All Songs Considered

Alt.Latino: Zen and the art of new music

December 3, 2025

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  • The episode of "Alt.Latino: Zen and the art of new music" from "All Songs Considered" focuses on new music releases still coming out near the end of the year, featuring artists from Mexico, New York, and Colombia. 
  • The hosts highlighted the evolution of music through re-recorded tracks (Diles que no me maten) and the impact of an artist's unique voice across stylistic shifts (Dianna Lopez). 
  • The segment featured a discussion on the diverse musical landscape of Texas, contrasting the foundational Tejano sound of Ruben Ramos with the contemporary Regional Mexican/Norteño scene. 

Segments

Diles que no me maten Debut
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(00:00:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Mexico City alternative band Diles que no me maten re-released and re-recorded their track ‘Manos de Piedra’ to reflect its evolution through live performance.
  • Summary: The band Diles que no me maten is highlighted as one of Mexico City’s exciting alternative acts. Their track ‘Manos de Piedra - Revisitada’ is a re-release of an older song, reflecting how the music has changed with the band over time. The song was recorded in Santa Maria de la Rivera, an emerging artistic neighborhood in Mexico City.
Dianna Lopez Ambient Sound
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(00:04:28)
  • Key Takeaway: New York artist Dianna Lopez has evolved from traditional singer-songwriter material to creating ambient, spiritual sonic landscapes, retaining her unmistakable ethereal voice.
  • Summary: Dianna Lopez, originally from New York, has shifted her music since 2018 from DIY bedroom production to ambient soundscapes, with recent singles focusing on nature. Her new four-song EP, ‘Echo,’ features layered sounds and influences, showcasing her consistent, ethereal vocal quality. Lopez initially pursued acting before committing to music after a positive experience performing for a friend’s showcase.
Umbe’s Ambitious Pop Album
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(00:08:25)
  • Key Takeaway: 25-year-old Mexican artist Umbe released an ambitious 22-track album, featuring extended song lengths unusual for contemporary pop artists.
  • Summary: Umbe is recognized as a key figure in the future of Latin American pop music. His new album is notably ambitious, containing 22 tracks, many running five or six minutes long. The featured single, ‘Fantasmas,’ has gained significant traction on TikTok for evoking strong feelings related to family and memory.
Rennie Lopez Americana Reflection
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(00:15:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Rennie Lopez, a veteran musician with eleven albums, blends Latin rhythms, rock, and Americana, with his latest work, ‘A New York Lie,’ offering deep personal and city reflections.
  • Summary: Rennie Lopez’s 11th album, ‘A New York Lie,’ leans into country and Americana while maintaining his signature blend of Latin rhythms. Lopez grew up influenced by his father, a hardcore salsa trumpet player, alongside Prince and funk music. He previously gained attention for his YouTube series ‘Songs from the Stoop,’ where he played music joined by family and neighbors.
Duplat’s Colombian Funk
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(00:18:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Colombian artist Duplat delivers a sound reminiscent of 70s funk, featuring strong horns and bass, possibly carrying a political undertone with the track title ‘Vete del País’ (Leave the Country).
  • Summary: Duplat’s music blends rocky, reggae, and funky elements, sometimes incorporating jazzier breakdowns, which the host found fresh despite its 70s funk feel. The track ‘Vete del País’ suggests a strong sentiment, potentially political, though the exact lyrical context remains open to interpretation. Duplat has been releasing music since 2019 but is still gaining wider recognition.
Ruben Ramos Tejano Tribute
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(00:22:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Texas music legend Ruben Ramos, ‘El Gato Negro,’ is being honored with a tribute album, ‘Los Días del Calor,’ recognizing his foundational role in Tejano music since the late 1960s.
  • Summary: Ruben Ramos began his career in the late 60s with The Mexican Revolution, predating the formal naming of Tejano music, which blended cumbias and corridos with a Texas flair. The tribute album is spearheaded by musician Carrie Rodriguez and features various Austin musicians, aiming to recognize Ramos’s influence while he is still active. Tejano music is distinct from Norteño music, which is currently prominent in the Regional Mexican scene.