Podcasts about npr music

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music. This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music. Featured artists and songs: Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin” Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura” and "Ballumbrosio" Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara” goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas,” "October," and "I'll stay" Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe” Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez” Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios” The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nearly halfway through the summer and NPR is asking... do we have a "song of the summer" yet? Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR Music reporter, breaks down this season's contenders and listeners share their nominations.

Newcomer Emily Hines. Hardcore collective The Armed. A Susumu Yokota boxset. WDET's Liz Warner joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to dive into their favorite albums out this week.The Starting 5:• Emily Hines, 'These Days'• The Armed, 'THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED'• Mal Devisa, 'Palimpsesa'• Caimin Gilmore, 'BlackGate'• Susumu Yokota, 'Skintone Edition Volume 1' (box set)The Lightning Round:• Buddy Guy, 'Ain't Done With The Blues'• René Najera, 'Painted Life'• Hieroglyphic Being, 'The Sound Of Something Ending'• Spafford Campbell, 'Tomorrow Held'See our long list of albums out August 1 and sample dozens of new records via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Liz Warner, WDETAudio producer: Noah CaldwellEditor: Otis HartExecutive producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections.Music featured in this episode:• Bad Bunny, "Callaita" • Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable" • Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla"• Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando" • Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections.Music featured in this episode:• Bad Bunny, "Callaita" • Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable" • Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla"• Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando" • Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From the songs of Taylor Swift to the skate parks of the Midwest, not to mention pep talks for writers and a guide to Columbus hot spots, this episode has something for everyone. Recorded during a panel discussion at the 2025 Ohioana Book Festival, authors Annie Zaleski, Mandy Shunnarah, Maggie Smith, and Shawnie Kelley discuss the art of nonfiction, including their research, writing, and publishing processes. How does one analyze a songwriter's work without quoting the lyrics? What's it like to eat your way around town in the name of writing research? Why is the Midwest an important part of American skate culture? How does one concoct a recipe for creativity? Finally, who's going to make the horror film Tethered to Word Count? Listen to find out.   Shawnie Kelley is the author of all three editions of the Insiders' Guide to Columbus, as well as several books about Cape Cod and food and travel-related articles appearing in national and international magazines. She owns Wanderlust Tours, a cultural and culinary travel company, and teaches cooking classes for The Mix at Columbus State.   Maggie Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and others. Her poems have appeared in Best American Poetry, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Poetry, Ploughshares, the Kenyon Review, and elsewhere. Her latest book is Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life.   Mandy Shunnarah is a Southern-born, Midwest-loving journalist, essayist, poet, and roller-skating enthusiast who calls Columbus, Ohio home. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Electric Literature, the Rumpus, and more. Midwest Shreds is their first book.   Page Count is produced by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library. For full show notes and an edited transcript of this episode, visit the episode page. To get in touch, email ohiocenterforthebook@cpl.org (put “podcast” in the subject line) or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.   Annie Zaleski is the New York Times bestselling author of Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs, as well as books or illustrated biographies about Beyoncé, Duran Duran, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, and many other musicians. She's a Cleveland-based journalist whose work has appeared in dozens of publications, including NPR Music, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Salon, Billboard, and others.

