playlist on Listen
A 97-Year-Old Mexican Jazz Drummer's Latest Gig from 2021-04-09T18:23:57
Tino Contreras talks about his upcoming show at the former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the famous Casa Azul in Mexico City. This interview was conducted en español.
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Omar Sosa Takes A Journey To East Africa from 2021-04-04T13:00:23
Fans from around the world speak of Omar Sosa's gigs as spiritual experiences — the silence is just as important as the notes. The pianist's new album features field recordings of traditional music...
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From The 'Cosmic Barrio' To 'Despacito,' Two Latin Music Books We Love from 2021-03-28T13:00:30
Latin music is part of the cultural fabric of America. Two new books from Leila Cobo and Betto Arcos show how far back that history goes.
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Women Are Instrumental To Latin Music from 2021-03-21T16:17:30
We dive back in time to understand the roles women have occupied in Latin music, and look forward at the artists blazing new trails — pushing progress for both female instrumentalism and the entire...
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A Year Of Pandemic: Alt.Latino Remembers from 2021-03-14T13:00:23
This week we present stories of the pandemic from NPR, StoryCorps and the University of Texas to remember a year of loss and hope.
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The Voice And Spirit Of Bobi Céspedes from 2021-03-07T14:00:22
Bobi Céspedes' spiritual presence is as joyful as her voice. On this episode, the singer shares her music and connection to her African roots.
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Remembering Johnny Pacheco Of Fania Records from 2021-02-28T13:00:15
This week's episode examines the story of the force behind a social movement. Johnny Pacheco crafted a legacy of cultural pride and stellar musicianship for Fania Records, imprinting his own genius...
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The Man Running An Entire Nation's Institute Of Sound from 2021-02-23T19:58:53
Mexican Institute of Sound's Camilo Lara invites us to Distrito Federal by taking us on a tour of his past, including a party at Prince's Paisley Park.
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Now We Sob, Forever He Sings: Chick Corea Remembered from 2021-02-21T10:00:18
Chick Corea's music has been such a big part of our lives. Arturo O'Farrill, Sofía Rei, Haydée Milanés, Rubén Blades and many others share what his music meant to them.
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Warm Up Your Winter With New Songs from 2021-02-14T10:00:24
It's been a while, so the digital mail bag of new music has been piling up. Hear new music from Bomba Estéreo, Magos Herrera, Diamante Eléctrico and more!
Songs featured on this episode:
Gustavo Santaolalla: A True Master Of All Trades from 2021-02-05T19:04:40
Gustavo Santaolalla — musician, producer, film and video game composer — embodies Duke Ellington's highest praise: "beyond category."
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Alt.Latino's Deeper Dive Into New Pixar Film, 'Coco' from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week we talk about the new film Coco with an NPR entertainment reporter and some of the principals of the film.
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Road Trip: Alt.Latino Attends The Latin Grammys In Las Vegas from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino makes the trek to Las Vegas to cover the Latin Grammy's! Join us for a visit to the Red Carpet!
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Guest DJ: iLe Shares The Classic Sounds Driving Her New Solo Music from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Puerto Rican artist iLe plays Guest DJ, joining us to spin the classics from another era, the raw material that helped her create the album iLevitable.
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Alt.Latino Guest DJ Antonio Sanchez: Jazz Drummer, Musical Activist from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez is much more than that job title suggests — his new album Bad Hombre addresses current events instrumentally.
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Alt.Latino: A Spotlight On Playwrights With Lin-Manuel Miranda And Karen Zacarias from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week, conversations with two greats of the theatre stage — one you probably know and the other you should.
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'Familia' Affair: Paying Homage To Afro-Cuban Jazz Pioneers from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Pianists Chucho Valdes and Arturo O'Farrill honor their fathers, Latin jazz greats Bebo Valdes and Chico O'Farrill, on a new album. Here, the younger O'Farrill discusses Familia on Alt...
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Before They Were Nominated: Alt.Latino As Prognosticator from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino favorites rub elbows with Latin music superstars in this year's Latin Grammy nominations. This week we look back at how we covered them this past year.
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Latin Music And Los Angeles' Exchange Explored In The Massive 'Pacific Standard Time' from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
A massive cultural exhibit illustrates the connection between Southern California and Latin America in ways that are not so obvious.
