New Music Vault: December 2024
⭐ Unearthing the Finest Tracks to Start the New Year
Welcome to our latest chapter of New Music Vault, where we unwrap the musical gifts that closed out an extraordinary year. As we step firmly into 2025, these tracks remind us of the vibrant, dynamic creativity shaping the Latin and world music scenes. From genre-defying experiments to reimagined classics, December was a month of innovation and artistry, with standout releases pushing boundaries and embracing tradition alike. Whether you’re here for bold experiments in Afrobeat, heartfelt ballads, or addictive pop gems, this vault is bursting with treasures to start your year right.
Bad Bunny - “PIToRRO DE COCO”
Bad Bunny's "Pitorro de Coco" is an evocative gem released in late December and nestled within his latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The track captures the heart of Puerto Rican holiday traditions, reinterpreting them through the lens of the singer’s unmistakable charisma. Drawing from jíbaro music and the festive rhythms of bomba and plena, the piece bridges past and present with melodies that evoke Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón’s “Aires de Navidad”, while forging an entirely modern identity.
Named after a potent coconut moonshine beloved in Puerto Rico, the song is both a lament and a celebration. Its narrative of heartbreak, nostalgia, and drunken revelry unfolds against a backdrop of traditional instruments like cuatros and panderos, juxtaposed with Benito’s signature lyrical candor. The result is an emotional portrait of longing—crying over lost love at 12:04 a.m., pitorro in hand—infused with an infectious communal energy that mirrors Puerto Rican family gatherings.
Within the broader context of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, this track resonates as a declaration of cultural pride. It underscores the album’s themes of returning to one’s roots, showcasing the aritst's commitment to honoring his heritage in a world increasingly defined by globalized pop culture. By choosing to center local sounds and traditions, he makes a powerful statement about the value of place and history, even as he continues to evolve as one of the most influential artists of our time.
Beéle, Ovy On The Drums - “Mi Refe”
"Mi Refe" is a heartfelt track that depicts the Caribbean-infused vocals of Barranquilla-born rising star Beéle, and Ovy on the Drums' masterful production, crafting a catchy track, which portrays the exhilarating rush of a love so undeniable that it refuses to stay hidden, channeling its energy into a vibrant and playful anthem.
Besides the splash it’s been making online during the first half of January, this song marks a new step for Beéle, offering a lighter yet captivating tune that continues to solidify his place in the Latin urban scene. Following the release of “Frente al Mar” in September, this collaboration hints at a larger project on the horizon, blending his melodic coastal flair with Ovy’s polished production touch.
The lyrics delve into themes of love brought into the open, pairing breezy rhythms with Beéle’s distinctive vocals that feel both intimate and accessible. Ovy’s production keeps things smooth and understated, creating a soundscape that lets the emotional core of the song shine without overpowering it. While not a chart-shaking anthem, “Mi Refe” showcases Beéle’s knack for delivering smooth hits that resonate with his growing audience.
Flavia Marsano - “Onrepeat”
Peruvian artist Flavia Marsano has been quietly redefining alternative pop with her textured, emotionally rich soundscapes. Born in 1999, Marsano’s music often grapples with fleeting moments, bittersweet memories, and the intoxicating rush of young love. Her ability to weave profound themes into catchy, accessible melodies has drawn comparisons to artists like Julieta Venegas and Clairo, while also showcasing her distinct voice within the global pop landscape.
Her latest EP Entretiempo, released in December, continues the narrative she began in her debut record Contratiempo. This second chapter feels more introspective and mature, reflecting a period of tranquility and creative exploration. Among the standout tracks is “Onrepeat”, a perfect example of her ability to merge pop hooks with rock and electronic textures. As its name suggests, the song is an addictive earworm, combining driving rhythms with a vocal melody that lingers long after the first listen.
Flavia’s music captures the liminal space between youthful impulsiveness and the clarity of adulthood. With “Onrepeat”, she offers not just a song but a reflection of her artistic evolution—accessible yet layered, light yet deeply resonant. It’s a must-listen from one of Peru’s most interesting voices in contemporary pop.