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general.We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language.Music heard in this episode:• Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)"• Bebo Dumont, "Hoy" • Eljuri, "Karma"• Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau" • Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel" • Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías," • Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general.We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language.Music heard in this episode:• Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)"• Bebo Dumont, "Hoy" • Eljuri, "Karma"• Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau" • Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel" • Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías," • Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week Ana and I share some of our long time favorites. While Ana leans into music discovery, I tend to bring more of the classics. In fact, I build playlists on a streaming service to mix music much like I did back in the era of the cassette tape. There is wide swath of music presented in the show this week. —Felix Contreras• Maestro Espada, "La despedida," "Tres gotas de rocío," and Peretas del Tío Vicente"• Lido Pimienta, "Ahora" • X Alfonso, Eme Alfonso & Síntesis "Rezo a Changó" • Simon Diaz, "Tonada De Luna Llena" • Raúl Rodríguez, Chano Domínguez & Martirio, "En Esta Tarde Gris" • Rita Payés & Silvia Pérez Cruz, "El Panadero"• Maria José Llergo, "Aprendiendo a Volar" • Amaia Miranda, "Canción para Amama" • Ataquemos, "Vilo" • incluso si nunca despiertas, "la lluvia no mata las flores"• Malo, "Suavecito" • Tommy James & The Shondells, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" • Hugh Masekela, "Grazing In The Grass" • War, "All Day Music"• El Chicano, "Viva Tirado" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week Ana and I share some of our long time favorites. While Ana leans into music discovery, I tend to bring more of the classics. In fact, I build playlists on a streaming service to mix music much like I did back in the era of the cassette tape. There is wide swath of music presented in the show this week. —Felix Contreras• Maestro Espada, "La despedida," "Tres gotas de rocío," and Peretas del Tío Vicente"• Lido Pimienta, "Ahora" • X Alfonso, Eme Alfonso & Síntesis "Rezo a Changó" • Simon Diaz, "Tonada De Luna Llena" • Raúl Rodríguez, Chano Domínguez & Martirio, "En Esta Tarde Gris" • Rita Payés & Silvia Pérez Cruz, "El Panadero"• Maria José Llergo, "Aprendiendo a Volar" • Amaia Miranda, "Canción para Amama" • Ataquemos, "Vilo" • incluso si nunca despiertas, "la lluvia no mata las flores"• Malo, "Suavecito" • Tommy James & The Shondells, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" • Hugh Masekela, "Grazing In The Grass" • War, "All Day Music"• El Chicano, "Viva Tirado" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pre-recorded from Washington D.C. it's the Good Music Show! Today we are talking all about NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concerts. We each picked 2 videos to illustrate what we love about the series: one classic and one hidden gem.After discussing our general thoughts and a brief history of the Tiny Desk, we get into our classics which are among the highest viewed of the series. We nerd out about the suave coolness and skill of Anderson .Paak and his backing band the Free Nationals. Then we get into the first viral TDC: a career-altering performance from T-Pain and his pianist Toro.Then we talk about a showstopping performance from Diane Coffee, which includes some behind-the-desk dancing you don't want to miss. Finally, we end with the passionate lyrical powerhouse Camp Cope who let the music do most of the talking in a great way.Playlist of the performancesPlaylist of studio versions of all songs performed in our picks: Spotify - Apple Music - YouTubeSend us a text message!You can follow us here: Instagram Twitter Tiktok Send us a message, we'd love to hear from you! Email is thegmspod at gmailLeave us a rating and review if you want to!Thanks for listening!

