Radio Menea

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 favorite songs. We wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for all of your support for this project over the last 8 years — those of you who’ve listened, who’ve donated and bought our merch, who’ve posted about us and written about us — y estamos muy agradecides. 🥹 We’re so happy to get to finally talk about this project (that has been in the works for literal years!) and are muy excited to bring it to you in 2025. Featuring music by Son by Four, Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Marc Anthony, Hector El Father, Yomo, Gloria Estefan, Juan Gabriel, Victor Victor and Carmen Delia Delpini. Show notes: bit.ly/3KzR1T4 Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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. Featuring music by Ricky Martin, Alex Anwandter, Andy Peña, Rita Indiana, Albita, and Javiera Mena.

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 music by Alex Anwandter. Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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 very mami songs. You ready for some mom jams? Checkirau! Featuring music by Los Cinco Latinos, Willy Chirino, Santana ft Maná, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Chayanne, and Julio Iglesias. Show notes: bit.ly/3QF9tgx Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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 Wisin. Show notes: bit.ly/44pz6aA Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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, Salserín, Sonora Siguaray, Thalia, Marino Castellanos, Fey. Show notes: bit.ly/44in0Qp Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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. Ñengo, Pacho, and Jennifer Lopez. Show notes: https://bit.ly/4b4tUex Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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/4au83xe Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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: https://bit.ly/4artPl5 Follow: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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 Colors. Show notes: bit.ly/3PDcD3G Follow: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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, Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, Compay Segundo, and Gloria Estefan. Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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, Chavela Vargas, Olga Tañón, Mariah Carey and Jay Z. Show notes: bit.ly/3Tks4i7 Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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, Carmita Jimenez, and José Feliciano. Show notes: https://bit.ly/3V87wMA Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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 Los Brillantes, Lalo Cameros, Jesse & Joy. Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

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://bit.ly/3uJxTO0 Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea newsletter: bit.ly/RMjoin

While we don’t take issue with romantic love, we’ve got a tradition of putting out an anti-valentine’s day episode every year. Whether you are nursing a broken heart, falling deeper in love with your friends or swearing off love entirely, this episode is for you. Featuring music by Becky G, Karol G, Eladio Carrion, Alzate, Yeison Jimenez, Alex Anwandter, Fonseca, Andrés Quesada, Girl Ultra, Raulin Rodriguez, Carmen Delia Dipiní.

It’s cold, dark, and gray here, and we’re starting to feel those winter blues. We’re not sure this week’s episode will combat the seasonal affective disorder vibes in the way some sunshine and una playita could, pero we’re in solidarity with your longing, and that has to count for something right? Featuring music by Jarina de Marco, Lido Pimienta, Alex Anwadter, Florentino ft Bambii & KD One, Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Baby Cocada, Luis Fonsi, Feid, Mura Masa, and Daniela Lalita. Show notes: https://bit.ly/3SG6SnV Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea tinyletter.com/RadioMenea

You might associate harps with angels, heaven, or Europe but it’s actually a global instrument. From Venezuela to Paraguay to the Andes and beyond, this week we explore a few of the Latin American musical traditions that have incorporated versions of the harp. Featuring music by Carlos Alvarado, Jose Miguel Aguilar, Yilberto Rivero, Jose Gregorio Lopez, Silvino Armas, Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, Tlen Huicani, Florencio Coronado, Juan Vicente Torrealba. Show notes: bit.ly/48Nkbsi Follow us: instagram.com/RadioMenea twitter.com/RadioMenea tinyletter.com/RadioMenea