As a Latina DJ and all-around music lover, my journey has taken me deep into Latin sounds that often slip under the radar. While it is true that popular names like Bad Bunny and CA7RIEL and Paco Amoroso shape today’s scene and contribute a great deal of recognition and Latin pride worldwide, this playlist celebrates the less conventional. These tracks are nostalgic but new, diverse as our culture, but rooted in heritage.
This playlist celebrates that diversity, showcasing melancholic pop, jazz, indie alternative, and electronic influences.
Here, you’ll hear the influence of cumbia has made a strong comeback in recent years, merging with modern sounds to create something entirely new. No matter the origins, though, this playlist is a reflection of Latin music’s undying desire to evolve, inviting us to contemplate the future of Latin music without losing the essence of its rich history.
This selection of 2025’s best deep pulls celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and reminds us of the vibrant and evolving nature of Latin music today.
Pantera Blue – “Créeme te estoy mintiendo” – The Mountain – 2025
Pantera Blue strikes the balance of melancholic pop, lo-fi jazz, and indie. Her latest single, “Créeme te estoy mintiendo,” translates to “Believe me, I’m lying to you.” That contradiction is consistent with her clever mix of vintage and modern sounds.
Helado Negro – “More” – The Last Sound on Earth – 2025
Brooklyn-based, Florida-born musician Helado Negro was born to Ecuadorian parents. The American is set to drop his new EP on Nov. 7 and has been on the electro scene since 2009. This pre-released track from his latest project beautifully captures the 45-year-old’s gift for crafting ambient pop with a seamless blend of folk, jazz, and electronic influences.
“More” takes zeroes in on self-discovery and cultural identity, drawing from Helado’s roots and childhood memories. While the majority of albums of his collection are in English, “The Last Sound on Earth” is shaping up to be on your rotation of top Latin artists.
Reyna Tropical – Amantes del Futuro Edit “Conocerla” – Malergía en la Oscuridad – 2025
While the album has a bunch of killer collaborations, like edits by Sofia Kourtesis and Sylvan Esso, this particular track really caught my attention. Reyna Tropical’s hazy, confidently laid-back voice floats on top of the authentic cumbia beats of Amantes del Futuro.
Fabiola Reyna and her crew dive into themes of queer love and cultural connections, transporting me to a Latin utopia with their futuristic cumbia sound.
Eva De Marcé – “Quisiera” – 2025
With a minimalist sound that emphasizes her delicate, precise voice, Madrid-born Eva De Marcé’s is one of my favorite vocalists, captivating me for years, especially with her collaborations, including with YoSoyMatt.
Her recent single, “Quisiera,” fuses elements of wistful indie pop with a sexy bassline and groovy Spanish guitar. Her music is so fresh and catchy, while the deeply emotional lyrics allow her powerful, sensitive voice to shine. As a rising pop star based in Mexico City, she is poised for greatness.
María Wolff – “Rápido Mamá” – Rápido Mamá – 2025
“Rápido Mamá,” the title track of María Wolff’s latest album, showcases her incredible talent and contribution as a key figure in the Argentine electronic music scene. Known for her trance sounds, Wolff combines seductive melodies and powerful bass lines to create intimacy. In this track, she urges the listener to heed a warning that could be true of any age. “The world is burning and you can’t look back,” she sings, “Hurry, mama.”
