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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Alessia Cara makes her Spanish-language debut with the Colombian pop star.
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The iconic Mexican vocalist and composer Lila Downs uses music to celebrate the chile pepper. -
This week's Alt.Latino playlist additions feature the latest Latin pop hits and a timeless performer who paved the way over 60 years ago. -
Artists and activists Taina Asili and Olmeca talk about mixing activism with their music on this week's show. -
From a bilingual slow burner from the Game of Thrones soundtrack to Latinx innovation in experimental pop, there's something for everyone on this week's playlist.
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Our shortlist of must-hear albums this week includes the acoustic, instrumental rock of Rodrigo y Gabriela, a byzantine concept album from The Mountain Goats, new Josh Ritter and more. -
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, wraps up this weekend. Band after band filled the stages, including more Latin artists.
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The West African vocalist talks about bringing out the Afrobeat in Celia Cruz's rich Cuban catalog with the tribute album Celia. -
On this week's Alt.Latino playlist, hear Las Nubes reiterate its post-punk femininity, Twanguero return to philosophical roots and VINILOVERSUS duet with Tessa Ia in what feels like hazy nostalgia. -
Rodrigo y Gabriela's career offers insight into how creative you can be with just two guitars. Mettavolution closes with a mesmerizing version of Pink Floyd's "Echoes."
