Over the last few years, Tiny Desk, a musical series where emerging and established artists perform a medley of songs behind NPR Music’s All Songs Considered Bob Boilen’s desk, has soared in popularity. Conceived in 2008, the series expanded during COVID-19 into “Home” concerts, where artists play intimate sets from places they call home. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this year, observed from September 15 through October 15, El Tiny, production spearheaded by “Alt.Latino” host Felix Contreras, spotlit Latin artists for Tiny Desk. With a growing appreciation of Latin music in the mainstream and an appetite to showcase the expansiveness of Latin culture, it only made sense for NPR to provide a platform for these diverse artists, allowing them to reach an extraordinary audience.

Image via NPR

What began as an idea over two years ago between Contreras and his co-host of the widely popular podcast “Alt.Latino,” Anamaria Sayre, eventually developed into Latin-specific programming for the Tiny Desk series, coined El Tiny. “The idea was to present as varied perspectives of Latin music and Latin culture as possible,” Contreras recounts to Latina. Since its inception, NPR provided “El Tiny” the opportunity of producing 10 shows this Hispanic Heritage Month, their largest takeover to date. Including emerging artists like rapper Tokischa, genre-bending singer Girl Ultra, and worldwide phenomenons like J Balvin, El Tiny demonstrates a deep love for Latin music from all corners of the world and a dedication to celebrating artists regardless of status. “Each artist deserves as much recognition as everyone else, right? That’s our philosophy. It’s an even playing field. Some may have more streams and hits than others, but in terms of artistry, culture, and expression, it’s an even playing field; one is not greater than the other,” Contreras explains.

Marking a successful Hispanic Heritage Month that brought talents and their stories to millions of viewers, this year is a testament to hard work paying off, a celebration of Contreras’s lifetime work. Entering the music industry nearly 45 years ago as an NBC affiliate intern in Fresno, Contreras has proven his impact on the music scene that continues to build him up– working alongside talents throughout various chapters in their arc. Beginning as an intern, then an editor for over 20 years in Fresno, Contreras began producing and reporting on NPR’s Art Desk in 2001, folding into an active 11-year-long hosting of Alt.Latino, a podcast centering on Latin artists and their stories. Through Alt.Latino, Contreras has aimed to uplift Latin artists and immerse himself in his culture. “The whole point [of my work] is to tell our stories because they weren’t being told […] It’s also about allowing these artists to tell their stories. So we get the whole kaleidoscope of experiences,” he explains. Each episode of Alt.Latino includes a thirty-minute conversation with a single artist, and conversations range from Carlos Santana discussing spirituality to Carla Morrison opening up about taking time off for her mental health.

Image via NPR

As this Hispanic Heritage Month winds down, the spotlight on Latin music, and the culture that stimulates it, never dims. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done and continue to do. It’s important that our words are heard, that people are expressing themselves within our communities, and [that they] have these platforms to do so,” Contreras tells Latina.

As the mainstream catches up to the brilliance of Latin culture, from the music to the artists who bare their vulnerabilities, Felix Contreras continues to champion these voices.

The post Felix Contreras Helps Spotlight Latin Artists on ‘El Tiny’ appeared first on Latina.

Speaking with Latina from an in-house audio studio, Fernandez opened up about her work’s intentions and the overwhelming support she has received from her first solo show at Sow and Tailor in Los Angeles, on view through July 17. Her show When you hold onto my spirit, will you let your spirit grow? encapsulates the lived experiences of both familial trauma and moments of tenderness. 

With a drive to match her passion, Fernandez’s mission lends humanity to the complexities of life. Sifting through adverse experiences overcome by togetherness, the hyper-aware and deeply connected artist has approached the processing of these trying times through art. First sketching, then elevating her sketches into vibrant paintings and sculptures, Fernandez documents personal moments of housing insecurity and familial resilience. “When you’re younger, you don’t really understand it, but you feel the brunt of those emotions. One of the paintings in the show [“Take Shelter”] references us being in a shelter– we hit a low. I remember seeing him [my father], and he was really struggling. He had to realize, ‘Oh, I’m in this situation, and I have to get my kids out of the situation,’ it was a stressful time,” she explained. 

