Reyna Tropical - "Conexión Ancestral"

Photo by Devyn Galindo

I'm not typically one for dance music, but there's just something about Reyna Tropical that wins me over. Led by singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Fabi Reyna, the artist's latest single is "Conexión Ancestral." Reyna's music combines Congolese, Peruvian, and Columbian rhythms into modern dance music. It's the kind of sound that will appeal to anyone that had an electronica phase in the 90's (which is probably where I come in) without being a throwback. It's the kind of music that borrows from the past and adapts multiple sounds to create something new, yet oddly comforting. Just to show how unique Reyna Tropical is as an artist, she's playing the Newport Folk Festival this year, which may be a first for a dance artist.

Reyna Tropical says of her latest single:

"'Conexión Ancestral' is about starting the journey towards being in relationship with another part of my raíces. For me, that’s connecting with my Indigenous ancestors and the inherited knowledge that I carry through the love and listening of the land, its original stewards, and in turn with myself and my community. It’s about being willing to sacrifice everything I’ve ever known for the chance to be in reciprocity and trust with the earth, and allowing that relationship to be my guide towards belonging."

You can listen to "Conexión Ancestral" below. Malegría is due out March 29 on Psychic Hotline, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Reyna Tropical, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

Wed. March 13 - Austin, TX @ KUTX Morning Show Broadcast (10AM)
Wed. March 13 - Austin TX @ All Together Now Radio VIP Party (6:40PM)
Thu. March 14 - Austin, TX @ Bloody Mary Morning ACL (10:10AM)
Thu. March 14 - Austin, TX - Psychic Hotline / She Shreds Showcase @ Hotel Vegas (4PM)
Thu. April 4 - Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Sat. April 6 - Brooklyn, NY @ Public Records
Wed. May 1 - Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater *
Thu. May 2 - Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit *
Fri. May 3 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium *
Mon. May 6 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant *
Tur. May 7 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman *
Thu. May 9 - Des Moines, IA @ Val Air BAllroom *
Fri. May 10 - Indianapolis, IA @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre *
Sat. May 11 - Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed *
Tue. May 14 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside Theater *
Wed. May 15 - Madison, WI @ The Sylvee *
Fri. May 17 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
Sat. May 18 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
Mon. May 20 - Fargo, ND @ Fargo Brewing Company Outdoors *
Wed. May 22 - Bozeman, MT @ The ELM *
Thu. May 23 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory *
Fri. May 24 - Carnation, WA @ Remlinger Farms *
Sat. June 1- Durham, NC @ Good Moon
Sat. July 27- Newport RI @ Newport Folk Festival
 
* = w/ Portugal. The Man