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, Mexico City DJ and music supervisor Junf, director of Festival NRMAL Moni Saldaña, and NPR’s Betto Arcos.
Ever wanted to travel to Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Spain, Canada, or France? This week’s episode of Global Beat will take you on this journey across just three genre-bending tracks. Traditional Cumbia, folklore, and instrumentation meet modern dance and electronic flavors in a jovial curation by CDMX DJ and music supervisor Junf.
This week, Junf guides listeners through his cross-continental picks while explaining the musical and historical background of each artist. You won’t want to miss these up-and-coming artists, so grab a cozy seat and press play.
More: Global Beat México: percussive trip-folk, symphonic-pop, and expansive jazz
Sonido Gallo Negro - “Bufo”
It’s avant-garde, it’s psychedelic, it’s Mexico meets Argentina for the future. Mexico City-based Sonido Gallo Negro fuse art and music to create a cross-cultural Latin American sound that is rich in sound and intrigue.
This distinctive “new cumbia” sound fuses the musical traditions of the past with modern production and forward-thinking layered instrumentation.
Monstruos del Mañana- “Antes”
We’re slowing things down for this track, so make a cup of your favorite tea and enjoy this present-day ode to Latin American folklore legends. Producer and musician Roy Martinez built Monstruos del Mañana out of CDMX with the intention of honoring and advancing Mexican storytelling across time periods. Dream-like vocals paired with simplistic, twangy guitar lines make for a song that feels like sitting around a bonfire with your best friends.
YoSoyMatt, French Braids, Eva de Marce - “Discoman”
Need the perfect track for roller skating by the beach, dancing in the kitchen with a lover, or just adding some joy to your morning commute? Look no further than “DiscoMan,” fusing Latin, organic, and digital sounds from around the world. Mexican, French-Canadian, and Spanish influences enmesh with house, disco, and R&B genre conventions to engender a sound that is both thrilling and addictive.
More: Global Beat México: Los Vaguens, Don Couto, and Costa Felina
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