Nuevo Culture

16 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Goyo to Dímelo Flow

This is a weekly compilation of bite-sized song and EP reviews from our music writers. Discover new favs, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and more. Some of the featured artists this week include Goyo, Dímelo Flow, and Petite Amie. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Goyo – “Na Na Na”

Gloria “Goyo” Martinez, the dynamic vocalist and driving force behind Colombian Afro-Latine jazz meets hip-hop innovators ChocQuibTown, made her much-awaited debut as a soloist with the anthemic “Na Na Na,” which she describes as “una nueva forma de decir NO.” Backed by pulsing percussion patterns and a voluminous, indelible hook, the single puts protecting your own agency and autonomy at the forefront. In a genre rife with songs that commodify women’s desires and sexualities, Goyo is here to ultimately push past and shatter those patriarchal confines. – Nayeli Portillo

Dímelo Flow, Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, Maria Becerra, Mr. Vegas, & Fatman Scoop – “Suelta”

Today, Dímelo Flow introduces “Suelta,” the new single off of his upcoming album featuring all-star artists Always Dream, coming out later this year. “Suelta” takes form with a summer-like vibe, weaving in and out of each artist featured on the track in a playful manner. With artists like Rauw Alejandro, Farruko, Maria Becerra, Mr. Vegas, and Fatman Scoop, it’s reminiscent of party classics like Mr. Vegas’ 1998 hit “Heads High,” being sampled into the track itself, carrying new life to an aged classic. Flow’s use of interlocking dancehall with reggaetón flare gives it a blooming sun-kissed touch, and in reality, makes you forget whatever season we’re in currently. Always Dream is set to hold numerous heavy hitter artists, only making our anticipation for the record even higher. Till then, we have “Suelta” to tie us over. – Holly Alvarado

LASH, Martox, De La Vega – “Sensaciones”

Dominican DJ and producer LASH teams up with fellow countrymen Martox and Puerto Rican rapper De La Vega for “Sensaciones,” a serene and synth-rich track ready-made to be dedicated to significant others this month. The second single off an upcoming LASH project, the song’s production does easy work of elevating the dueling-yet-complimentary styles of Martox and DLV; one seductively raining roses and silk sheets and the other a bit more rougher-edge and swaggy but no less dedicated to giving their partner goosebumps of the good kind. It’s a purposefully sexy song that can outlive February and please all year long.  — Juan J. Arroyo

partywatcher – “Window”

Throughout the past year, Chicago-based Dominican singer-songwriter partywatcher has released a string of effervescent singles melding influences from synth wave and R&B into an exuberant new EP titled Moreno — out now. His latest single is “Window,” a soaring singalong jam that encourages us to stop watching the world pass us by and jump into the fray, where adventure and romance giddily await. – Richard Villegas

Howless – “Unlucky”

Right before the release of their debut album To Repel Ghosts, which drops today, Mexico City quartet Howless shared the track “Unlucky” as its third single, sending us instantly into a noisy daze. Here, they wear their ‘80s and ‘90s noise pop and shoegaze influences on their sleeve, giving us a wonderfully mixed crunchy, muscular song that places singer Dominique Sanchez’s beautiful melodies front and center. She owns her bad luck as a reflection of bad decision-making and self-sabotage instead of being a twist of fate, and we can relate. – Cheky

Coastcity – “SKYFALL”

Coastcity’s new lovesick track is perfect for those suffering from heartache after Valentine’s Day, tapping into a particularly sensitive nerve. “Skyfall” feels like neon lights adorning a pitch-dark night when things are not going as planned with that special person; getting right in the heart of the feeling thanks to the songs’ ‘80s-inspired melodies and digital dirtiness. With its undeniable catchiness, the song flows sweetly through artificially-flavored synths before taking off in the final chorus when emotions overtake Coastcity, feeling the pain of a broken heart. – Marcos Hassan

Lumidee – “Fria”

With the blend between Middle Eastern upbeat sounds and an infectious flow on “Fria,” Puerto Rican-American R&B singer-songwriter Lumidee has brought back the catchy energy she served when she released her early 2000’s mainstream hit “Never Leave You – Uh Oh.” This is from her latest album release 10 13, where she showcases her more raw and demanding side. The captivating video by Chems captures her looking like a whole boss, unphased by her chaotic surroundings full of entranced dancing, and steamy making-out sessions. That’s my kind of party — “Pelicula, yeah, it’s a movie!” — Jeanette Hernandez

Taylor DiCaprio – “Rosa”

For Taylor, DiCaprio is just an artistic name. The up-and-coming Spanish singer was born Christian Uhunamure Torres. Coming from an Iberian and Nigerian upbringing, he’s pushing the Afrobeats sounds into the local trap scene. “Rosa” showcases his own take on this blend: Flamenco claps, loads of auto-tuned vocals, and cyclical West-African guitars. – Felipe Maia