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is back with Celia Gregory of Nashville public radio station WXPN to talk through this week's best new music.Intro:• Bruce Springsteen, 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' (Read our guide to the box set on npr.org)• Lorde, 'Virgin' (Read our review on npr.org)The Starting 5:• Wet Leg, 'moisturizer'• The Swell Season, 'Forward'• Clipse, 'Let God Sort Em Out'• Allo Darlin', 'Bright Nights'• Burna Boy, 'No Sign of Weakness'The Lightning Round:• Ólafur & Talos, 'A Dawning'• Martha, 'Standing Where It All Began - Singles and B-Sides 2012-2025'• Open Mike Eagle, 'Neighborhood Gods Unlimited'• Petey USA, 'The Yips'• Tony Njoku, 'All Our Knives Are Always Sharp'Check out our Long List of new albums out June 27 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Wonway Posibul, KALWProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ana and Felix break down Bad Bunny's latest political video. Hear their failed attempt at a blindfold listening game.Artists and songs featured in this episode: • Cheo, "Amor A Primera Vista"• babas tutsipop, "antonio banderas" and "cursi"• Pedazo De Carne Con Ojo, "Sirens" and "Tiralo"• Ryuichi Sakamoto "DOLPHINS"• Frank Zappa "While You Were Art II"• Pink Pablo, "ALL I DREAM," "OJOS AZUL" and "HORSES IN HEAVEN"• Wampi, "La Última" ft. Leoni Torres• Wampi, "La Diferencia" ft. Orlenis 22K, Ernesto Loso• Silvana Estrada, "Lila Alelí" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ana and Felix break down Bad Bunny's latest political video. Hear their failed attempt at a blindfold listening game.Artists and songs featured in this episode: • Cheo, "Amor A Primera Vista"• babas tutsipop, "antonio banderas" and "cursi"• Pedazo De Carne Con Ojo, "Sirens" and "Tiralo"• Ryuichi Sakamoto "DOLPHINS"• Frank Zappa "While You Were Art II"• Pink Pablo, "ALL I DREAM," "OJOS AZUL" and "HORSES IN HEAVEN"• Wampi, "La Última" ft. Leoni Torres• Wampi, "La Diferencia" ft. Orlenis 22K, Ernesto Loso• Silvana Estrada, "Lila Alelí" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kesha. Kae Tempest. Nilüfer Yanya. It's an abbreviated Independence Day edition of New Music Friday.Featured albums:• Kesha, '.'• Kae Tempest, 'Self Titled'• Nilüfer Yanya, 'Dancing Shoes' EPIf you enjoyed this week's show, we always appreciate a positive review on Apple or Spotify or whatever app you're listening to right now.This episode was hosted by Stephen Thompson, produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico.Featured artists and songs:• Óscar Agudelo y El Combo Moderna, "Está Como Mango"• Isabella Lovestory, "Fresa Metal," "Eurotrash," "Tu Te Vas"• Grecia Albán, "YO POR TI"• Vicente García, "Mambo Violento," "El Huracán," "Abusadora"• BALTHVS, "Flesh and Soul" • Gera MX, "Ciclo Vital," "1 Millón"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico.Featured artists and songs:• Óscar Agudelo y El Combo Moderna, "Está Como Mango"• Isabella Lovestory, "Fresa Metal," "Eurotrash," "Tu Te Vas"• Grecia Albán, "YO POR TI"• Vicente García, "Mambo Violento," "El Huracán," "Abusadora"• BALTHVS, "Flesh and Soul" • Gera MX, "Ciclo Vital," "1 Millón"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Madison McFerrin. Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Durand Jones & The Indications. KALW's Wonway Posibul joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to share their favorite new releases of the week.Intro:• Bruce Springsteen, 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' (Read our guide to the box set on npr.org)• Lorde, 'Virgin' (Read our review on npr.org)The Starting 5:• Laura Stevenson, 'Late Great'• Adrian Quesada, 'Boleros Psicodélicos II'• Madison McFerrin, 'Scorpio'• Durand Jones & The Indications, 'Flowers'• Herbert & Momoko, 'Clay'The Lightning Round:• Frankie Cosmos, 'Different Talking'• Dana and Alden, 'Speedo'• Brighde Chaimbeul, 'Sunwise'• Mocky, 'Music Will Explain (Choir Music Vol. 1)'• Tim Barnes, 'Lost Words / Noumena'Check out our Long List of new albums out June 27 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Wonway Posibul, KALWProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Karol G leans into a Pan-Latin approach on her latest album. Jazz vocalist Roxana Amed reimagines classic rock from her native Argentina. And more.Artists and songs featured in this episode:• Panteón Rococó, "Parison" (featuring Carín León, Sabino & Remmy Valenzuela)• Juan Wauters, "Manejando por Pando"• Roxana Amed, "Dejaste Tu Corazon"• Fito Páez and Luis Alberto Spinetta, "Dejaste Ver Tu Corazón"• Karol G, "Tropicoqueta," "No Puedo Vivir Sin Él," and "Ese Hombre Es Malo"• MiMa and Villano Antillano, "Fuego"• maye, "Yo Me Consiento" and "Peter Pan"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Karol G leans into a Pan-Latin approach on her latest album. Jazz vocalist Roxana Amed reimagines classic rock from her native Argentina. And more.Artists and songs featured in this episode:• Panteón Rococó, "Parison" (featuring Carín León, Sabino & Remmy Valenzuela)• Juan Wauters, "Manejando por Pando"• Roxana Amed, "Dejaste Tu Corazon"• Fito Páez and Luis Alberto Spinetta, "Dejaste Ver Tu Corazón"• Karol G, "Tropicoqueta," "No Puedo Vivir Sin Él," and "Ese Hombre Es Malo"• MiMa and Villano Antillano, "Fuego"• maye, "Yo Me Consiento" and "Peter Pan"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on April 13th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The War & Treaty, Johnnyswim, and Olivia Ellen Lloyd.  https://bit.ly/4jTLFku

