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.
Global Beat curator and Festival NRMAL director Moni Saldaña can always be counted on to make us feel at least ten percent cooler, but she’s kicked it up a notch this time: Holistic hyperpop out of CDMX, deadpan musings from Little Jesus guitarist Ferna, and vibe-y alt-pop representing Guadalajara’s next wave are all on deck.
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dieglitter – “BRILLAS”
CDMX-based Diego Guerrero Alexander, a.k.a. dieglitter, is taking a holistic approach to his hyperpop productions. The artist, who also dabbles in coding and design, plans to release a new song every three weeks in 2023, and accompany each new release with video components and merch.
To whet your palette, check out “BRILLAS,” a slickly produced earworm with a sick beat and a perfect touch of danger.
Ferna – “Peleas”
Ferna is Mexico City’s Fernando Bueno, who you may recognize from his day job as the guitarist in the band Little Jesus. “Peleas” is among his first singles released as a solo artist. The deadpan vocals, sporadic-yet-searing electric guitar bursts, and deliciously cold ending leaves you begging for more.
RPLK – “A Tu Manera (Feat. LWKY)”
Ready for some weekend pregaming? “A Tu Manera” is exactly the type of vibey alt-pop track you need to shift into chill mode. We’re absolutely loving this strong collab from young Guadalajara producer Verónica González, who records as RPLK (pronounced: replica), and rising production duo/record label operators LWKY (pronounced: lowkey).
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