Radio Menea

Living legend Susana Baca is responsible for bringing Afro-Peruvian rhythms to the world stage. An incredible singer, dancer and activist, Baca’s extensive catalog honors the deep cultural legacy of Afro-Peruvians, both thematically and rhythmically. This week we’re re-running an episode we originally ran for Black History Month, but Baca’s life and career deserves shines all year long. Featuring...

To wrap up our summer series on indigenous music, in today's new episode we explore how indigenous instruments have contributed a wealth of dynamic sounds, melodies and beats to the music of Latin America. We focus on six instruments—three percussion, two wind and one string–-as an entry point into the impact of these instruments on music in the region. Featuring music by Los Kjarkas, Sonora Dinam...

We talk a lot about the influence of African people, instruments, and rhythms on Latinx music. But we know that indigenous peoples and musical traditions have also had an impact. This week we are re-running a deep dive we took into one of the most iconic examples of that influence from Los Kjarkas, an Andean folk group from Bolivia, whose iconic song Llorando Se Fue (aka La Lambada) inspired many...

This month we’re bringing you some of our favorite episodes focused on indigenous music, and this week we’re bringing back a deep dive into Luzmila Carpio, an indigenous Bolivian singer. Her songs, inspired by the sounds of bird song, streams, and the land she grew up on, have brought Quechua and Aymara sonic traditions and stories of indigenous resistance around the globe. Featuring music by Luzm...

Originally aired during the thanksgiving season, we're bringing back this early days Indigenous artists episode for a lil indigenous summer series. We're giving you a little antidote to colonialist revisionist history by bringing indigenous artists who are making music that emphasizes their roots, integrating indigenous languages, instrumentation, and cultural references. We hope that you'll hear...

On deck for this week we’ve got a slate of our favorite recent releases. True to form, this one really takes you on a mood shifting journey from summer reggaeton pops to experimental cello, from cumbia to electronic music and more. Featuring music by Los Angeles Azules, Emilia, Mabe Fratti, Nicky Jam, Ryan Castro, Boundary, La Santa Cecilia, Boza, Elena Rose, Moffa, Manuel Turizo, Ñengo Flow and T...

It’s still pride month, and as it comes to a close we’re revisiting a 2023 episode featuring trans mujeres in Latinx music. Sadly the attacks that inspired this episode last year have only increased, so we continue to celebrate and honor these women and their musical contributions. Featuring music by Linn da Quebrada, Liniker, Arca and Villano Antillano. Show notes: bit.ly/4eIKh32 Follow us: insta...

Think: songs your favorite Latina drag queens love to perform. Songs that might not be explicitly gay, but get the queers going. You know the ones. These are the gay anthems. Featuring music by Selena, Ana Gabriel, Gloria Trevi, Thalia and Celia Cruz. Show notes: https://bit.ly/4bckGwl Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

It’s still gay Christmas over here, so we’re bringing you an episode from the archive featuring some of our favorite out queer and trans Latin artists. Featuring music by Albita, Linn Da Quebrada, Anaís Azul, Gina Chavez, Sailorfag and Elysia Crampton. Show notes: bit.ly/3KJDSqm Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

This week we’re sharing some big chisme: We are writing a book!!!! And not just a regular degular book, but an illustrated, choose-your-own-adventure exploration of the impact of Latinx music on US culture and US culture on Latinx music. In today’s episode we talk through the process that got us here, and give you a little taste of the kind of things we are going to cover through some of our favor...

Pride is nigh, querides, and this week we’re re-running an early-days (2016!!!) episode of Radio Menea featuring queer artists. Listen in to hear about queer Latinx musicians who've been doing it since forever, and some of the new generation of out and proud folks who are walking in their footsteps. We also talk about the origins of Pride and its inextricable connection to Latinx resistance. Featu...

This week, un invitado muy especial: Chilean indie darling and Radio Menea fave Alex Anwandter, talking about his new album Dime Precioso. Join us as we talk about his bimbo era, why he’s found his power in the superficial, the challenges of the music industry today, and how - as a long time “super gay” artist - he’s moving away from the commodification of identity in his latest work. Featuring mu...

This week we’ve got some new music from our faves. From bachata and dreamy bedroom pop to mariachi and vibey house, it’s an eclectic and entertaining ride, as always. Featuring music by Ronny Mercedes, DJ Aguilar, Tei Shi, Wisin, Yandel, Xiomara Fortuna, Marc Anthony, Girl Ultra, Yahritzia y Su Esencia and Ambar Lucid. Show notes: bit.ly/4bj1IFd Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/Radi...