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Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta: Tireless Rights Advocate — And Jazz Fan from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta visits Alt.Latino to talk about the new documentary about her life. We also talk history, politics and music.
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Making 'Power Of Peace' With The Isley Brothers Checks One Off Santana's Bucket List from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Carlos Santana teamed up with iconic soul and funk band The Isley Brothers for a new album dedicated to peace through music. On this episode, we invite them all to talk about its creation and message.
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End of the Summer Already? New Music For Cooler Temperatures from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
New music to drive out that endless loop of "Despacito" playing in your head! Featuring two AltLatino contributors, Catalina Maria John and Marisa Arbona- Ruiz.
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"Despacito" Deeper Dive: More Than Meets The Ear from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
It was the No. 1 song in America for 16 straight weeks. As the summer of "Despacito" draws to a close, AltLatino explores the musical, sociological and business ripples created by the song...
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LAMC Discoveries: New Artists You Should Know About from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week, we share our favorite discoveries from the annual Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York.
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Latin Alternative Music Fests Heat Up The Summer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
AltLatino's annual cruise of summer music festivals dedicated to Latin Alternative music, arts and culture. Three cities, four festivals!
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Alt.Latino's Midsummer New Music Roundup from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Beat the heat with this sampler of new tunes, including everything from rock to Latin jazz to electronic to cumbia and flamenco.
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Encore: Cuba: While The Politicians Argued, The Musicians Jammed from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The musical exchange between the United States and Cuba goes back to the 19th century. Thankfully, the two countries' political standoff never filtered down to musicians.
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Music That Inspires, Classic-Rock Edition from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Prompted by the song that activist Jeanette Vizguerra says motivates her — John Lennon's "Imagine" — Alt.Latino presents a mix of inspirational classic-rock songs with Latin and jazz twists.
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Guest DJ Raul Midón's Eclectic Influences Make Perfect Sense from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist blends jazz, Latin music and soul seamlessly on his new album, Bad Ass And Blind. His musical touchpoints range from Paco de Lucía to Mercedes Sosa.
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Guest DJ Ozomatli Covers Mexican Classics With A Reggae Groove from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The globetrotting SoCal band shares tracks from its new album Non-Stop: Mexico>Jamaica, bringing music and laughs to the studio.
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These 3 Latinx Artists Are Challenging, Changing And Reclaiming Culture from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino's summer music magazine features three artists — the band Making Movies, the writer Gabby Rivera and the singer Natalia Lafourcade — whose work reflects the reality and joy of l...
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Guest DJ: Chicano Batman's Musical DNA from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Hear how the members of this SoCal band developed the funky, one-of-a-kind sound that's helped propel it to national success.
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Alt.Latino En Español: Entrevista Con Sintesís de Cuba from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Sometimes the musicians who visit Alt.Latino prefer to express themselves in Spanish. This week we have an all Spanish interview with the founders of the founders of the genre busting Cuban band, S...
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La Santa Cecilia On Its New Album Sung In English from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The SoCal Mexican roots-rock and soul band drops by to chat about its new, self-titled album. Over the past decade as a band, the members now feel like family.
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Los Tigres del Norte At Folsom Documentary and Live Album from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Netlfix is streaming a film documenting the iconic band retracing a historic concert by country legend Johnny Cash.
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Gaby Moreno: New Album With Music Legend Van Dyke Parks from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino favorite Gaby Moreno tams up with Van Dyke Parks
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Jane Bunnett: Cuban Music's Canadian Connection from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The saxophonist, flautist and bandleader has been traveling to Cuba and performing its music for over 30 years.
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The Cuban Roots Of Rock And Roll from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Can you hear the cha-cha-cha in "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"? Or the mambo in "What I'd Say"? Dive into early rock and roll's Cuban DNA.
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Heritage Month Special: Mexican Music Then And Now from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Three portraits of musicians and a filmmaker who illuminate distinct forms of Mexican music expression.
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Music For Fall: Daymé Arocena, Devandra Banhart And Alex Cuba from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
As seasons change, we play Cuban music from Canada, Salvadoran/Mexican music from Los Angeles and a Nuyorican protest song.
