A contender for “Song of the Year” by the Latin Grammys, “Algo Es Mejor” — Spanish for “Something Is Better” — comes from Chilean singer Mon LaFerte’s sophomore album “Carmen 1940.” Written while driving through Malibu, Laferte says of the track, “I was very happy to be brave and embrace motherhood. The Pacific Ocean always inspires me. California landscapes are very much like my hometown. As I looked out the window I felt very free! Fulfilled and happy! Life is beautiful, I think many times it is just a matter of attitude. Something in me definitely changed."

Grammy-winning Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has some serious chops and goes head-to-head with indie hip-hop star and fellow Mississippian Big K.R.I.T. on this track, who adds his thought-provoking and captivating lyrics to “Another Life Goes By” (Mississippi Mix).

The long lost follow-up to Melody’s Echo Chamber’s debut album release is finally here! Co-produced by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, the album is full of treats, including seven rare and unreleased tracks, including the gorgeous title number ‘Unfold.”

Blending jazzy soul with beats, seductive songsmith Madison McFerrin shares “Stay Away (From Me).” Showcasing her newly-acquired production chops, the song encapsulates our feelings during lockdown while alleviating some of the anxiety.

Freaks Only host Travis Holcombe recently hosted an intriguing session with Nation of Language: Live from The Village Studios , not to be missed.

Puerto Rican powerhouse iLe enlists Chilean icon Mon LaFerte to tackle the long arm of the patriarchy on a modern day bolero called “Traguito,” or “Little Sip,” one of the songs from iLe’s third solo album, out later this month.

So far, Say She She have had a breakthrough year in 2022, releasing their debut album and wowing audiences. We simply cannot get enough of them. Check out “Pink Roses” and stay tuned for an upcoming KCRW Live From Apogee session featuring Say She She on MBE.

Long ago and far away, The Manhattan Transfer’s late founding member Tim Hauser hosted a weekly vocal music show on KCRW. His conspirator Janis Siegel became a regular guest on our airwaves when she brought in quirky tracks to Morning Becomes Meshuga.

On her first album in six years, “Weather Alive,” English singer/songwriter Beth Orton takes the reins to self-produce and record in her home studio in London. “Fractals” features jazz poet Alabaster dePlume on sax, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner, and multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismally. “Through the writing of these songs and the making of this music, I found my way back to the world around me,” Orton says. “A way to reach nature and the people I love and care about.”

KCRW anointed SoCal’s St. Panther Best New Artist 2020 , and since then we’ve watched the world embrace them. Just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month, this multi-instrumentalist queer Latinx artist puts out their first song in Spanish, “Asi Asi” (feat. Chrystel).