Courtesy of Sow and Tailor

Preparing for this show, Fernandez asked her grandmother for photographs to help contextualize the images that rested at the forefront of her mind. Digging through old boxes and photo albums, Fernandez witnessed memories of her father struggling, eliciting empathy within her. Using each photograph as a constant reference, Fernandez never construed a family member inaccurately, instead filling in the holes in her memory. Weaving intergenerational bonds throughout her work, with her grandmother acting as the family’s glue and her father a constant touchstone, Fernandez aimed to portray remembrances and the impact of her ancestry.

Grappling with her identity, a fusion of Latin America, Fernandez’s solo show depicts cultural specificities from Malta Goya bottles to vintage textiles, embracing her heritage. “I always try to incorporate little details, but that is also more Americanized because that’s what I can relate to. Growing up, I was very distanced from my roots. I’m Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Bolivian; I’m very mixed. […] I think a lot of people in the US grapple with this kind of assimilation into American culture,” Fernandez shared.

Intersecting an acceptance of self with creative ambition, Fernandez needed more than a canvas to express herself, exploring mixed media practices. From a pushcart topped with trash bags to a domestic scene of watching baseball, Fernandez opted for ready-made material for her sculpture work, drawing on its texture and bringing the backdrops of her paintings alive. “It’s like the artist is present here; somebody made themselves at home with all these details that really make up these mundane objects. It’s reflective of faith and the human experience despite your circumstances,” she expressed. 

Courtesy of Sow and Tailor

Accompanying Fernandez’s show, writer and curator Maria Vogel tapped into the essence of When you hold onto my spirit, will you let your spirit grow?, exploring the essence of the exhibit in an eloquently written essay. Vogul stated: “Every work Fernandez creates demands a close read; it’s impossible to grasp what is at play in each piece simply by glancing over the work. She imbues her craft with a sense of unfinishedness as a way to recognize the impermanence of emotion. For Fernandez, home is not a physical space, it’s made up of those who exist in the space. This notion is exemplified in the formal choices with which each piece is rendered. With When you hold onto my spirit, will you let your spirit grow?, Fernandez asks you to look into her memories and those of her family in order to see yourself in them. She is offering her rawest self in the hope that a piece of it leaves with you.” 

Fernandez has succeeded in processing the memories that others may shy away from or be unable to confront. While a paint stroke may seem like a single action, it is a radical statement of acceptance and vulnerability to the young artist, isolating feelings that made up each memory. She explained, “I feel like I have to move forward. I can’t dwell on the negative. I know; nobody really did anything wrong. You forgive, and everybody’s human; everybody has their moments. I think when talking to other people, I realized that this [adversity can be] an overall experience for everyone.” 

Understanding the power of growth and healing, Fernandez does not strive to create works akin to mere diary entries devoid of introspection. Instead, she illustrates the deepest parts of herself to draw in her community and, most importantly, her family. As a constant backboard and lifeline, Fernandez’s family has made it thus far through collective support and encouragement. Although her father and siblings saw her works in progress, awe overcame her whole family once they entered the space embellished with her masterful storytelling. “I don’t think it was fully understood until they [my family] saw the show put together. They were like, ‘Oh, shit, this is our experience.’ They liked the way that I made it universal, and it just made them feel so loved,” Fernandez said. 

Courtesy of Sow and Tailor

As the show runs through July 17 at Sow and Tailor, a Los Angeles art gallery supporting diverse thought and community-based programming, Fernandez begins closing this chapter, anticipating the next. With new projects already lined up, the busy artist values her point of view, expanding her body of work that resonates with many. “I’m working right now on a giant triptych for a museum show coming up. I’m so excited to get back to work immediately. Even after my solo, I love seeing the community engaged in my work. That love just makes me want to work more,” Fernandez said.  

