Every week, La Alternativa delivers the very best from the Latin alternative scene by curating a blend of emerging and established artists within the Latin diaspora, while providing a platform to champion our growing local music scene. Listen on demand here and on 88Nine from 10-11 p.m. every Wednesday.
So many powerhouses in this episode, but I’ll highlight two artists who are showing new sides of themselves — one with quiet reflection, the other with irresistible rhythm.
Best known as the voice of The Marías, María Zardoya has stepped into her solo era under the name Not for Radio. Her recently released debut album Melt introduces a more intimate and cinematic version of her artistry. The single “Vueltas” is a lush and introspective track carried by fresh strings and Zardoya’s unmistakable vocals.
In Spanish, vueltas means “turns” or “loops,” a fitting metaphor for the song’s lyrical theme of emotional cycles, love, loss, and growth. Zardoya blends her Latin roots with dreamy alt-pop sensibility, inviting listeners into her orbit of sound and self-discovery
On the other side of the spectrum, Nathy Peluso is in full motion. The Argentine songstress has a new salsa-infused EP out now, Malportada. The title track is a collaboration with Venezuelan group Rawayana that bursts with attitude, humor and rhythm.
“Malportada” (“ill-mannered”) is a lively celebration of two bold alter-egos: Natalia Peligro and Alberto Horacio Sinvergüenza — unapologetic, chaotic and proud of it. Backed by bright horns, sharp percussion and that signature Peluso swagger, the track channels salsa’s golden era through a modern lens.
Episode playlist
- Roshan, “Alo”
- Duendita & Noah Becker, “Bassline”
- Quelle Rox, “apareces de la nada”
- Gego y Nony, “999 El Mensaje” ft Ofili
- Nathy Peluso & Rawayana, “MALPORTADA”
- LATIN MAFIA, “Siento que merezco mas”
- MULA, “Grandes Escobas” ft Jessy Bulbo
- Pahua, “Vaquera Galatica”
- Natalia LaFourcade, “La Cometierra”
- Pablopablo, “VIDA NUEVA”
- Lucrecia Dalt, “caes (feat. Camille Mandoki)
- Bratty & Barry B, “otro dia mas”
- CLUBZ & Isla de Caras, “Fugazi”
- Not for Radio, “Vueltas”
- RAMSI, “Montan ̃a”
- Chuwi, “Falta Algo”