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.
Expert curator Moni Saldaña joins Raul Campos to break down some serious sonic connections featuring Global Beat alumni and KCRW mainstays alike.
More: Global Beat Mexico: Lo-fi beats, Afro-Latino disco, weirdo pop
Grenda – “Eye For You”
The familial roots run deep in Grenda, from Global Beat alum Myuné to perennial KCRW faves Nortec Collective. Dig in for a thorough breakdown of just how close the connections run, or simply dig the tune. “Eye For You” fuses downtempo electronics and emo-melodics into a yearning, pulsating gem.
Nsqk – “El Tiempo Que Necesites”
There’s another fun GBM throwback awaiting you in the story behind this select, but there are also delicate guitar plucks, feather-light production, and the overall vibe of a pure sonic confection.
Los Blenders – “Playa Privada”
You haven’t lived until you’ve heard Global Beat host Raul Campos make a full meal (and sentence) out of the word “rock.” Just another tasty treat awaiting you in this week’s episode, as is this song itself. “Playa Privada” is a bouncy, whistle-centric ray of sunshine just begging to be shouted along to with a massive festival crowd. No wonder KCRW’s José Galván was on us to check ‘em out at Coachella in 2017.
More: Global Beat México: Indie for dogs, feminist psych-rock, bedroom-pop-for-the-soul
More: Global Beat Australia bonus: Lo-fi pop star Hector Morlet