This week Anamaria Sayre continues to scour her part of the internet for great new tracks that will impress Felix Contreras, while he continues to explore Latinos who sing country music.Featured artists and songs: • Alleh & Yorghaki, "me late"• Alleh & Yorghaki, "capaz (merengueton)"• Louie TheSinger, "Quicker Way To Jesus"• pablopablo, "Dónde Estás!"• Bruce Springsteen, "Adelita" • Bruce Springsteen, "Sinaloa Cowboys" • Belafonte Sensacional, "Llamas Rexio"• Belafonte Sensacional, "Todavía DF"• David Byrne and Brian Eno, "Mea Culpa"• Juana (feat. ELENI), "La Paloma"Credits Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week Anamaria Sayre continues to scour her part of the internet for great new tracks that will impress Felix Contreras, while he continues to explore Latinos who sing country music.Featured artists and songs: • Alleh & Yorghaki, "me late"• Alleh & Yorghaki, "capaz (merengueton)"• Louie TheSinger, "Quicker Way To Jesus"• pablopablo, "Dónde Estás!"• Bruce Springsteen, "Adelita" • Bruce Springsteen, "Sinaloa Cowboys" • Belafonte Sensacional, "Llamas Rexio"• Belafonte Sensacional, "Todavía DF"• David Byrne and Brian Eno, "Mea Culpa"• Juana (feat. ELENI), "La Paloma"Credits Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We look at the most anticipated albums coming this summer, from Wet Leg, Big Thief, Superchunk, Lucrecia Dalt and more. WNXP's Celia Gregory joins NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and host Robin Hilton.Featured artists and albums:1. Wet Leg: 'moisturizer' (featured song: "CPR")2. Marissa Nadler: 'New Radiations' (featured song: "New Radiations")3. Superchunk: 'Songs in the Key of Yikes' (featured song: "Everybody Dies")4. Indigo De Souza: 'Precipice' (featured song; "Crying Over Nothing")5. Lucrecia Dalt: 'A Danger to Ourselves' (featured song: "divina")6. Kokoroko: 'TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST' (featured song: "Three Piece Suit")7. Parcels: 'LOVED' (featured song: "yougotmefeeling")8. Big Thief: 'Double Infinity' (featured song: "Incomprehensible")9. Georgia Harmer: 'Eye Of The Storm' (featured song: "Can We Be Still")'All Songs Considered' 25th anniversary segment: Our No. 1 songs from 2015Weekly reset: Summer weekend in the neighborhood with sprinkler, birds, lawnmower.Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on May 18th, 2025 at Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Dan Tyminski, Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, and Jacob Jolliff Band. bit.ly/3HLCyoC

Pulp. Turnstile. Little Simz. It's a packed release week, and NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is here to walk you through it, along with friend of the program Izzi Bavis of WTMD in Baltimore.Featured albums:• Turnstile, 'NEVER ENOUGH' (Stream)• Pulp, 'More' (Stream)• Little Simz, 'Lotus' (Stream)• McKinley Dixon, 'Magic, Alive!' (Stream)• Lifeguard, 'Ripped and Torn' (Stream)Check out the long list of albums out today and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Izzi Bavis, WTMDProducer: Simon RentnerEditors: Otis Hart and Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The influence of Eastern Europe immigration in Latin America can be heard in the way the accordion was adapted and adopted in countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and beyond.This week we take a deep dive into those traditions with our guide, Eduardo Díaz, former director of Latino cultural information for the Smithsonian Institution.Featured artists and songs:• Narciso Martínez, "Nix"• Carlos Vives, "Hijo de Vallenato"• Los Corraleros de Majagual, "La Pollera Colorada" • Luis Gonzaga, "Asa Branca"• Grupo Alma Serrana, "Puerto Tirol"• Francisco Ulloa, "El Farolito"• Tatico Henriquez, "La Invasión de Deiziseis"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The influence of Eastern Europe immigration in Latin America can be heard in the way the accordion was adapted and adopted in countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and beyond.This week we take a deep dive into those traditions with our guide, Eduardo Díaz, former director of Latino cultural information for the Smithsonian Institution.Featured artists and songs:• Narciso Martínez, "Nix"• Carlos Vives, "Hijo de Vallenato"• Los Corraleros de Majagual, "La Pollera Colorada" • Luis Gonzaga, "Asa Branca"• Grupo Alma Serrana, "Puerto Tirol"• Francisco Ulloa, "El Farolito"• Tatico Henriquez, "La Invasión de Deiziseis"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on May 11th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Medium Build, Susan Werner, Maya de Vitry, The Arcadian Wild, and Them Coulee Boys.  https://bit.ly/43rXCJm