Los Saints – “Fouund You Somewhere”

San Diego indie rockers Los Saints balance loss and longing on their latest single, “Fouund You Somewhere,” one of the tracks on their forthcoming, first official studio recording. The band— which is composed of Angel Mariscal, Emiliano Garcia, and Gianluca Exposito, all of whom identify as first-gen Mexican-Americans— pairs angular, melodious guitars reminiscent of ‘80s post-punk jams with the sentimentality of a pop breakup song. In the nostalgic, lo-fi style video for “Fouund You Somewhere” (directed by frontman Angel Mariscal), the trio traverses the city in hopes of finding that lost spark before coming to terms with a sudden realization. – Nayeli Portillo

Alex Quin – “En La Nota”

As if the race for a new spring anthem couldn’t get any closer, the Colombian-bred artist Alex Quin and Puerto Rican superstar Brray team up for a love note-esque track with “En La Nota.” The two combine the sensual side of reggaetón while smoothing over some romantic bachata tonalities, making it the perfect recipe for having everything we need to swoon over our desired crush. “En La Nota” brings forth a notable match-up, blending and breaking genres while molding into one, paying homage to their respective hometowns. Marking the first time these two collide, the infectious collaboration drops today, bringing an even hotter taste of what Alex Quin is destined to stir at the table of Latine pop. Holly Alvarado

Unochosiete – “Todo Empieza (Frenesí)”

Indulging in the “freedom” afforded by being an independent musician, Puerto Rican artist Unochosiete hasn’t been one to tie himself to merely one genre. Previous albums have included earnest traipses into garage rock and detours into hip-hop. His new EP, Tormento, is another chance to experiment with more eclectic sounds all while exploring the theme of “love in the modern world.” Hints of reggae, funk, and folk-rock permeate while alt-reggaetón fan-favorite Skeptic makes an appearance to sprinkle on some rap as a garnish. Unochosiete’s thesis is that contemporary relations lead to increasingly frenzied emotions, and the varied tracklist speaks to how many avenues he needs to express himself on it. — Juan J. Arroyo

Petite Amie – “Elektro” Lucia Tacchetti Remix

Mexico City twee-rock darlings Petite Amie have enjoyed a meteoric rise, releasing their buzzy self-titled debut LP in the fall of 2021 and scoring coveted slots at KEXP and Carnaval de Bahidorá just a few months later. Still riding the promotional high, the band is unveiling remixes from the album, starting with their single “Elektro” and guest spots from the likes of Boyo, Okey Dokey, and Argentine indie pop singer-songwriter and producer Lucia Tacchetti. The latter reimagines the song by highlighting the band’s modish French lyrics and gauzy harmonies, all while warping the bass lines and psychedelic synths into a wildly groovy fantasy. — Richard Villegas

Chavi Leons – “Contrato”

South Bronx artist Chavi Leons just debuted with his new full-length Pilot, and it’s already generating a big buzz in the bachata world. Closing the seven-track album is “Contrato,” a minimalistic track that stays true to the bachata essence with its level of drama and old-school romance. Peeking out of intertwining guitar and bass solos, Leons shows his devotion to his significant other by giving himself up entirely as if their love were a contract he’s required to fulfill. This man is in a profound love spell. – Cheky

Jennifer Souza – “Ultraleve”

Belo Horizonte’s Jennifer Souza displays a gift rarely seen in many new artists, finding a balance between emotionally-charged melodicism, and intricate and ambitious musical instrumentation. On the first single from her forthcoming album Pacífica Pedra Branca, she fuses ideas from contemporary R&B, folky directness, and jazzy flourishes, anchoring the layered melodies and urgent rhythms of the song with her down-to-earth and beautiful voice. “Ultraleve” never lets go, and just when you think things will be winding down, a choir of trumpets appears to lift you to another dimension. – Marcos Hassan

Txna – “Que Malo Tu Eres”

Instead of a typical romantic song release for Valentine’s Day, Puerto Rican-American artist Txna gifted us a heartbreak reggaeton track “Que Malo Tu Eres” about giving it all to someone who ends up cheating on you. Throughout the music video, Txna finds her distressed, bouncing back and forth from their once happy memories to the present reality that isn’t the same anymore. With her soft vocals, she asks for reasons as to why this all changed. But regardless of it all, the damage is done. It is what it is. — Jeanette Hernandez

Amaru Tribe – “Candela Vive”

Amaru Tribe is the reunion of Chilean rapper Cristina Saavedra and Colombian producer Oscar Jimenez and singer Katherine Gailer. They met up in Australia, and from the land down under they came up with a fired-up version of “La Candela Viva.” The classic Colombian tambores, first recorded by Totó la Momposina, is now reimagined as a trance-cumbia with disco-like guitars and drums, some rapping, and the old-time candela viva sing-along. – Felipe Maia