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Podcast Extra: Los Dells Presents Latin Music In The U.S. Heartland from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week we visit with artist performing at the third annual Los Dells festival in the U.S Midwest.
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Santana 1969: An Oral History from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Just a week after performing at Woodstock, Santana released its self-titled debut. Hear original members of the band recount its creation.
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Guest DJ: Fabi Reyna, She Shreds Magazine Founder And Musician from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The musician and magazine publisher talks to Alt.Latino about guitar players and issues of representation on this week's show.
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"Amor Eterno" Y Mas For El Paso and Beyond from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week a special show of music to help mourn and remember the victims of the recent tragic events around the country.
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Podcast Extra: Three Artists, Three Takes On Latin Music from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Latin Alternative pioneers Aterciopelados are featured along side the vocalist from Spain's Macaco and Mexican reggae/ska vets Panteon Rococo this week.
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'Afilando Los Cuchillos": A Soundtrack To A Social Movement In Real Time from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Three of Puerto Rico's biggest musicians release a protest song through social media that challenged the island's governor.
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What We Heard At The Best Festivals For Latin Alternative Music from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino hits the road to visit RuidoFest in Chicago, NuevoFest in Philadelphia and the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) in NYC.
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Alt.Latino Tribute to Joao Gilberto from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Paying tribute to the father of the bossa nova through his music and the words of his fellow musicians.
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iLe And Making Movies Discuss Music, Activism And Mixing The Two from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The former Calle 13 vocalist and the roqueros from Kansas City discuss their new albums and how they channel their passions about the world into music.
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A Deeper Listen To Anthems Of All Kinds from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
These songs have the power to say what we feel, even when we can't say them ourselves. We listen back to some of our favorite stories from NPR's American Anthem series.
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Alt.Latino's Best Music Of 2019 (So Far) from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Six months into 2019, we highlight dream pop, electronic fantasies, West African Cuban music and Latin rock from a salsa icon.
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Africa Speaks to Carlos Santana In New Album from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Carlos Santana is having a big year: the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the 20th anniversary of Supernatural, and now a new album featuring Spanish vocalist Buika, Africa Speaks.
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Cuba: While The Politicians Argued, The Musicians Jammed from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
With Cuba in the new this week, Alt.Latino re-examines the longstanding musical relationship between the US and Cuba.
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Vida Actors Talk About Latinx Drama, Music and The Power Of Story Telling from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The three women who play the lead characters in the Starz series Vida join Alt. Latino to talk music, drama and La Llorona.
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Rodrigo y Gabriela Spin The Songs Behind Their Wild Sound from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The Mexican guitar duo talk share songs by Nina Simone, Caifanes and Rage Against the Machine and discuss the role of the guitar in rock.
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Lila Downs Celebrates Culinary And Cultural Sides Of Chile from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The iconic Mexican vocalist and composer Lila Downs uses music to celebrate chiles.
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Musical Activists: Two Artists Who Mix Messages With Music from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Taina Asili and Olmeca talk about mixing activism with music in this week's show.
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How Angélique Kidjo Brings Out The Africa Of Celia Cruz's Catalog from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The West African vocalist talks about bringing out the Afrobeat in Celia Cruz's rich Cuban catalog with the tribute album Celia.
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Guest DJ: Empress Of Plays Sing-Along With Some Of Her Greatest Influences from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The Honduran-American vocalist shares her musical inspirations with Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras and guest host Jessica Diaz-Hurtado.
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Alt.Latino's Primavera Extravaganza from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras empties the mail bag that was overflowing with new music. Mexico and Spain are represented as are Joni Mitchell and Amy Winehouse.
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Alt.Latino Food Truck Chats: Musicians Tell Their Own Stories At SXSW 2019 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Over breakfast tacos and barbecue, Team Alt.Latino sat down with musicians at SXSW for interviews about their music.
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Alt.Latino's SXSW 2019 Wrap-Up from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The five nights of discoveries at SXSW 2019 served as a reminder that music can heal, challenge and change the world we live in.
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Guest DJ Helado Negro Explores New Album and Shares Influences from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The prolific electronic musician stops in to talk about his influences and his new album, This Is How You Smile.