The National's Matt Berninger. Low's Alan Sparhawk. yuele. KXT's Jackson Wisdorf joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to talk about their favorite records out May 30.Featured albums: • Matt Berninger, 'Get Sunk' (Stream)• yeule, 'Evangelic Girl is a Gun' (Stream)• Ben Kweller, 'Cover the Mirrors' (Stream)• Alan Sparhawk, 'With Trampled by Turtles' (Stream)• Amy Millan, 'I Went To Find You' (Stream)Check out our long list of albums out May 30 and sample more than 50 records out today via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Jackson Wisdorf, KXTProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras was a Tiny Desk Contest judge this year, and on this episode, he brings six of his favorite entries to the show. Artists and songs featured:• Esotérica Tropica, "Despierta"• Mario Diaz, Bachi and Los Salvajes, "Ropa de Colores"• alegrías, "Daygo"• Charly Siaba, "Lejos de Aquí"• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Rayo del Sol"• Taisha Estrada, "El Abstracto"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras was a Tiny Desk Contest judge this year, and on this episode, he brings six of his favorite entries to the show. Artists and songs featured:• Esotérica Tropica, "Despierta"• Mario Diaz, Bachi and Los Salvajes, "Ropa de Colores"• alegrías, "Daygo"• Charly Siaba, "Lejos de Aquí"• Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Rayo del Sol"• Taisha Estrada, "El Abstracto"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on May 4th, 2025 at Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Eric Bibb, Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet, Twisted Pine, The McCrary Sisters, and Yasmin Williams. https://bit.ly/3Fsk1Nq

Stereolab. Ganavya. Marc Ribot. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Robert Moore, host of 'Sonic Spectrum' on 90.9 The Bridge in Kansas City, to the show to discuss their favorite albums out May 23.Featured albums:• Stereolab, 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film' (Stream)• Ganavya, 'Nilam' (Stream)• Robert Forster, 'Strawberries' (Stream)• Marc Ribot, 'Map of a Blue City' (Stream)• Thalia Zedek Band, 'The Boat Outside Your Window' (Stream)Read the long list of albums out May 23 and sample more than 50 full-lengths out today via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Robert Moore, 90.9 The BridgeProducer: Simon RentnerEditors: Otis Hart and Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

My guest this week is Lauren Frihauf. "A rising star in the music industry whose talent was featured in NPR Music's 2022 Tiny Desk 'Top Shelf' and showcased her vocal prowess on Season 19 of NBC's "The Voice," where she impressed on Teams Gwen and Legend, making it to the Knockout Rounds. In 2021, when her promising neo-soul duo project came to a halt before its album, “The Latona EP”, was released, Frihauf found her calendar cleared at a time when most musicians were getting back to touring. Previously putting words to melodies created with collaborators, she was alone, lost, and experiencing the emotional turmoil of entering adulthood after the covid pandemic. From the beginning, her vocal style has been influenced by Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote, whose records she knows, "inside and out". As she began her quest to identify who she was as a solo artist, Frihauf shifted her focus from keys to guitar, which she found to be liberating. Learning to play, “Cactus Tree”, by Joni Mitchell, proved pivotal: she became obsessed with open D tuning. Frihauf now refers to herself as a "Neo-Folker". Her music carries an indie singer-songwriter essence, infused with folk and neo-soul elements, creating a captivating and unique sonic landscape. Her songwriting delves into authentic themes that resonate deeply with listeners. Surprisingly, Lauren's urban vibe stands in stark contrast to the rural farm where she was born and raised, adding an intriguing dimension to her artistry" (laurenfrihaufmusic.com). Note that Lauren has the distinction of being the only Middle Class Rock Star Podcast guest to date to be a former student of mine! If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow Guest Links: www.laurenfrihaufmusic.com Episode Music: Original music by Andy Sydow Contact me: middleclassrockstar@gmail.com (or) andysydowmusic@gmail.com

