Songmess

On today’s very special episode of Songmess we’re talking to NYC’s own reina of avant garde Latin experimentation, Xenia Rubinos. For over a decade, the Brooklyn-based Cuban-Puerto Rican artist has sculpted her own dizzying sound melding jazz, soul, rumba, and left-of-center references, becoming one of the city’s most recognizable Latin indie stars alongside Buscabulla, Helado Negro and Ela Minus. Today’s chat dives into Xenia’s musical beginnings, her acclaimed 2021 album Una Rosa, her collage of inspirations ranging from drag queens to Rita Indiana, harnessing maximalism, composing for an experimental orchestra in Philadelphia, and more. We also examine the complexities of navigating indie spaces as a POC artist, and talk about her upcoming tour! We had a wonderful time with Xenia and the playlist absolutely pops off, so we hope you'll enjoy! Playlist: Xenia Rubinos, Turbo Sonidero, Kelman Duran, Arca. Xenia Rubinos Bandcamp: https://xeniarubinos.bandcamp.com/ Xenia Rubinos Spotify: https://open.spotif