Omar Apollo describes the sensual aspects of his music and how he's learned to broaden his range as he grows up, learning to write less about his romantic relationships. Rosalía makes brief non-graphic descriptions about celebrating her sexuality in her music. Some references to relationships, dating and sensuality.
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Artists in their interviews or music moderately swear on occasion. The word "s--t" is used multiple times in some episodes. Episodes with swearing are typically marked as explicit. The music clips used to promote the guests on the show may occasionally have suggestive language and themes in their lyrical content.
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Many episodes aim to educate listeners on the history of music through different Latin American and Hispanic music genres, whether it's the origins of flamenco, Mexican ballads (Corridos), or Rock en Español. Mentions of political upheaval apply to many of the genres described. Flamenco, for example, became a symbol of national identity during the regime of dictator Francisco Franco. Corridos are folklore songs detailing differences in political affiliation.
Positive Messages
a lot
Host Anamaria isn't afraid to ask tough questions to the artists she interviews. Interviews focus on themes of courage, gratitude and perseverance. In her interview with R&B singer Omar Apollo, they discuss his challenges growing up queer in a Latino family, learning to perform in his local church, and the highs and lows of being brought up in a family with strong Christian values. Messages throughout each episode are inspiring and empowering, focusing on the cultural celebration of Latin American music, while also acknowledging the struggles and challenges. Cultural tradition and family values are also strong themes highlighted.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Many of the musical guests on the show are positive role models in Latino and Hispanic culture. Rosalía shows courage and perseverance as she talks about not letting her creativity be controlled by the many male producers she collaborates with, she also discusses how freedom of self-expression fuels her songwriting process. Omar Apollo discusses the influence of his music on younger generations, especially queer kids who look up to him; despite some difficult periods with his mom, he talks about how time, and some courage, helped him to understand his Mexican family's more conservative values with maturity and grace. Host Anamaria herself sets a positive example as a young, skilled music journalist who emphasizes the importance of sticking to one's roots.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Every show offers an intersectional lens, revealing a nuanced world of artistry through the lens of Latin American and Hispanic pop musicians from all sides around the world, whether they were born and raised in their home country or grew up as part of a diaspora. Many LGBTQ+ artists are featured and share their journey of navigating traditional cultural beliefs with their self-expression and sense of identity. Singer-songwriter Rosalía discusses femininity and female empowerment, the love she has for her grandmother, and being honest with her sexuality. There are conversations about the struggle with misogyny in the music industry and female empowerment in the industry. Latino and Hispanic cultures and music from all around the world are explored. Some episodes are offered in both Spanish and English.
Parents need to know that Alt.Latino is a long-running podcast from NPR that highlights Latin American music, artists and pop culture. Topics include family, growing up queer, religion, and freedom of expression. Major themes throughout many episodes and interviews are courage, gratitude and perseverance. Some talking points may be too mature for younger listeners, but they're never graphic and serve as a jumping-off point for adults to discuss relevant topics with older kids, tweens and teens. There are occasionally references to relationships, dating and sensuality. The music clips used to promote the guests on the show may occasionally have suggestive language and themes in their lyrical content. Some swearing, like the word "s--t", is used in some interviews, but these episodes are typically marked as explicit so adults can distinguish which episodes may be more appropriate for their child.
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What’s It About?
When ALT.LATINO started in 2010, the show provided a weekly roundup of the best new tracks in the Latino and Hispanic music world -- very similar to its sister show All Things Considered. It functioned as a playlist of sorts with insightful commentary between the tracks, serving as an incredible resource for those seeking to discover new music. Until recently, the show took a more journalistic approach, with episodes discussing the origin of many music genres while providing examples of how they've evolved from the past to the present. The current reimagining of the show is more interview-focused, where co-hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras talks to some of Latin music's most impactful artists to discuss their careers and how they got there.
An expertly curated show with more than a decade's worth of content, this podcast is sure to appeal to music lovers who are either fully immersed in Latin music or starting to explore how it's etched into the cultural zeitgeist. Alt.Latino delights with its candid interview format, especially co-host Anamaria, who has a bubbling, likable personality and knows how to engage with and relate to guests. The show is often dependent on how interesting the guests are, but usually featured artists are willing to have open and honest discussions about their careers and their lives.
With so many years under its belt, Alt.Latino features the kind of top-notch production you'd expect from most NPR programming. This podcast offers an insightful listen for adults, tweens and teens to discuss more than just the amazing music featured, but the perseverance, activism, artistry, and culture behind the music that gives a more expansive understanding of Latino and Hispanic culture around the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk to their kids about how the younger guest musicians on Alt.Latino built self-confidence before reaching a pivotal point in their careers. What are some challenges these artists had to go through because of their cultures and traditions? Are these struggles different than other musicians from different backgrounds may experience? Why?
Why are Latino musicians marginalized in American pop culture? How do shows like Alt.Latino creating more visibility for Latino and Hispanic artists?
Host Anamaria is unafraid to asks hard-hitting questions to the guests on the show. How does her approach to interviewing help her guests open up and share more about their lives?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Juan Rodriguez Aguilar
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
