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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Hear a swinging Brazilian rock single from Tagua Tagua and a party anthem off Amara La Negra's debut EP, Unstoppable. -
Roma director Alfonso Cuarón handpicked artists to make music inspired by the characters from his Oscar-nominated film. The results are stunning. -
On this week's Alt.Latino, expect a self-loving R&B track from Noa Sainz, Tomasa del Real's heart-wrenching reggaeton and an electro-trap tune by La Dame Blanche. -
The Afro-Cuban percussionist mesmerizes with his almost otherworldly talent on congas.
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Celebrate love with this week's Alt.Latino playlist, stacked with romantic sentiments, a touch of bachata and breezy Cuban ballads.
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Musicians have a long tradition of staring down military dictatorships and oppressive governments in Brazil.
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The album's songs have long since ended up in other places, but have never been released in the way that Gaye had intended — hear a single from the album now. -
Hear XIXA's psychedelic cumbia, an acoustic Pink Floyd cover and reggaeton dance from Anitta and MC Kevinho. -
We're sure you've heard of Santana, but do you know Y La Bamba? This week's show features new music from icons and new artists alike. -
Roma director Alfonso Cuarón reached out to some of his favorite artists — including Patti Smith, Ibeyi and Beck — to create songs inspired by the film.