Spending months on end preparing for this triumphant show, Fernandez understands these personal moments will forever be captured but remains focused on continuing her practice. She stated, “Everyone goes through things. Everyone has complex paths and layers to them. So I always think about that when I work.” Carrying the spirit of not only her past self but also the spirit of her family, Fernandez’s solo show imbues a sense of collective exhale, cherishing times spent but appreciative of the challenges overcome. With sights set on the future, including new works to create, Fernandez hopes that the memory of When you hold onto my spirit, will you let your spirit grow? will stay with the viewer. Expressing vulnerabilities is often tricky, especially when crystallized in art. Still, the multi-layered artist is grateful that she can document her journey with her family by her side.

Courtesy of Sow and Tailor

The post Veronica Fernandez Extends Empathy Through Her Art appeared first on Latina.

Entering a new chapter of her life, and sitting down (virtually) with Latina, the pop artist went into detail on the work she undertook to come into her own. This process did not happen overnight, and while searching for answers, Morrison worked to shed layers of her identity that no longer served her. In doing so, she was reminded of how her power lies within — and she worked to tune out any external noise. “I don’t have to compare myself to anybody. My story is my story. And that’s it. […] All the answers were within me. But at the same time, I had to learn to forgive myself,” Morrison noted.

Contemplating her career in an isolation that pre-dated Covid-19, and later folded into quarantine, Morrison confronted the idea of a perpetual state of hiatus. Luckily, that thought was fleeting, and the talented singer saw the opportunity to create a project that lent her newfound perspective. She worked with intentionality, hoping to get to a place where she could create an album that would help people “reflect on their lives,” in her words.

Courtesy of Esteban Calderon.

In Paris, where she lived for two years, Morrison felt inspired but at times, alone. Readjusting from her life in Europe, the multi-hyphenate was eager to create music and detail her self-discovery. The result is, ‘El Renacimiento,’ a project and process that took years from its initial inception in 2019 and that allowed the Latin Grammy-winning singer to assess how she creates art. “I think one of the things that I really learned from this process was that creating art and being an artist takes time, and I should never make myself try and live in a space that doesn’t belong to me or my process. I feel like nowadays, we’re all kind of seeking approval because we want to ride that wave. But sometimes, that wave isn’t the same for all of us,” Morrison proclaimed. 

In creating an album with underlying themes of rebirth, Morrison elected to bring in musical influences that mirrored where she was in that moment. “I wanted my album to sound like the music I listen to and not just like, ‘Oh, that’s all it’s gonna sound like.’ I wanted the songs to also speak to me. I’ve always allowed my songs to speak to me,” the singer explained. 

Existing between genres, each track delivers a refreshing take on the singer’s recognizable sound. She shared, “My husband and my brother in law, who have been my producers for a long time, really helped me achieve a sound that was more global, that was more elegant, that was more across the board, and it just worked on a different level.” 

In order to balance the album’s overall tone, Morrison had to bridge low points in her journey of self-discovery with times of ecstasy. One of the stand-out tracks in the album, ‘Diamantes,’ embraces passionate love through a pop-infused offering that details moments of belonging. In the song’s music video, Morrison succeeds in portraying the dynamics of emotion and even extends a feeling of bliss to the viewer. 

At the same time, other songs on the album prompt inner-reflection that some viewers may be hesitant towards. After years of measured growth, documented by hit albums, award-winnings, and sold-out shows, Morrison is dedicated to a career that feels natural to her. 

As a prominent figure with a growing fanbase, including one million Instagram followers and several accolades under her belt, Morrison recounted how she’s evaded the dark realities present in the music industry. “What’s always protected me in this industry is honesty. When something’s not honest, I feel it in the gut. […] It’s important to keep my life in a very truthful place. Because at the end of the day, that’s why I make music. I want to talk to people who want to connect and feel the experience of being alive in a more meaningful way.” Inevitably, success has led others to lose their sense of self, but Morrison is more sure of herself than ever, shifting her goal post. 

With a career spanning more than a decade, Morrison aims to expand her craft, allowing her art to live outside the parameters of her music. She stated, “I do want to make myself more available to creativity because, for the longest time, I write songs when I’m supposed to be in album mode. I want to keep making songs. Even right now, I’ve been making new songs because I want to keep working on that muscle; I also want to write for other people; I would also love to write a poetry book.” 

Courtesy of Esteban Calderon.

As she enters a renaissance defined by intense ambition, Morrison reflected on her life’s pillars — the foundations that empower her to be authentically herself. “My support systems were family and friends that would remind me who I am and help me to keep growing. I could also do that for them. My support system is also my healthy habits of feeding my body and mind in a good way. To spend time in nature, with my doggies, and my plants, cooking, just really making time for that inner-self,” the beloved artist explained. Adapting to a world of eased pandemic restrictions, internal desires, and newly established boundaries, Morrison understands the steps necessary for her career to flourish yet remain sustainable. 

Reflecting on times when tour was home-base and personal relationships seemed distant, Morrison cherishes the experiences but doesn’t wish to maintain that level of touring. Rather, the singer wants to prioritize and place value on the circle that nourishes her well-being. “I would probably approach [touring today] at a pace where it makes sense and makes everybody happy. We’re gonna go on this US tour, and then we’re going to go to Spain, then Mexico and Latin America. I’m excited about it,” the singer enthusiastically explained to Latina. Finishing a stint of shows, opening up for Coldplay, Morrison acknowledged the importance of touring; it’s an extension of her craft. While the ways that she navigates the world have shifted, Morrison has made it possible for her career to continue, putting herself first, and her fans thank her for it. 

The post Carla Morrison Pens a New Chapter appeared first on Latina.

While “Tierra” is only one song off Bomba Estéreo’s Grammy-nominated album, ‘Deja’ — a project drawing inspiration from the elements: Agua, Aire, Tierra, and Fuego — the Colombian duo uses the power of dance to disseminate a message of unity and compassion. “We made this album so you can dance to it at a club. But at the same time, it has a profound meaning. It’s meant for you to dance perreo with a conscience,” lead singer Liliana Saumet shared with LATINA. 

Intimately collaborative and heavily influenced by a collective experience, ‘Deja’ brought in artists like Lido Pimienta, longtime friend, and producer Damian Taylor, who has worked with Björk, among others. The result was a community-centric project honoring the plurality of identity. By displaying the beauty and importance of one’s relationship with mother nature, “Tierra,” purges a cynicism that lies within us all. 

Answering a call from Chile, where she’s kicking off an international tour, Liliana Saumet sat down with LATINA to discuss the process of creating the music video for “Tierra” and the lessons she learned from the collaboration on set — offering insight into a world where spirituality, naturalism, and togetherness align.

How have you been? 

I’m good. Right now, I’m in Chile. We have a concert tomorrow. So we traveled last night, and I’m here in Chile. It’s a beautiful day, a sunny day, so I’m so happy. 

I watched the visual offering of “Tierra” and was filled with so many emotions simultaneously. Can you walk me through the process of creating the music video? 

The video took place outside in a beautiful town called San Jose del Pacifico. It is the place where María Sabina was born, a Chu’mana, a super important Chu’mana who worked with mushrooms. It’s a magic land, a sacred land, so I was so excited to be there. We worked with a group of artists, like my friend Fana Adjani, who is a choreographer and director. There were a lot of landscapes and a lot of choreographic work with dance and movement. [In the music video] we touch on Earth, Latin America, colonialism, and where we are. 

How was it working with Lukas Avendaño, bringing this song to life through performance? 

They are an amazing person. Their art is so deep and so beautiful. They are many things at one time; it’s so powerful. It’s amazing to know people like that because you don’t have the opportunity to meet people that are so connected to the Earth — so connected with their art, so connected with everything. And for me, it was a rebirth. Working with Lukas was like working with someone on another level. Everything they shared was so different, so much deeper. I learned so much after this experience. 

Can you speak to the intimacy of the production and working with Fana? 

It was like working with a friend, a woman, a choreographer, an artist. We did a lot of anthropologic work. We’re really investigators. She investigated our roads, our indigenous marshes. She mixed different elements with the production and the landscape because it was super important; you cannot see where we are. But you can feel it, and this is the thing with art. You don’t have to be there to feel it. When it’s real, it’s real. 

How has the pandemic impacted the overall trajectory of this project? 

We finished most of the album before the pandemic. But I think when we finished and wanted to put it out, we realized what we were talking about was happening. The album was like a prediction for what was happening right now, the future, and the present. Releasing an album during the pandemic was super interesting. People were in their houses, they needed positivity, and music is one of the most important things to change your mind. So, to have this album come out during the pandemic for people was the best thing ever. 

What is something that you carry with you when creating a new project? 

The most important thing that I carry with me is the experience of this album. I feel like I’m living the album right now. Songs that I wrote years ago and didn’t think about, but now I feel that everything has happened to me in my life. I can relate to this [song] now, and it’s so crazy. But the thing is, what I’m more connected with these days is being strong inside and being strong outside. I do things where I’m protected and connected with myself, so I can be strong for what is coming —for what’s next or for living in the present.  

Courtesy of Sebastian Machado.

How was it working with Damian Taylor? 

Oh, my God, it was amazing. One of the biggest parts of the album is because of him. He’s an amazing genius. He’s worked with so many, one of my favorite artists, Bjork. It was beautiful because he is so interesting, and he loved this album. He did this electronic ballad for this album; when you hear the sound, it’s really, really beautiful. The most important thing about an album is the sound and the mix, and I think he did a really good job mixing. Everything he does is made with love, and when you put love and intention into your work, it’ll always be amazing.

You use dance as a vessel to captivate an audience and express important messages; what was the process of using the dynamics of dance? 

For the costumes, it was really important to mourn the Latin war. We used to dance and that’s it, so let’s dance and then think about it [processing emotional events]. I think it’s important to say something; Bomba has always said it because this is where I come from, the Caribbean coast. Music is not just for a party; music is a celebration of spirituality; music and dance are connected with the spirit. People dance to celebrate the spirit and to get rid of bad things. So I think human beings, again, forget that. Bomba has always been connected to dance. Growing up dancing, I would make people dance. And I love it because it brings people together when you dance; even if you don’t know the language, you can feel it. This was a super-specific intention for this album.

I want to talk about your community and the support you’ve had while creating this project leading up to the visual for “Tierra”? 

I live in the jungle, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and it’s actually a sacred place in Colombia. We have a lot of an indigenous community. The big brothers take care of the Earth, and we have a lot of people there. It’s not like a city, more like a little town, and so many people are moving to that part. In this community, a lot of people are doing spiritual work. So I think the community where I live is connected with that; it’s connected with all the things that I work for or that I talk about. It’s beautiful because we have the chance to choose where we want to live or how we want to live. And yes, I think all the people around me, we choose that, we choose to live in another landscape in another place. All the things that I do now are affected by my friends. I have reading sessions every Wednesday. I use ancestral medicine. I have learned to like doing meditation, yoga exercises for the week, and growing food. Everything that I do is affected by that.  

How has this isolation, especially the isolation of the pandemic, impacted your craft? 

It definitely changed our minds and our personalities. Even though I live in the jungle and I was living outside for almost the whole time with the community, I can feel how isolation affected my life. I’ve been in my house for almost two and a half years, and I used to travel a lot, and that changed. Everything has made me appreciate life more. I’m grateful for all the things that I have done, been in another country, and the people that I’ve met, and I feel so grateful. I was always busy, and now I feel more connected with my art and what I can do for people. I feel so blessed and grateful to have the chance to change one person’s mind. People would come to me and tell me ‘I was super depressed, and this album changed my life’. This might mean nothing to someone, but for me, to be able to save a life through my music, I feel so blessed and grateful for that.

The post Bomba Estéreo Portrays Connected Beauty in New Music Video, ‘Tierra’ appeared first on Latina.