What's Hot New Mexico?

Albuquerque Journal
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What’s Hot, New Mexico? is your go-to guide for all the spicy, stylish, and totally trending things happening across the Land of Enchantment. From local pop-ups and music drops to hot red chile level gossip and green chile drama, we’re serving up weekly episodes full of fun, flair, and everything New Mexico is talking about. Whether you're from Burque, way up in Taos, or down south in Las Cruces—if it’s hot, we’re on it.

Episodes

  1. 07/25/2025

    From Frat Parties to Subtronics: Shatodoor Brings EDM Heat to New Mexico

    In this episode of What’s Hot New Mexico, host Nakayla sits down with rising EDM DJ and producer Shatodoor to explore how the rave scene is exploding across New Mexico. From his early days DJing fraternity parties to landing an opening slot for Subtronics at Revel Albuquerque, Shot the Door shares his journey, musical influences, and love for dubstep and drum & bass.Learn about the evolution of New Mexico’s underground rave culture, his go-to gear, favorite sub-genres, and what it means to create a truly live set. Plus, hear how local artists and communities like New Mexico Rave Cave are helping put NM on the EDM map.🎶 Whether you're into trap, house, or liquid DnB—this episode is for you.🗓️ Catch Shatodoor live:• Subtronics @ Revel – Aug 31• Electric Playhouse w/ Kon & Why Lawson – Next Month👉 Like, Subscribe, and drop a 🔊 in the comments if you’re part of the NM rave fam!If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#Shatodoor#NewMexicoEDM#Subtronics#RevelAlbuquerque#WhatsHotNewMexico#RaveCulture#EDMCommunity#DubstepDJ#LiquidDrumAndBass#NewMexicoMusic#NMUnderground#EDMPodcast#AlbuquerqueEvents#OpenDecks#SoundcloudDJ

    25 min

  2. 07/18/2025

    Singer Willajay on Alt-Pop, Clowncore, and Embracing the Unknown

    In this episode of What's Hot New Mexico?, host Nakayla sits down with rising alt-pop artist Willajay, a boundary-pushing New Mexico creative known for blending theater, clowncore aesthetics, and emotional storytelling into powerful performances. From her theatrical roots to upcoming single "Crow" (dropping August 8), Willajay opens up about self-discovery, creative vulnerability, and finding inspiration in the dark.They dive into the evolution of her sound, the community she's built in Albuquerque, the realities of imposter syndrome, and what it means to be a multifaceted artist. Willajay also shares how she turned post-breakup pain into musical rebirth, why clowning changed her life, and what’s “hot or not” in her world today.💬 Stick around for a soulful and honest conversation filled with laughs, life lessons, and lots of clown talk. 🎭👉 Subscribe for more New Mexico stories and rising creatives.🎧 Listen on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify & abqjournal.comIf you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#Willajay#AltPopArtist#WhatsHotNewMexico#NewMexicoMusicScene#CrowSingle#AlbuquerqueMusic#IndiePopArtist#ClowncoreAesthetic#WomenInMusic#PodcastInterview#CreativeProcess#MusiciansOfNM#EmotionalPop

    32 min

  3. 07/11/2025

    Slums of Harvard's Leroy Sandoval: From UNM to Bad Suns & New Music

    🎙️ Welcome to What’s Hot New Mexico! In this episode, host Nakayla sits down with Leroy Sandoval, vocalist and rapper for Slums of Harvard — a rising alt pop-punk band from Albuquerque. 🎸 Hear how the band went from self-taught musicians at UNM to becoming one of the most exciting acts in the New Mexico music scene. Leroy shares their genre-blending roots in 50s doo-wop, funk, and rap, and how they’ve carved out a bold sound in today’s alternative landscape. 🔥 Highlights include:Behind-the-scenes of filming for Bands of Enchantment Opening for Bad Suns at the Sunshine TheaterTheir viral performance of "Mr. Brightside"Details on their new single “Shallow”Upcoming shows at Launchpad with Alien Ant Farm and SunfishLeroy’s solo rap project in the worksDon’t miss this deep dive into Slums of Harvard’s story, sound, and future. Hit like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more hot content from New Mexico’s creative scene! If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/ To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9. Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source! #SlumsOfHarvard #NewMexicoMusic #WhatsHotNewMexico #ABQMusic #IndieBand #AlternativePopPunk #MusicInterview #PodcastLife #BandsOfEnchantment #UNMBand #LiveMusicNM #LeroySanchez

