In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, D FrontRow asked Luna Luna to compile a list of their favorite Latinx songs. Technically, Latinx Heritage Month ended on October 15, but there is no reason to stop continuing the celebration of this city’s artists. Remember, FrontRow aims to “to highlight artists in Dallas-Fort Worth who are often overlooked and under-appreciated by mainstream media.” For those who remember that tagline, the music column will resurrect itself at a later date, but for now, we have Luna Luna to guide us.
The Dallas-based indie pop band will perform at the SXSW Music Festival, which, after a yearlong break, will again take over downtown Austin from March 14-20, 2022. For those unfamiliar with the band, click here for our review of “One Thing” off Flower Moon, their debut album released in August.
“Clavado En Un Bar” by Mana
“Who doesn’t like a fun-sounding song about getting drunk and missing that [special] someone,” says Danny Bonilla, keyboard player and backup vocalist. “I have always loved guitars. [There is something] about a guitar solo that just gets my nips hard. As a kid, this solo was my ears’ sexual awakening.”
“Una Aventura” by Grupo Niche
“I grew up listening to Grupo Niche because of my mom. They are one of the most famous salsa groups from Colombia,” says Kavvi González, lead vocalist. “I love this song because of the good melody, and sweet yet powerful vocals. It sounds like The Weeknd did a salsa song.”
“La Magia” by Little Jesus
“In February 2020, I was supposed to open for Little Jesus. It was going to be my first time performing original songs to a crowd. Unfortunately, the performance did not happen, so we had a giant what if [moment],” says Bonilla. “This song is my favorite by Little Jesus.”
“Dile” by Don Omar
“When I was 13, reggaeton started to explode in the United States,” González says. ”This song is one of my favorites. It has never gotten old to me. Anytime I hear it, I’m ready to let loose.”
“Salvadoreñas” by Los Hermanos Flores
“CUMBIA CUMBIA!! I’m pretty sure I was born with this song downloaded into my subconscious,” says Bonilla. “My family would blast this till 3 a.m. in cumbia circles. I might be a little biased, but Salvadoreñas are the most beautiful women in the world!”
“Un Beso” by Aventura
“This song made Aventura my favorite bachata artist. The guitar in the [song’s] introduction is crazy. The whole song sounds like love,” says González. “The song helped bachata get more popular in America.”
“Call Me” by Kali Uchis
“The first I head this song it sounded like nothing I had ever heard before,” says Gonzales. “It sounded like the combination of so many things, yet new at the same time. Kali [Uchis] is a fellow Colombian which makes it even better.”
“dame tu amor” by Ariel & the Culture
“This song is from from a fellow artist in the local scene,” González said.” “I remember not hearing new songs from Ariel & The Culture music for a while, but when he came back with “dame tu amor,” it was great. This song feels like new wave cumbia.”
“El Dueño de tu Amor” by Dannylux
“I remember a conversation I had with Dannylux,” says González. “[He] described his music as indie corrido. That’s exactly what his music sounds like. It felt new and I got into his sound.”
“Golden Lady” by Jose Feliciano
“Until a few years ago, the only song I knew from Jose Feliciano was ‘Feliz Navidad,’” says González. “Once I heard ‘Golden Lady,’ my whole perspective changed. The song is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s, but this version is my favorite. It’s so full of life and energy. When I play this song, it feels like I’m listening to it live in the room with Jose. This song has one of the best vocal riffs of all time.”
“Passed You” by Chicano Batman
“This song encapsulates beauty and escapism through angelic guitar riffing and tender melodies that pull me along with each listen,” says Ryan Gordon, the group’s bass player.
“Más de una ves” by El Shirota
“I found this song through a KEXP video. It blew my mind,” says Kaylin Martínez, the band’s drummer. “I love anything with a weird or different drum beat, so I was instantly drawn to [the song’s drums]. I’m a fan of alternative and hardcore music, so I was very pleased to find a new favorite song in this one.”
