The DDLM Mixtape 2024

Día de los Muertos—a time when music becomes a bridge between worlds, allowing us to honor those who've passed while embracing the joy and meaning they brought to our lives. To celebrate, we've curated a special Día de los Muertos Mixtape featuring songs handpicked by some of our favorite musicians—including Estevie, Destiny Rogers, Girl Ultra, MJ Nebreda, and the members of Bella Dose! Give a listen and get ready to be inspired as these incredible artists share the songs, stories, and practices that keep their loved ones' memories alive.

Songs that Evoke Memory

Girl Ultra:

“To me, Todo Cambia by Mercedes Sosa is one of the most mesmerizing, beautiful songs. It embraces change in every possible way, and I relate to that. It reminds me of all the different kinds of goodbyes—not just conventional death but more transfigurative forms. It motivates me to allow people to leave while preserving the beauty of the present they gifted me. 

“To me, 5to elemento from my recent EP “Blush” is a celebration of decaying love, and all things lost and gone."

Estevie:

“Sonora Y Sus Ojos Negros, or really any song by Miguel y Miguel, reminds me of my grandpa. I always remember how he had them on rotation whenever I would visit his ranchito in Mexicali.”

MJ Nebreda:

‍”I have a cousin who makes beautiful music. His name is Adrian Bello, and he released a song called Un Rayo de Luz, which features our late grandmother’s voice congratulating him. For our family, music was always such an important way of connecting—for me, family and music will always come together.”

Thais from Bella Dose:

“Amor Eterno by Rocio Durcal. This song always reminds me of my dad and how I will forever love him and feel loved by him, despite him not being physically here. It’s quite literally an eternal love, and one day we will be reunited, as the song says, to keep loving each other.”

Destiny Rogers:

“Angel Baby by Rosie & The Originals and Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero by Rene & Rene. Growing up in a Chicano/Mexican family, any time a family member passed away we’d have a long line of lowriders parked outside of the funeral playing oldies the entire time. In 2020, my tio passed away and I had the honor of singing these songs for him at his funeral. They are a staple when it comes to my ancestors and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“Back in 2019, I released my own rendition of “Tragos Amargos” by Ramon Ayala. Such a classic song! So until I have my own Spanish music to bump during Día de los Muertos, this’ll do for now!”

Carrying the Torch

Destiny Rogers:

“My abuelo was from Durango, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. at 12 to work and create a better life for his family. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1989, so I never met him, but from the stories I've heard, he was a hard worker. He passed that work ethic to my mother, who instilled it in me. That same mindset he had when he left his country is the mindset I used when I left my hometown to pursue my dreams full time. If he were here, he’d want me to follow my dreams and create a better life for myself and my family, and I know he’s proud of me for doing that."

Estevie:

“Do I see civic engagement, political participation, and taking part in elections as a potential way to honor my heritage and my community? Of course! My grandpa was considered a leader in his community who was always advocating and fighting for justice. As someone raised around him as an example, I think it’s important to follow his legacy and for us to use our voices to uplift our communities."

MJ Nebreda:

"I am inspired by the trials and tribulations that my relatives went through in order for me to sit here in the world and be able to express myself to my fullest. I know my ancestors would be proud that I get to be an artist and go after my dreams.”

Jenni from Bella Dose:

“I honor my loved ones by making music about my culture. It feels surreal being able to represent the Latin community by making Bachata, Dembow, and Merengue-infused songs, which all originated from the Dominican Republic. Since we write all our music ourselves, we actually have a song in our Latin EP, Suelta, called Una Niña that honors my story with my father, who passed away when I was a young girl. Being able to express our true emotions through our music is what being an artist is all about, so I feel honored to do that while representing Latin Americans.”

A Joyful Tribute

These heartfelt stories remind us that Día de los Muertos is not just about remembering those who've passed but also about celebrating the impact they've had on our lives.

Destiny Rogers:

‍“What other ways do I honor my loved ones? Always finding the perfect moments to talk about them, just like this. Continuing to share their stories and honor all that they’ve done to make my family who we are today. Always making time to visit them, bring them their favorite flowers, a cerveza, sit down and chat with them for a little bit, and continue their legacy for generations to come.”

Girl Ultra:

‍“I honor what I've lost through the verses of my songs, but mostly through my everyday life, in the little bits of their routines they've imprinted on me. For example, my grandfather used to walk everywhere in silence... so do I. My grandmother loved to wipe the floor while playing Gardel… simple things like that.”

Día de los Muertos is a time to listen deeply, dance wildly, and to celebrate the season. As Brianna from Bella Dose so perfectly put it when asked why their song Crybaby reminds her of the holiday: "it’s the spooky vibes!"