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A Journey Through The Music Of The Oscar-Nominated Film 'Roma' from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Roma director Alfonso Cuarón handpicked artists to make music inspired by the characters from his Oscar-nominated film. The results are stunning.
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Alt.Latino: The Many Shades of Latinx Culture from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Through four wide-ranging conversations — with a punk singer, a reporter, a group of Latin American expats and singer Rita Moreno — Alt.Latino took a wide-lens survey of the cultural lands...
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Music and Democracy In Brazil, A Tradition of Speaking Truth To Power from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Musicians have a long tradition of staring down military dictatorships and oppressive governments in Brazil.
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New Music Winter 2019: From Iconic To New Discoveries from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
We're sure you've heard of Santana but do you know Y La Bamba? This week's show features new music from icons and new artists you should know.
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Alt.Latino's American Anthems: An Exploration Of Songs That Unite from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
An excerpt of a year-long series featured on NPR that speak to unity and inspiration.
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Bad Bunny En Español: El Nuevo Disco Y Sus Influencias from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
In an interview from Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny talks about his influences and the music on his new record.
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Our Listeners Speak up: Their Best of 2018 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Jasmine Garsd returns to review listeners' favs. We heard music we knew and also some discoveries.
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AltLatino's Best of 2018 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
It's been another watershed for Latin music. Altlatino's Felix Contreras, Stefanie Fernandez, Marisa Arbona Ruiz and Catalina Maria Johnson round up the year's best.
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Pre-Winter New Music Extravaganza from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
A batch of new music to enjoy just before the Solstice and much colder weather.
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Guest DJ Arturo O'Farrill: Making Music And A Statement At The Border from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The latest album from O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra is a collaboration with Mexican son jarocho musicians.
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Jerry Gonzalez Appreciation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
An appreciation for Latin jazz musician Jerry Gonzalez.
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Rubén Blades Swings Big Band Jazz And Rumba On New Album from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The iconic actor and musicians teams with Jazz At Lincoln Center to sing both bog band swing tunes and songs from his catalog.
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Alt.Latino Icon: Jose Feliciano, Cross Over Pioneer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The iconic musician talks about his career and plays songs that influenced his music.
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Cuban Treasures Unearthed: Remastered Cuban Jam Sessions from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
'The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions' box set proves these friendly gatherings were incubation chambers for Afro-Cuban music and jazz.
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'El Tiny': A Sampler Of Latin Bands At NPR's Tiny Desk from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Latin music is well represented in the popular Tiny Desk Concert series.
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Puerto Rico One Year After Maria from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
A collection of stories from NPR News about the devastating storm and its aftermath.
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La Dame Blanche: Hip-Hop Urbano Cubano from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This special Spanish language Podcast Extra highlights a Cuban hip-hop artist in her own words.
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Alejandro Escovedo: Latino Punk Pioneer's New Album from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The Crossing tells a story of identity and rock and roll dreams on his newest album.
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Samba Inspires New Novel from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Air That You Breathe by Frances De Pontes Peebles captures samba's golden age.
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New Music Highlights Nuance of Identity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Summer's almost over so we present new sounds and two video premiers from upcoming albums.
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Mid Summer New Music Round Up! from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Great new music to get you through the rest of the summer!
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Summer Latin Music Festivals Celebrate Musical Diversity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Latinx bands who feel shut out of mainstream Fests find gigs at Latin music festivals
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Activist Musicians Take On Trump Policies from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Musicians use music to challenge the President's immigration policies.
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Alt.Latino's 12 Favorite Latin Songs Of 2018 (So Far) from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
We laugh, we cry, we celebrate the best of the year so far with everything from bugalú to boleros to Latinx punk.
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Pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa Is Part Of A Long Line of 'Amazing' from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The pianist's new album is a lesson on contemporary Cuban piano, performed with a trio with strong familial ties.
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'Vida,' The Groundbreaking Cable Drama That Gets Latinx Narratives Right from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week, Alt.Latino talks to Vida show runner Tanya Saracho about portraying Latinx stories of queerness, family and gentefication with an eye toward nuance onscreen and represe...
