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Felix Contreras
Felix Contreras is co-creator and host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.
In addition to his post behind the mic, Contreras programs music from the Latin diaspora for the acclaimed Tiny Desk concerts and hosts a weekly Instagram Live interview with a wide-ranging roster of guests.
A knowledgeable international ambassador for Latino heritage and arts, "Tio Felix '' travels extensively in search of new talent and new music and captures important legacy performers in jazz and Latin genres. Various national and international publications have quoted his expertise on the contemporary influences of Latin culture, music, and media.
His a recovering TV journalist whose first post at NPR in 2001 was as a Producer/Reporter for the NPR News Arts Desk. He is also NPR's resident Deadhead and performs around the DC area with his Latin music Beatles cover band, Los Day Trippers.
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Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre round up their favorite new tracks, including heartbroken music from Omar Apollo, a mix of jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican sounds from Papo Vazquez and a controversial new merengue electrónico track from Karol G. Songs featured in this episode: •Omar Apollo, "Empty" •Los Cenzontles, "Different Drum" •Mabe Fratti, "Oidos" and "Intento fallido" •Karol G, "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" •Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hamilton de Holanda, "Mandalagh" •Papo Vazquez and Mighty Pirates Troubadours, "Plena Pa'Los Apache" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Joaquin Cotler, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
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NPR Music's Felix Contreras wraps up the best Latin music entries in this year's Tiny Desk Contest.
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Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras speaks with All Things Considered host Scott Detrow about the TV host who helped Tex-Mex music transcend borders.
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It's been 10 years since Chilean-French hip-hop artist Ana Tijoux dropped an album. She's back with Vida, and talks about her return to recording.
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The Rwandan group's determination to spread its musical message is an inspiration.
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Sunny Jain's music promotes the idea of not just crossing boundaries but obliterating them all together.
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NPR's Alt.Latino followed break-out trio Yahritza y Su Esencia on tour to document how their identity, and connection to regional Mexican music was shaped in their farmworker community.
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The Indian jazz fusion band stops by the Tiny Desk for a historical performance.
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For 75 years, Tico Records has produced Latin soul music of the highest order. A new compilation — Hit the Bongo! — celebrates Tico's anniversary.
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The stripped down sound of some of Becky G's biggest hits offered a rare view of her artistry.