Katzù Oso Takes Throwbacks to the Next Level on New Cumbia-Inspired Single “Amantes”

Ahead of his upcoming album, La Conexión, out Oct. 17 via Cosmica Artists, singer-songwriter Katzù Oso is head over heels on new single, “Amantes.” Later this year, Oso will play in LA at The Paramount on Nov. 8.

The East LA-raised artist wrote the track like a Latin novella, letting the story unfold as the instrumentation stirs up romanticism through the cumbia rhythm. He was especially inspired by Bobby Pulido’s “Desvelado,” a Latine party mainstay that encompassed all that he loved about cumbia as a genre.

“Cumbias were everywhere when I was growing up — playing at family parties, in the markets, echoing through the streets of my neighborhood,” said Oso. “When I wrote ‘Amantes’, I wanted to capture that exact feeling — a rhythm and groove that pulls you in, forcing you to get up and dance.”

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Like “Desvelado,” “Amantes” bridges the gap between cumbia and the indie pop that he’s become best known for. In the best way possible, the track feels like it could have been plucked out of a different time, albeit with a modern sensibility that shows how Oso can update familiar sounds for the modern day.

While it’s convenient to call “Amantes” a successful throwback – hell, it’s easy to imagine a grito at the start of the song – that would miss how effortlessly Oso injects hopelessly romantic lyrics and melodies atop production that’s near impossible to resist dancing to. To put it simply, the single sets a precedent for the rest of the album’s high quality.

See Katzù Oso in LA at The Paramount on Nov. 8.

Visit Katzù Oso on Instagram and his TikTok to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.

Listen to “Amantes” the new single from Katzù Oso.

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