This week's mixture of jazz, trance-inducing beats, Mexican folk and gorgeous indie pop has something for everyone.Featured artists and songs:Paloma Morphy, "1 tipo nuevo"Camila Meza, "Persistir"Rusowsky, "Malibu"Ines Velasco, "Todo Es Para Decir"Pachmyan, "Hard to Part"Las Chorizeras, "Blue Eyed Man"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tune-Yards. Aminé. Lido Pimienta. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and KCRW's Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras give you a quick roundup of the most exciting albums out May 16.Featured albums:• Aminé, '13 Months of Sunshine' (Stream)• Guitarricadelafuente, 'Spanish Leather' (Stream)• Tune-Yards, 'Better Dreaming' (Stream)• Rico Nasty, 'LETHAL' (Stream)• Lido Pimienta, 'La Belleza' (Stream)See our long list of albums out May 16 and sample more than 80 albums via our New Music Friday playlists on npr.org.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras, KCRWProducer: Simon RentnerEditors: Otis Hart and Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Co-host Anamaria Sayre finally gets to share the new Guitarricadelafuente album with the world, and catch the NPR audience on the viral sensation Macario Martínez. Felix Contreras spotlights Lido Pimienta's symphonic pivot.Featured artists and songs:• Guitarricadelafuente, "BABIECA!"• Haydée Milanés, "Un amor que se demora"• Macario Martínez, "Sueña Lindo, Corazón"• Macario Martínez, "Otra Vez"• Macario Martínez, "¿qué somos hoy?"• Macario Martínez, "Hey destino"• Lido Pimienta, "Quiero Que Me Beses"• Marco Mares & Sabino, "digo que no, pero si"• Adri Paíz, "Quererte o No"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Co-host Anamaria Sayre finally gets to share the new Guitarricadelafuente album with the world, and catch the NPR audience on the viral sensation Macario Martínez. Felix Contreras spotlights Lido Pimienta's symphonic pivot.Featured artists and songs:• Guitarricadelafuente, "BABIECA!"• Haydée Milanés, "Un amor que se demora"• Macario Martínez, "Sueña Lindo, Corazón"• Macario Martínez, "Otra Vez"• Macario Martínez, "¿qué somos hoy?"• Macario Martínez, "Hey destino"• Lido Pimienta, "Quiero Que Me Beses"• Marco Mares & Sabino, "digo que no, pero si"• Adri Paíz, "Quererte o No"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes WXPN's John Morrison to discuss billy woods, Thom Yorke, PinkPantheress and more.Featured albums: • billy woods, GOLLIWOG (Stream)• Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke, Tall Tales (Stream)• PinkPantheress, Fancy That (Stream)• MIKE & Tony Seltzer, Pinball II (Stream)• mclusky, the world is still here and so are we (Stream)See our long list of records out May 9 and sample more than 40 new albums via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org/music.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: John Morrison, WXPNProducer: Simon RentnerEditors: Otis Hart and Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The music this week comes from a variety of countries and genres, some of it sounds like music you've heard ... while others sound like nothing you've heard before.Featured artists and songs:• Natalia Bernal, "Más Allá"• Jaze, "mil procedimientos"• Jaze & Susana Baca, "jomalón"• Jaze, "boomeran'"• The Mars Volta, "Fin" • The Mars Volta, "Enlazan las tinieblas"• The Mars Volta, "Alba del orate"• The Mars Volta, "Lucro sucio"• Diego Mema, "la forma de quererte"• Diego Mema, "till there was you" (Beatles cover)• The Rumba Madre, "Abuela"• Junior Zamora, "Salsa y Clase"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The music this week comes from a variety of countries and genres, some of it sounds like music you've heard ... while others sound like nothing you've heard before.Featured artists and songs:• Natalia Bernal, "Más Allá"• Jaze, "mil procedimientos"• Jaze & Susana Baca, "jomalón"• Jaze, "boomeran'"• The Mars Volta, "Fin" • The Mars Volta, "Enlazan las tinieblas"• The Mars Volta, "Alba del orate"• The Mars Volta, "Lucro sucio"• Diego Mema, "la forma de quererte"• Diego Mema, "till there was you" (Beatles cover)• The Rumba Madre, "Abuela"• Junior Zamora, "Salsa y Clase"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on April 6th, 2025 at Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA. The lineup includes Al Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Sweet Honey In The Rock, The Nighthawks, and Cristina Vane.  https://bit.ly/4lWtFIy 

