All Songs Considered

Alt.Latino: New songs from Spain, the D.R. and more

September 24, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The Alt.Latino episode "New songs from Spain, the D.R. and more" showcases a diverse range of Latin music, from Spanish indie pop and honky-tonk to Dominican Caribbean sounds and a tribute to Latin jazz legends. 
  • The episode highlights the evolving ways artists blend genres and languages, exemplified by Spanish honky-tonk, a Nat King Cole tribute album recorded with Cuban musicians, and Spanish artists exploring thematic depth through layered sounds. 
  • The hosts emphasize the personal connection and discovery process behind the music, with Felix Contreras sharing his fascination with Latinos in country music and Ana Maria Sayer highlighting the intentionality and emotional exploration in Spanish artist Lorea's work. 

Segments

Making Movies’ “La Marea”
Copied to clipboard!
(00:00:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Making Movies’ “La Marea” features Mireya Ramos and showcases Steve Berlin’s production influence, drawing comparisons to Lucecita Benitez’s vocal style.
  • Summary: The song “La Marea” by Making Movies, featuring Mireya Ramos, is highlighted for its production by Steve Berlin, known for his work with Los Lobos. The vocal delivery of Mireya Ramos is noted for its softness and layered harmonies, prompting a discussion about potential influences from Lucecita Benitez and Berlin’s distinct production approach. The track is also noted as being from a film soundtrack for “A Little Family Drama” and won an Image Award.
Teo Planel’s Debut Album
Copied to clipboard!
(00:04:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Spanish artist Teo Planel’s debut album “Damien” explores biblical themes of taking possession of the world without fear through a romantic lens.
  • Summary: Teo Planel, a Spanish producer and artist, is introduced with his debut album “Damien.” The song “El Mundo Delante de Ti” (The World Before You) is discussed, with its title referencing a biblical concept of taking possession of the world fearlessly. The music is described as thematically rich and delivered with a voice full of soul and heart, with production that complements the raw emotion.
Ramona and the Holy Smokes
Copied to clipboard!
(00:09:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Ramona and the Holy Smokes blend Spanish-language honky-tonk with Tejano influences, showcasing a unique fusion of country and Latin music.
  • Summary: Ramona and the Holy Smokes, fronted by former NPR employee Ramona Martinez, deliver Spanish-language honky-tonk music. The band incorporates elements of conjunto music, such as accordion and bajo sexto, alongside steel guitar, creating a distinct sound. The discussion highlights the poetic nature of Spanish lyrics in conveying heartbreak and the fascinating way Latino culture disperses and merges into broader musical landscapes.
Lorea’s Intentional Soundscapes
Copied to clipboard!
(00:19:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Spanish artist Lorea’s music, exemplified by “Se me va la cabeza de tras te ti,” is praised for its intentional layering of sounds to explore emotional facets of a concept.
  • Summary: Lorea, a Spanish artist from the north of Spain, is featured for her album released in 2024. Her song “Se me va la cabeza de tras te ti” (My mind is going crazy after you) is analyzed for its deliberate construction, where each sound is placed with purpose to explore different aspects of the central theme. This intentionality in sound design is contrasted with what the host perceives as a trend of ‘vibes over substance’ in some contemporary Latin music.
Rubalcaba’s Benny Moré Tribute
Copied to clipboard!
(00:23:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s album “Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole” imagines a collaboration between the two iconic artists, exploring Latin standards.
  • Summary: The album “Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole” by pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, saxophonist Yainer Horta, and Joey Calveiro is presented. The concept is an imaginary meeting between Cuban vocalist Benny Moré and American crooner Nat King Cole, who famously recorded Spanish Latin standards in 1958 with Cuban musicians arranged by Bebo Valdez. The segment contrasts Rubalcaba’s rendition of “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” with Nat King Cole’s version, highlighting the historical significance of Cole’s crossover appeal in Latin America.
Martox’s Caribbean Sound
Copied to clipboard!
(00:28:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Dominican duo Martox offers a vibrant Caribbean sound with their new album, featuring the track “Enganchao de Ti.”
  • Summary: The Dominican duo Martox is introduced with their new album, featuring the song “Enganchao de Ti.” They are described as having a beautiful, Caribbean sound that blends various beloved elements. The duo has received nominations and their singles are already popular on dance floors in Puerto Rico, indicating their growing success and appeal.