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J Balvin Won't Settle For Anything Less Than World Domination from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
After cracking the American pop charts last year, the Colombian reggaeton star is following the success of "Mi Gente" with his fifth album, Vibras. And he knows you're still listening.
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Alt.Latino Encore: Remixing Classics, Fania Opens Its Vaults from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week on Alt.Latino, we discuss how and whether to remix legendary recordings — and, along the way, feature a new album of remixed salsa classics.
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Guest DJ Los Texmaniacs: Conjunto Specialists With A Knack For 'Cruzando Borders' from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The San Antonio-based band can trace its musical roots back to conjunto's beginnings in the early 1930s. The group plays guest DJ with tracks from its Spanglish-titled new album.
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Queer, Punk And Latin: A Discussion About Sexual Identity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
A panel of women take on the topic of what it takes to make in in the Latin music business while staying true to your gender identity.
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Tiny Desk Contest: The Latinx Artists We Loved from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The NPR Music staff watched almost 5,000 videos during the Tiny Desk Contest. We highlight five Latinx artists that impressed us.
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Guest DJ Kali Uchis On How Astrud Gilberto And N.E.R.D. Inspired Her Debut Album from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The Colombian-American singer recalls her favorite childhood memories tied to music and plays some of the songs that inspired her debut album Isolation.
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Alt.Latino Extra: Cuco Is The Cariño Of Young Latinos Who Keep Dreaming from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
At 19, the producer and singer born Omar Banos has built a millions-strong following for his infectious dream pop — and begun testing it as a tool to help immigrant families like his own.
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Alt.Latino's SXSW 2018 Preview: Amara La Negra, Balún, Bad Gyal And More from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Some artists we can't wait to see at the annual music conference in Austin, Texas, representing a wide spectrum of styles and genres.
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SXSW 2018 Dispatch: Live Performances From The Marias And Amara La Negra from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino hosts our first SXSW Showcase with two bands that show off distinct styles and approaches to Latin music.
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Pre- Oscar Spotlight on Two Indie Latino Films from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Latino film makers create compelling histories of two Chicano civil rights figures in their new films to air on PBS.
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Guest DJ Jorge Drexler: Uruguayan Music That Shaped His Vision from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Jorge Drexler shares music from his native Uruguay that influenced his own music.
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Reggaeton In The Age of #MeToo from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
This week, we have a thoughtful discussion of the genre's sometimes controversial depiction of women.
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For Black History Month, A Look At New Music With Afro-Latinx Roots from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
All the music in the show this month has a musical or cultural tie to Africa, in celebration of Black History Month.
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The Alt.Latino Interview: Rita Moreno On Her New Show, Life and Accents from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The iconic actress Rita Moreno talks about her new role on One Day At A Time on Netflix and offers lessons about life.
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The Alt.Latino Interview: Louie Vega, A Life In Service To The Groove from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
The pioneering DJ and member of Masters At Work talks about his recent Grammy nomination, growing up in the Bronx, and a new collaboration with some of the Cuba's finest musicians.
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New Music To Kick Off Your 2018 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
We've already featured some great on the blog — now we add even more great music on the podcast.
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Amidst Political Tumult, Salvadoran Artists Across The Country Discuss Their Work from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Four artists with roots in El Salvador discuss their art and the threat to the country's immigrant community.
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Alt.Latino Album Chat: Making Movies Talk Protest Music from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino kicks off the new year with a new feature: the Alt.Latino Album Chat, a conversation about a new album by the artist who made it. This week, Making Movies.
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Alt.Latino's Favorites: The Songs Of 2017 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
We call on some of the top Latinx music writers to help us look back at some of their top cuts of 2017.
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Alt.Latino's Favorites: The Top 10 Latin Albums Of 2017 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
In a genre going in as many directions as modern Latin music, how do you narrow a list of albums to just a few favorites? Alt.Latino's host and guests share their attempt for 2017.
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Encore presentation: Festivo Alt.Latino, Gaby Moreno In Concert from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Her voice dripping with Southern R&B grit, Moreno and her band never lose sight of the emotion in the holiday classics they perform at KUT in Austin, Texas from a show recorded in 2015.
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Alt.Latino's Last New Music Show of 2017, Featuring Calma Carmona, Boogat And More from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Alt.Latino's digital and analog mail bags were still bulging with new music, even as the year is drawing to a close. Rock, hip-hop, soul and rancheras — we have it all.
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Defying Cultural Expectations: Dafnis Prieto And Carlos Rafael Rivera from 2021-01-29T16:20
The Cuban drummer and Guatemalan film composer offer deeper understandings of the creative process and how cultural influences shape their creative output.
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After The Storm: We Look Back On The Insurrection At The Capitol from 2021-01-22T19:21:08
We take a break from the music for a Latinx perspective on the events that took place at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6.
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Tiny Desk Artist Profile: Sofia Rei from 2021-01-15T14:34:08
The Argentine vocalist mixes tradition and various contemporary genres in her Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST performance.
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Alt.Latino's Favorite Songs Of 2020 from 2020-12-18T05:00:52
We celebrate a year of discovery with some Alt.Latino favorites as well as a ton of discoveries from throughout the year.
Songs featured in this episode:
• Ana Tijoux, "A...
Alt.Latino's Favorite Albums Of 2020 Gave Us Passion, Vision And Solace from 2020-12-11T11:04:13
We look back on the albums that moved us this year, from Lido Pimienta's personal Miss Colombia to Bad Bunny's monumental YHLQMDLG.
Albums featured in this episode:
...
Alt.Latino Introduces You To Louder Than A Riot from 2020-12-04T12:52:26
We share our space to introduce you to a new podcast, Louder Than A Riot, an in-depth look at issues around incarceration and the development of hip-hop.
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Milestones, Immigration And Justice Music from 2020-11-27T05:00:37
This week we visit with NPR's Radio Ambulante, talk about immigration issues and meet a singer with a message.
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Alt.Latino Film Festival: Fandangos And Mockingbirds from 2020-11-20T14:26:38
Two new music documentaries — featuring Linda Ronstadt and Arturo O'Farrill — tell us stories about history, identity and culture through Mexican folk music.
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Encore: A Conversation About The 'American Dirt' Controversy from 2020-11-06T14:13:07
When does a depiction of culture, history and identity become inauthentic? And according to whom? We dig into the conversation around the novel American Dirt. This episode originally a...
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Latinidad In The News from 2020-10-23T11:51:03
We shine a light on recent stories by NPR hosts, reporters and producers who go beyond the obvious in their coverage of Latinx communities in the U.S.
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Cumbia: The Musical Backbone Of Latin America from 2020-10-16T07:00:10
Alt.Latino journeys from the tip of South America to the bodegas of New York City — all the while dancing to the beat of cumbia, the lingua franca of Latin music.
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We Look At The 2020 Latin Grammy Nominations from 2020-10-02T11:24:33
Lido Pimienta, Gina Chavez, Natalia Lafourcade and Juanes are just a few of the Latin Grammy nominations this year. We listen to their music and throwback to our conversations with those artists.
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50 Years Later, Santana's 'Abraxas' Still Changes The Game from 2020-09-25T11:30:51
Santana drummer Michael Shrieve and Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid give us the view behind the drum kit and illustrate the scope of the record's influence.
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Latinx Monuments We'd Like To See from 2020-09-18T13:49:23
Ivy Queen, Jean-Michel Basquiet and Maria from Sesame Street are just a few of the Latinx figures we think should be cast in bronze or carved on the side of a mountain.
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Graciela Iturbide, The Artistic Soul Of Mexico from 2020-09-16T11:43:57
Take a journey into the artistic sensibilities of a genuine photographic icon. This interview was conducted entirely in Spanish.
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Roots Grow Outward from 2020-09-11T10:55:34
Devendra Banhart and John Santos both have cultural roots in Latin America, but their music could not be more different. Hear two separate interviews with these enigmatic musicians
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The Texicana Mamas Celebrate Tejana Culture With Wondrous Harmony from 2020-09-04T11:00:58
The trio of powerful Latina vocalists is at home in mariachi, country, Americana and folk music.
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Gloria Estefan: 'It's All About The Drums,' This Time From Brazil from 2020-08-21T09:11:12
The Cuban-American pop star indulges her love of Brazilian music and rhythms on her new album.