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Julie Bee of Marfa Public Radio to talk through the best albums released on May 2.Featured albums:• Car Seat Headrest, 'The Scholars' (Stream)• Samantha Crain, 'Gumshoe' (Stream)• PUP, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' (Stream)• Jenny Hval, 'Iris Silver Mist' (Stream)• Jolie Laide, 'Creatures' (Stream)See the long list of albums out May 2 and stream our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Julie Bernal, Marfa Public RadioProducer: Simon RentnerEditors: Otis Hart and Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Anamaria Sayre talks about the history of Puerto Rican hip-hop with rapper PJ Sin Suela. Featured artists and songs:• PJ Sin Suela & Chuwi, "Escúchame "• PJ Sin Suela, "Es La Hora"• Nuff Ced & Tek 1, "Metrópolis"• PJ Sin Suela, Siete Nueve & Messy Deprat , "Illegal 2.0"• E.A. Flow, "D'Aqui"• Intifada, Luis Diaz & Yallzee "Albizu"• Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "Los de la Isla"• Bad Bunny & Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "CAFé CON RON"• Tego Calderón, "Gracias"• Ñejo Y Dálmata, "Asi Es la Vida"• PJ Sin Suela, "San Dunga"• PJ Sin Suela, "Mambrú" • PJ Sin Suela, "Vivo" • PJ Sin Suela & Jorge Drexler, "Todo Se Complica"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Lauren Migaki. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Anamaria Sayre talks about the history of Puerto Rican hip-hop with rapper PJ Sin Suela. Featured artists and songs:• PJ Sin Suela & Chuwi, "Escúchame "• PJ Sin Suela, "Es La Hora"• Nuff Ced & Tek 1, "Metrópolis"• PJ Sin Suela, Siete Nueve & Messy Deprat , "Illegal 2.0"• E.A. Flow, "D'Aqui"• Intifada, Luis Diaz & Yallzee "Albizu"• Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "Los de la Isla"• Bad Bunny & Los Pleneros de La Cresta, "CAFé CON RON"• Tego Calderón, "Gracias"• Ñejo Y Dálmata, "Asi Es la Vida"• PJ Sin Suela, "San Dunga"• PJ Sin Suela, "Mambrú" • PJ Sin Suela, "Vivo" • PJ Sin Suela & Jorge Drexler, "Todo Se Complica"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Lauren Migaki. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Coco Jones. Samia. Fly Anakin. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Ayana Contreras from Denver public radio stations KUVO Jazz and The Drop to discuss the best new albums they heard this week.Featured albums:• Coco Jones, 'Why Not More'• Samia, 'Bloodless'• Emma-Jean Thackray, 'Weirdo'• David Murray, 'Birdly Serenade'• Fly Anakin, '(The) Forever Dream'Check out our long list of albums out April 25 and sample more 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.To learn more about the Tiny Desk Contest artists you heard in this episode, check out Ayana Contreras' Top Shelf special on YouTube.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Ayana Contreras, KUVO Jazz & The DropProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre talk artistic growth and precocious talent.Featured artists and songs:• Natalia Lafourcade, "Cancionera"• Natalia Lafourcade & El David Aguilar, "Como Quisiera Quererte"• Natalia Lafourcade & Hermanos Gutierrez, "Luna Creciente"• Irene Diaz, "Anything For You"• Eladio Carrión & Myke Towers, "Vetements"• Eladio Carrión & Lia Kali, "Me Muero"• Kayatibu, LUIZGA & Yaka Huni Kuin, "Nai Basa Masheri"• Santi Sc, "Cuando Nos Besamos" (feat. Dirk)• Santi Sc, "Home Run"• Maria Marquez, "La Lagrima"CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Julien Baker & Torres. Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes Brian Burns of North Carolina public radio station WUNC to the show to discuss the best albums out today.Featured Albums:• Torres & Julien Baker, 'Send a Prayer My Way' (Stream)• Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, 'What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow' (Stream)• Tunde Adebimpe, 'Thee Black Boltz' (Stream)• BEIRUT, 'A Study of Losses' (Stream)• Sarah Siskind, 'Simplify' (Stream)Check out our long list of records out April 18 and sample more than 50 new albums in our New Music Friday playlist at npr.org/music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Anamaria continues to impress Felix with new female voices, while he shares more jazz and Puerto Rican bomba fusion.Featured artists and songs:• Queralt Lahoz, "LA FE"• Bardo, "Renacer" (feat. Combo Chimbita)• Vanessa Zamora, "GRAVEDAD" (feat. Çantamarta)• BEATrio, "Archipelago"• Mon Laferte, "Otra Noche de Llorar"• El Laberinto del Coco, "Todo Se Nubla" CreditsAudio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy