Hot Half Dozen 9/14/21

112 submissions this week. Here are my top six n all genres and English and Spanish

112  submissions

Sugar single by Carmen Borla.  The first single by the Argentinian singer-songwriter who is also an actress, writer, and composer is an English-language gem with an upbeat tempo, complex rhythms and arrangements, and lines like “You numbed and swallowed me” sung in a voice that recalls classic jazz chanteuses – but with a sting.  Available on Spotify, Apple Music, deezer, and Tidal; video on YouTube.

Is It Light Where You Are, single from new album by Art School Girlfriend. singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Polly Mackey (aka Art School Girlfriend)  creates a synth-driven album of 10 songs that sweep you up and carry you to a better place – meditatively and sometimes, mysteriously.  Available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

Deja  album by Bomba Estéreo. Fun, serious,  and  striking with Afro-Caribbean  beats, synths, birds chirping, and high-energy, haunting Spanish vocals by singer Li Saumet that bring you to your feet on the dance floor but carry an important message about our bond with the natural world.  At well-over 5  million streams, Deja is Bomba Estéreo’s sixth album and fans love it.  Available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

Feeling Myself, video by The Late Ones. Charming, fun, exactly what reggae/hip hop should be with great rhymes and beats. The video, directed by Kat Faith, captures the  likeability of the trio –  brothers Tui Avei (lead vocals) and Tau Avei (vocals), and  their cousin Josh Brunson (vocals),- that uses music to speak out against oppression and have a good time. First release from forthcoming album The Fourth Quarter.  Pre-save/add the album on Spotify and major streaming platforms. “Feeling Myself “video on YouTube.

Sangre Poderoso single by Andrekza. In her new single dedicated to Latin Women, Venezuelan artist and creative director  ANDREKZA blends Afro-beats with Latin trap to deliver her message of respect for the mighty blood of women. Stream on all major platforms, Video in Youthube. Check out her “UNIKORLANDIA Live” series via Instagram  and watch for her new clothing line.

 A Mi Gusto Ser Yo,single by Twinkle  Time. The most fun song and video I have seen/heard in a long time.  Known as Lady Gaga for kids, the Peruvian-American songstress produces an album that will thrill adults and kids. Driving beats, Broadway  musical feeling, pop lyrics in Spanish and English, and just plain positive fun. The album by the US Songwriting Competition will be released Sept 24.  Pre-order at twinkletimeandfriends.com. Video now on YouTube at bit.ly/3lp6Sqo

Sentencia/La Numero Uno by El Dragon Criollo. Captures your feet and your gut from the first note, this dance-driver combines fandango, synths, Columbian percussion, anthemic keys for a song that moves you – and for the band – helps mitigate and express  the pain of oppression in many countries of Latin America, the birthplace of its beats. Stream n Bandcamp and Spotify.  Pre-order hard copies on the Bandcamp site.

 Patrick O’Heffernan