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Listen To The Lessons In LADAMA's Music from 2020-08-14T11:47:15
With members spread over four countries, LADAMA elegantly blends cultures and ideas. Its new album is called Oye Mujer.
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Alt.Latino's Summer Music Haul from 2020-08-07T11:45:29
From Carlos Vives to Ana Tijoux, here's a batch of new music that meditates on identity, culture and the pandemic.
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Reclaiming Boogaloo from 2020-07-24T13:28
The very essence of boogaloo music is about "bringing people together, creating conversation and creating community." How was it appropriated by white supremacists?
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Residente's Favorite Protest Songs from 2020-07-17T13:20:17
One half of the Grammy-winning group Calle 13, Residente has written his share of powerful protest songs. This week he shares his favorites by other artists.
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The Afro-Latinx Experience Is Essential To Our International Reckoning On Race from 2020-07-03T05:00:38
"Blackness is heterogeneous." On this week's episode, deep conversations about the Afro Latinidad and Blackness.
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Alt.Latino's Favorites Of The Year (So Far) Reflect Our Times from 2020-06-26T12:31:40
Our annual mid-year survey contains music that speaks to the current health crisis, as well as the fight for racial equality.
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Juanes Turns Inward from 2020-06-19T13:09:12
Juanes reflects on lessons learned from the world-wide pandemic, how Latin music has changed in the last ten years and his love of Metallica and Bruce Springsteen.
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Rita Indiana, La Monstra, Returns With 'Black Sabbath Dembow' from 2020-06-17T15:23:53
"Music is more democratic than literature." Ten years after releasing her debut album, the Dominican musician and novelist returns with Mandinga Times.
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Alt.Latino's 10th Anniversary! from 2020-06-15T11:30:07
Over the past decade, Alt.Latino has covered immigration, LGBTQ concerns, fights for social justice and, of course, music. Looking back this week, we revisit our very first episode and pi...
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Lila Downs And Gina Chavez: Two Mujeres With Messages from 2020-06-12T11:11:55
These conversations with Lila Downs and Gina Chavez explore identity, the power of language and listening to our ancestors for guidance.
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From The Alt.Latino Archives: Protest Music That Inspires And Moves from 2020-06-05T14:30
Music gives voice to frustration and anger. On this episode, we listen to musicians demand social justice in song and action.
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Natalia Lafourcade Searches For The Soul Of Son Jarocho from 2020-05-22T11:12:18
The Mexican folk music of Veracruz is a pathway not just to her own cultural and familial roots, Natalia Lafourcade says, but also offers a balm for these times.
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The Pandemic's Impact On The Latino Community from 2020-05-15T14:00:54
This week, we host a roundtable with reporters covering the coronavirus and how infections have adversely impacted communities of color in the U.S.
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How Some Indie Musicians Innovate And Improvise During Coronavirus from 2020-05-08T11:56:19
From a virtual songwriting camp to studio session work, we check back with Davíd Garza, Rocio Marron and Making Movies' Enrique Chi about what they're doing to generate some income during quarantine.
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New Music For Being In And Out And About from 2020-05-01T13:15:57
Hit play on new songs from Chicano Batman, Lido Pimienta and Helado Negro for your indoor and socially-distanced outdoor activities.
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Cándido Camero, Latin Jazz Pioneer, Turns 99 from 2020-04-24T13:30:22
Hear an interview with the great Cuban percussionist as he remembers Havana nightlife in the 1940s and the pulsing streets of New York just after World War II.
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Listener Picks: Songs Of Hope And Calm from 2020-04-10T07:33
If there was ever a need for the healing power of music, now is that time. We put out a call for the songs helping you cope and, on this episode, we play your picks.
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Indie Musicians On The Economic And Emotional Impact Of Coronavirus from 2020-04-03T15:28:50
Davíd Garza, Making Movies' Enrique Chi and Rocio Marron share the struggle of being a working musician during this time.
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The Bands We Wanted To See At SXSW 2020 from 2020-03-20T15:00:03
In the wake of the cancellation of SXSW this year, Alt.Latino explores the bands we had wanted to see this year in Austin, Texas.
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Calma: A Meditative Playlist For A Challenging Time from 2020-03-13T12:35
We use the music of pianist Omar Sosa this week to calm our anxieties and fears during an uncertain time.
