KCRW’s Global Beat is a series highlighting emerging artists from around the world. Our second season takes us to México, hosted by KCRW DJ Raul Campos alongside our curators, México City DJ and music supervisor Junf, director of Festival NRMAL Moni Saldaña, and NPR’s Betto Arcos.
Moni Saldaña returns to the hot seat with three tracks fresh from the February 2023 release slate. On deck: jaunty, samba-tinged lullabies, Billie Eilish-esque bedroom pop, and a taste of early 2010s-style synthpop (... but make it en español).
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Alex Ferreira – “De Verdad”
A Dominicano now comfortably settled in México, Alex Ferreira has been widely embraced by his chosen home. Ferreira flexes a knack for crafting jaunty indie-folk tunes of the type that you’ll (gladly) have stuck in your head for days on end. He’s also celebrating new fatherhood, which shines through the bright and joyful tone of his similarly newborn single, “De Verdad.”
Catch Ferreira’s exuberance up close and personal during his set at México’s rapidly approaching Vive Latino Festival — happening March 18 and 19 at Foro Sol in Mexico City.
Ivana – “23”
Ivana is a native of curator Moni’s hometown of Monterrey, and began her musical journey during COVID-19 lockdowns. As a young woman sharing achingly personal bedroom pop songs with listeners in their own forms of isolation, Ivana’s music struck a chord and has been resonating ever since. Fans of Billie Eilish, Clairo, and Gracie Abrams will find plenty here to connect with.
La Texana – “Un día como hoy”
Whether you call it “post-punk Norteño” or a cheeky en español update to early ‘10s NYC indie-synth-pop, Tijuana’s 19-year-old La Texana has locked in an endlessly pleasing sound. Please stop reading, and start listening.
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