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.
Renowned Mexico City DJ Junf is back with a bang, and this week he puts us onto some young independent artists making a name for themselves in international scenes. Whether you’re craving a soft and soothing love song, a dreamy, upbeat folk number, or an all-out rave banger, this week’s episode has a treat in store for you.
Tour the sounds and inspirations of Mexico’s indie scene, where artists continually push genre boundaries and redefine the parameters of commercially successful music. We hope you’re ready to dance — these tracks won’t let you sit still.
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Ilse Hendrix- “Luna Blanca”
A new voice in acoustic-jazz and electronic-experimental music out of Torreón, Coahuila, Ilse Hendrix wraps listeners up in all the best cozy vibes with “Luna Blanca.” Soft and atmospheric, Hendrix crafts a track that is perfectly paced for dancing, yet relaxing enough to fall asleep to. Genre-bending but somehow familiar, “Luna Blanca” is addictively silky-sweet.
Yöels- “Amigos”
Featuring soft, raspy vocals, guitar lines that are both supple and twangy, and sounds of laughter in the distance, “Amigos” live feels like a little slice of heaven. This new contemporary folk project from Mexico City's Julio Gudiño, whose previous projects include indie-pop acts The Plastics Revolution and I Can Chase Dragons, infuses warmth and tranquility into each dancing note. Whether you’re cooking and swaying in the kitchen, daydreaming on your morning commute, or basking in the LA sunshine, “Amigos” is sure to ease your woes and lift your spirits.
Future Feelings- “Bend the Truth”
Pivoting from the dreamy, sweet songs above, “Bend the Truth” demands attention with an upbeat hook and a gradually increasing tempo. Pop, disco, and house elements paint a colorful soundscape that is as lush as it is pure fun. Heralding the next wave of Mexican electronica, Mexico City-based DJ, producer, and serial collaborator Future Feelings brings a fresh and funky take on the more traditional dance floor scene.
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