We’re celebrating Austin-based Latin music artists who’ve been busy creating new music for us this summer. Here’s a roundup of some recently released albums and singles to check out:
From Latin pop to songs grounded in her mariachi roots, artist Lesley Reynaga released her first full-length album in August titled “Valerosa.” Keep your eyes on this rising artist who last fall made Austin City Limits Music Festival history by becoming the first artist in the festival’s 20-year history to feature a full mariachi band. She recently debuted at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Catch her at Waterloo Records for a free in-store performance and record signing on Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. This is part of The Drop monthly music series presented by the Austin American-Statesman and KUTX.
Award-winning Brazilian musician and singer-songwriter Paula Maya this month released her 11th album “Mar da Minha Terra.” The album celebrates many of the artist’s milestones including 30 years since moving from Rio de Janeiro to the U.S. to pursue her music career. Celebrate the album release with Paula Maya & Bossa Nova Plus on Aug. 24 at Barrel O’ Fun from 7:30 p.m-10 p.m. Find the album across digital platforms or download here.
Austin celebrates Pride Week in August. The perfect queer cumbia anthem this summer comes from Miguel St. Michael. The local Mexican-American singer released his latest single “La De Mala Gente” featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Cynthia Lee Fontaine and non-binary rapper Babiboi. It’s a must for every party and inspired by the life of Austin drag performer and activist Kelly Kline. Catch the artist on Aug. 26 at Central Machine Works starting at 8:45 p.m.
Psychedelic cumbia outfit El Combo Oscuro brings us a sonic treat with their latest single “Sol y Tierra.” Join the band at High Noon on Sept. 1-2 to dance to their infectious rhythms. El Combo Oscuro, which emerged during the height of the pandemic, has found ways to connect us all through their music.
Fierce power trio Nemegata offers a new release heavily influenced by the band’s native Colombia, but brings a psychedelic spirit in their latest single “Ni Con Palo Ni Con Bala.” “It is the sound that comes down from the mountains, from the houses of the barrios, from the migrant diasporas in foreign countries, from non-conformity,” said the members of the band. You can catch Nemegata this fall at the ACL Music Festival.
Nothing heats up the summer like music from Caramelo Haze, made up of accomplished producers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists based between Austin and Chicago. Their new EP “HOYESTÁNAQUÍ Lechehouse Sessions” blends Afro-Colombian folklore with South Texas soul. Find Caramelo Haze at ACL Music Festival later this fall.
Are you an artist releasing new music? Let us know at news@austinvida.com.