This week we're bringing back an episode from the archive in honor of mother's day. We've got TWO special guests on the show with us -- las mujeres que nos dieron la vida -- our mamis! We know we're lucky to have two amazing and lovely mujeres that we get to call our mamis, so we invited them on to share their fave jams with us. Pia y Rosa each came on the show to tell some stories and share some...

A mainstay of the salsa romántica genre, Victor Manuelle’s career has spanned over 30 years. And he’s still at it - last month saw the release of his 21st album, which includes his 65th top ten hit. This week we look back at his career, his hits, controversies, and his enduring impact on salsa today. Featuring music by Victor Manuelle, Frankie Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Voltio, Jowell y Randy and...

It’s Saturday morning. You hear the music and you know: te van a despertar. “Nadie me ayuda en esta casa!” Now you’re grown, nadie te ayuda a limpiar esta casa, and it’s time to take things into your own hands with a limpieza mix. This week, our faves to get you in the mood to sweep, mop and get your house in order. Featuring music by Luisito Ayala, La Puerto Rican Power, Ana Gabriel, Elvis Crespo...

It’s amazing, it’s fucked up, it’s weird, it’s fun, and it’s also maybe the most destructive force on earth. This week, we talk about money — in all its complicated glory — and bring you songs that address the little papelitos that make the world go ‘round. Featuring music by Cardi B, Juan Gabriel, Trinidad Cardona, Hector Lavoe, Virlán García, Fuete Billete, Yung Beef, Baby Rasta y Gringo, Ft. Ñe...

Have you checked out La Shaki’s latest album? This week, we’re getting into Shakira’s first new album in 7 years(!!!). Taking her back to her breakup album roots, she also brought us a few interesting collabs, jumped on a few current trends, and tried some new things. Join us as we take a deep dive! Featuring music by Shakira, Cardi B, Karol G, Grupo Frontera and Manuel Turizo. Show notes: bit.ly/...

It’s been a minute since we gave you some new musiquita, so this week we have tracks off new albums you should check out, some candidates for song of the summer, and a couple more unusual selections. Featuring music by AB Quintanilla, Left SM, Zeri, Álvaro Díaz, Rauw Alejandro, Daddy Yankee, Empress Of, Pepe Aguilar, Rainao,, Enrique Iglesias, El Alfa, Esteman, and Villano Antillano. Show notes: h...

Bilingual and bicultural, Tejano music is a unique product of Texas’ Latino community. Today we’re joined by Veronique Medrano, a Tex-Mex Country and Tejano artist and native of Brownsville, Texas. From Tejano classics to a new generation of Tejano artists, we get into Tejano’s impact and lasting cultural legacy. Featuring music by Veronique Medrano, Freddy Fender, Selena, El Dusty and Happy Color...

In many ways — because of migration patterns, industry and other socio-political factors — Cuban music is in the DNA of what became Latin popular music, and one place we can clearly hear that is son. This week, we talk about Cuban son - its sonic hallmarks, its history, and its influence on Latinx music today. Featuring music by Sexteto Habanero, La Sonora Matancera, Trio Matamoros, Beny Moré, Bue...

You know the one. The boss bitch. The one who commands everyone’s attention, who have no fucks to give, who we will happily fall in line for. On this week’s episode we’re exploring songs by las que mandan. Listen in for your some of your favorites and a few new boss bitch anthems. Featuring music by Ivy Queen, Empress Of, La India, Ana Macho, Bellos Públicos, Villano Antillano, Isabella Lovestory,...

What was the pop Latino landscape like in 1984? Pérez is turning 40 this year, and when they looked at what was going on forty years ago, they found some jams. From longing ballads to fun covers to political commentary that feels just as relevant today as ever, this week we have some real classics for y’all. Featuring music by Juan Gabriel, Los Tigres del Norte, Lissette, Los Bukis, José José, Car...

While not part of the mainstream image of country music, the reality is there are and have been Latinx artists making country music for a long time. Today we explore some of those artists and the boundaries of what Latinx country music is. Featuring music by Caballo Dorado, Linda Rondstadt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Veronique Medrano, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Sammy Arriaga, Laura Denisse y Lo...

It’s time for some new musiquita, aaand it’s also February. So this week we’re celebrating our gente negra by highlighting Afro Latine artists you know and love who are working now - and some up and comers some you should watch out for. Featuring music by Amara La Negra, Safaree, J Noa, Los Rakas, GodDessey, Gente de Zona, Ovi, Junior Zamora, Ozuna, Darell, Maluma, and Beyonce. Show notes: https:/...