Global Beat Mexico

Moni Saldaña is back with 3 new tracks: a moody electronic ballad “Ahí Estaré” by Urbøi (pronounced “your boy”) is full of teen-style longing and excitement. Lorelle Meets The Obsolete is a longtime Moni favorite –and we hear why –  in "Invisible.” A dream-state builds and builds in  "Modelo a Seguir" by Orbe // Nacimiento. 

Betto Arcos is back with tracks from all over Mexico. “Buen Camino” by Laura Murcia celebrates departures, a lost friend, and the Caribbean coastal sounds of Colombia. “Zapatea” from El Monte Adentro is a foot-tapping trip through modern and traditional sounds of Jalapa. And “Estero” by Renee Mooi takes us to the moonlit wetlands of the Costa Chica of Guerrero.

Junf is back with a ballad, a groove, and Señor Discos vibes for us. Andre Beltrán’s voice and lyrics shine in “Un Adios y Dos Olvidos.” Valeria Jasso brings us a new Yucatan sound in “Noches.” And “Again” from Tyrell and ROMderful is an English-language dance track perfect for escaping reality. 

Moni Saldaña is back in CDMX with 3 new songs for us: breakup ballad "Atardeció Sin Vos" by El David. Real and raw tales of dating in "Wey" by Luisa Almaguer. And visual artist Macabro.tv’s foray into instrumental music with "Mermejita," calling up a favorite Oaxaca beach.

Betto Arcos is back with 3 tracks that conjure some epic sounds and feelings: “Darina” by Ricardo Amadeus. “La Vaina” from Mamasonicas. And “Conjuro para desatar el tiempo” by Troker.

Junf is back with Raul to play 3 new songs for us. Modern cumbia gets an accordion twist in “Fantasma” by Rocko Paez. From the Monterrey scene, Kiddie Gang is not quite a band, not quite a collective. Their dreamy new track is “Vampiro.” And electronic DJ Ferraz channels the sounds of CDMX clubs, from disco to Venezuelan influences, in “Latin Boogie,” remixed by Derrick Mckenzie of Jamiroquai.

Betto is back with 3 new tracks for us showcasing traditional folklore sounds in contemporary ways. Ernesto Anaya plays over 30 instruments and brings that flash in “El Relámpago.” Valeria Rojas of the supergroup Los Folkloristas has a new solo single “La Pajarera.” Xinto Stevenz found his stage name while living in Los Angeles for a short stint, and then returned to Mexico City where he plays the guitarra de son, the traditional instrument of Veracruz on “Sueño.”

Moni Saldaña is back with 3 new tracks for Raul: Mexico City psych-rockers Supersilverhaze have a new single “Antropoceno.” Next, Guadalajara-based hip-hop artist Samantha Barrón with “Como Las Aves.” And cult indie producer Sanje goes solo with “Buen Fantasma.”

Sit back, recline your seat, and join KCRW’s Raul Campos on a journey through some of the freshest music from México. Three new tracks every week from our curators, Mexico City DJ and music supervisor Junf, director of Festival NRMAL Moni Saldaña, and NPR’s Betto Arcos.

This edition is a family affair. Moni Saldaña joins Raul Campos to break down some serious sonic connections featuring Global Beat alumni and KCRW mainstays alike. Grenda’s “Eye For You” is sung in English, fusing downtempo electronics and emo-melodics into a yearning, pulsating gem. Nsqk (pronounced like the powdery milk treat) brings us a sonic confection in “El Tiempo Que Necesitas.” And Los Benders’ “Playa Privada” is a bouncy, whistle-centric ray of sunshine just begging to be shouted along to with a massive festival crowd.