Bizarrap, Luck Ra - “Luck Ra: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 61”
After a seven-month hiatus, Bizarrap’s return delivers a refreshing twist to his growing collection of iconic collaborations. Featuring talented Ciudad de Cordoba artist Luck Ra, the session highlights a fusion of Argentine cumbia, merengue, romantic ballad textures, and Bizarrap’s signature production. The result is a vibrant, genre-blending track that has quickly resonated with fans in Argentina and beyond.
Luck Ra’s standout vocal performance anchors the track, showcasing his ability to carry a melody that’s catchy without veering into predictability. This marks a breakout moment for the relatively lesser-known artist, whose emotional delivery elevates the session’s appeal. Bizarrap compliments the vocal section with an intricate balance of upbeat cumbia rhythms and modern pop elements, creating a sound that feels both rooted and contemporary.
Adding to the cultural buzz are the cameo appearances of Argentine sports-pop figures Paulo Dybala and Oriana Sabatini. Their playful energy during the production process, glimpsed in behind-the-scenes footage, lends a personal and relatable charm to the project. These moments of casual collaboration, including a humorous line delivered by Dybala, underscore Biza’s knack for building genuine connections that translate into his music.
As Bizarrap teases future projects with cryptic clues embedded in the session, fans are left eager for what’s next in his evolving musical journey. If “Session #61” is any indication, he’s far from done redefining the possibilities of collaboration in the global music landscape.
CLUBZ - “Palmeras / Bailando” - Mashup
With “Palmeras / Bailando”, CLUBZ revives and reimagines one of their most iconic tracks, blending it with the infectious 90s Eurodance anthem “Bailando” by Paradisio. Originally born as a live performance experiment during their 2022 set at Festival Pa’l Norte, the mashup has evolved into a fan favorite, driven by its ability to electrify audiences and reignite nostalgia for both tracks.
“Palmeras”, a synthpop staple since its release nearly seven years ago, finds new life in this playful fusion. The song’s lush melodies and polished production remain intact, but the addition of “Bailando” brings a fresh energy, elevating it to a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal. The mashup feels organic, with the hooks of both songs intertwining effortlessly—a testament to CLUBZ’s knack for uniting the contemporary with the nostalgic.
As CLUBZ closes the chapter on their Destellos era with this release, they also hint at a bold new phase in their career. Their ability to innovate while honoring the past ensures they’ll continue to shape the sound of the region’s music for years to come.
Izzy Wise - “Don Chico Speed”
San Francisco-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Izzy Wise has made a name for himself incorporating global sounds into irresistible dancefloor grooves, and his latest track, “Don Chico Speed”, is no exception. Rooted in the vibrant rhythms of West Africa and laced with airy, hypnotic flute melodies, the track captures the essence of Wise’s eclectic approach to music production.
“Don Chico Speed” feels like an express journey through Wise’s diverse influences. The afrobeat foundation pulses with life, driving the energy forward while the flute adds an ethereal, melodic layer that floats gracefully above the rhythm. It’s a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation—a signature of Wise’s ability to explore cultural sounds through a modern lens.
With a career shaped by his time DJing iconic San Francisco nights like Afrolicious and performing at venues from The Independent to 1015 Folsom, Izzy brings a great depth of musicality to his work. Whether through field recordings in Nicaraguan jungles or sets that feel like living ethnomusicology courses, his dedication to weaving global sounds into funky, danceable tracks shines through in this new release.
Honorable Mentions
Juanpalitoschinos, The Velvet Stripes - “Estoy muy bien”
Inés - “Pacto/Llamarte”
Charlie Faron - “Marche arrière”
Miami Horror, Tim Ayre - “REMEMBER”
Strange Matter - “Things Lately”
Luke Luxe - “Be Mine”
Garaventa - “Red Box”
Dylan García - “Señorita Margarita”
Floresalegría - “Malas noticias”
Komodo García - “El Lalala”
As we step firmly into 2025, it’s clear that the music landscape continues to thrive with bold experimentation, meaningful storytelling, and irresistible rhythms. December’s releases set the tone for an already eventful year, which promises to be an exciting journey filled with discoveries and surprises.
Stay tuned for more features as we dive into festival season, spotlighting the sounds of events like Festival Centro, Estéreo Picnic, and more.
Let’s make this year one to remember—one track at a time!
Thanks for reading this post all the way through. Feel free to reply to this email or comment below with your favorite tracks of December, and let’s keep the conversation going!