KCRW’s Global Beat is a series highlighting emerging artists from around the world. Our second season takes us to Mexico, hosted by KCRW DJ Raul Campos alongside our curators, Mexico City DJ and music supervisor Junf, director of Festival NRMAL Moni Saldaña, and NPR’s Betto Arcos.
NPR’s Betto Arcos returns to the table for another IQ-sharpening session through deep knowledge of Mexico’s regionally specific histories, and the myriad ways music is able to amplify the past and the present… often simultaneously.
Plus, he’s got a hot tip for an upcoming free show on Feb. 10 featuring Global Beat alums Conga Patria Son Jarocho Collective. If that’s not enticing enough, the event is hosted by the man of the hour himself.
More: Global Beat México: Indie trip-hop, darkwave fantasy, Stan-worthy pop
Embrujo Huasteco – “Canto de mujer”
Embrujo Huasteco are a Mexico City-based, all-female trio playing son huasteco (a.k.a. huapango), the traditional music of Mexico's northeastern coastal Huasteca region. Arcos situates this group within a wider trend over the past few decades of city-dwelling musicians on a quest to bring “roots music” into their urban environments.
Put ears on it now to bask in the virtuosic strings, air-tight harmonies, and densely-plotted lyricism.
Stephanie Delgado – “Antonia (Feat. Paquito Cruz)”
Hailing from the town of Hueyapan in Southern Veracruz, Stephanie Delgado possesses a vocal prowess and command of her songcraft akin to fellow Veracruzans Silvana Estrada and Natalia LaFourcade.
“Antonia” is a luxuriously jazzy ode to the family employee who was an essential part of Delgado’s childhood.
Maria Moctezuma – “Rojo el ojo”
“Rojo el ojo” translates to “the red eye” in English, and is performed by Tabasco-based Maria Moctezuma as a hip-hop cumbia rife with social commentary. A song of resistance, “Rojo el ojo” grapples with the harsh, violent realities present in modern day Mexico while simultaneously reveling in the power of music to uplift.
More: Global Beat México: Avant-folk, daytime disco, hip-hop bridge builders
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