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Spring Forward With Bad Bunny, Alice Bag And Princess Nokia from 2020-03-06T15:23:51
Bad Bunny's YHLQMDLG is the buzz of the Latinx internet, but we also speed through 14 other essential releases.
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The Meteoric Rise Of Latin Urban Explained from 2020-02-28T12:31
The story of Latin America has always been reflected in music. We asked a music writer, a college professor and reggaeton pioneer to help us understand the history and nuance of Latin Urban's domin...
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Afro-Latino Revolutionaries From The 19th Century Still Echo Today from 2020-02-25T13:00
"If you liked Hamilton, you'll love this book," assures historian Jesse Hoffnung-Garskoff. It's a gripping read about migrants who conspired to overthrow a colonial monarchy and eliminate ...
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In Cali, A Festival Celebrates The Flavors And Music Of Afro Colombian Life from 2020-02-21T10:36:44
We capture the sights, sounds and even the tastes of Afro Colombian culture at the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival.
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Black History Month: An Interview With Ivy Queen, Reggaeton Pioneer from 2020-02-14T12:00
The Puerto Rican rapper's musical history is essentially the history of the reggaeton. Her influence helped shape the genre as we know it.
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Shakira And Jennifer Lopez's Halftime Show Unpacked from 2020-02-07T13:06:29
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez did more than shake things up on the Super Bowl stage. A panel of sociologists and music writers unpack the dialog.
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'American Dirt': A Conversation About A Controversy from 2020-01-31T10:48:40
When does a depiction of culture, history and identity become inauthentic? And according to whom? We dig into the conversation around the novel American Dirt.
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Tank And The Cubans: A Week In Havana from 2020-01-24T12:52:59
The 2017 winners of the Tiny Desk Contest travel to Havana with NOLA's The Soul Rebels to connect with Cimafunk, Cuban musicians and history.
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New Year, New Decade, New Music For 2020 from 2020-01-17T05:00:41
We kick off the new year with Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee, garage-rocker Tall Juan and newcomers Salt Cathedral. 2020 already sounds amazing. Alt.La...
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SNL's Melissa Villaseñor On The Pop Punks And Pop Divas That Inspired 'Dreamer' from 2020-01-10T13:40
Not only is the SNL comedian a hilarious celebrity impersonator but also an impressive singer with an old-school vocal instrument. She shares her love for Queen, Celine Dion and No Doubt on this ep...
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Happy Holidays From Alt.Latino Y Los Lobos! from 2019-12-23T05:00:46
Fresh from their holiday Tiny Desk, members of Los Lobos take us on a pan-Latin cruise through Navidad from the Caribbean to Mexico to Texas.
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Alt.Latino Looks Back At The Best Music Of 2019 from 2019-12-20T12:28:11
What is "Latin music" when it encompasses Chicana punk, mariachi music, urbano and Cuban funk? We dive into a year that gave us new music from Fea, Flor de Toloache, Sech and Bad Bunny.
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Mujeres: Three Distinct Sounds And Messages Of 2019 from 2019-12-13T12:53:16
This week, hear interviews with members of Fea, Jenny and the Mexicats and Y La Bamba on culture, identity and the evolution their songwriting.
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Turning The Tables In Latin Music from 2019-12-06T10:02
Alt.Latino draws the lines between Latin music and some of the eight women who invented popular music.
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Ozuna Evolves With "Nibiru" from 2019-11-29T10:09:57
"We make music to collide with the world." The Puerto Rican superstar discusses Nibiru and the state of Latin Urban music.
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With A New Book, Louie Perez Of Los Lobos Is Master Storyteller from 2019-01-18T14:06
Good Morning, Aztlan collects several well-known Perez compositions as well as his thoughts on a variety of topics.
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Alt.Latino's Sonic Altar For Dia de los Muertos from 2018-10-31T22:14
Musical ofrendas highlight our annual celebration of family and friendship.
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Cuban Treasures Unearthed: Remastered Cuban Jam Sessions from 2018-10-04T18:03
'The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions' box set proves these friendly gatherings were incubation chambers for Afro-Cuban music and jazz.
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