    19 min

  4. 07/04/2025

    Laugh with local comedian Noah Vargas

    Noah Vargas may be new to the comedy scene, but he's ready to shake things up and remind New Mexicans to laugh.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    44 min

  5. 06/27/2025

    DJ Stigmata tours the world with $uicideboy$, Germ, & HAARPER

    From Denzel Curry and to $uicideboy$ to underground rappers, DJ Stigmata has toured the word, bringing a New Mexican flair to every concert set he performs.

    23 min

  6. 06/20/2025

    Locked and loaded: Ayo Soldier's newest album brings the 505 to the studio.

    It can take years to become successful in the music industry, but Ayo Soldier always knew he would make his dreams a reality. With his recently released album, Reload, which includes a feature from rapper Juicy J, Ayo Soldier is ready to shake up the New Mexico music scene. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    29 min

  7. 06/13/2025

    Drag queen Vanessa Patricks shows her pride during Pride month

    Vanessa Patricks has been busy during Pride Month, between a plethora of Pride celebrations, including drag shows, brunches, and her appearance at the Albuquerque Pride Parade. As a drag queen, Vanessa Patricks wants people to know she's here to stay and just wants to be prideful in who she is. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    28 min

  8. 06/07/2025

    Sewing the unexpected: Mad Van is reshaping the fashion industry on her own terms

    Madison Van Der Lingen, also known as Mad Van, is a seamstress and fashion designer who wants to make eco-friendly and sustainable clothing the new norm in the fashion industry. After being named Fashion Designer of the Year at Denver Fashion Week and winning the Creative Bravo Awards, she's ready to take the fashion world by storm. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/ To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9. Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    23 min

  9. 05/30/2025

    Comedian AJ Deleon shares his wildest comedy moments

    On this episode, Albuquerque Journal staff reporter and host Nakayla McClelland sat down with Comedian AJ Deleon brings comedy and laughs wherever he goes and he wants you to know the comedy scene is hot and ready for audience members to have a good time. From producing to podcasts, comedy sets and working in the cannabis industry, AJ talks about his experience as a two-year comedian in Albuquerque. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    20 min

  10. 05/23/2025

    Going bananas with Drew Gillespie, pitcher of the Party Animals and rival to the Savannah Bananas.

    On this episode, Albuquerque Journal staff reporter and host Nakayla McClelland sat down with Drew Gillespie of the Party Animals to chat about having a good time, especially when putting on a Banana Ball performance. When Gillespie isn't dancing his heart out, putting on comedic performances to make families laugh, or pitching fast balls that are sure to wow the crowd, he's golfing, making giant LEGO sets and reminding the world that Banana Ball is the perfect mix of fun and athleticism. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    17 min

  11. 05/16/2025

    Cat got your tongue? Felix Y Los Gatos bring the blues right to the Journal.

    Felix Gato Peralta doesn't just make music. With his band Felix Y Los Gatos, Peralta reimagines genres, blending blues with classic New Mexican sounds and country to create a unique sound. On this episode, Peralta sat down with Albuquerque Journal staff reporter and host Nakayla McClelland to talk about his upbringing, travels to international festival stages in Europe to bring the blues to the Brits, and his variety of instruments, which include harmonica, harp, accordion, and of course, guitar. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/ To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9. Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    13 min

  12. 05/09/2025

    Local musicians clarq. and scotty bring the heat for summer concert series.

    Journal staff writer and host Nakayla Mcclelland sits with local musicians clarq. and Scotty to talk about their road to success, upcoming shows and concerts, and their main stage performance at SOMOS. Stick around to the end of the show to sample clarq. and Scotty's musical stylings. If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

    22 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

What’s Hot, New Mexico? is your go-to guide for all the spicy, stylish, and totally trending things happening across the Land of Enchantment. From local pop-ups and music drops to hot red chile level gossip and green chile drama, we’re serving up weekly episodes full of fun, flair, and everything New Mexico is talking about. Whether you're from Burque, way up in Taos, or down south in Las Cruces—if it’s hot, we’re on it.

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