NEW Podcast "Sound Influence": The Art and Soul of Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico has long been a hub of passion, culture and creativity, influencing artists across the globe.

On November 25, Talkhouse and Atlas Obscura will launch a brand new podcast Sound Influence: The Art and Soul of Puerto Rico, a celebration of Puerto Rico’s power to inspire.

The project is produced in partnership with Discover Puerto Rico, the official destination marketing organization of the Island. Till then, listeners can enjoy the Official Trailer and subscribe wherever they get their podcasts.

 Narrated by Puerto Rican icon Luis Guzmán (Wednesday, Beverly Hills Cop), this four-part series pairs stories from some of the Island’s most exciting musicians, including Los Rivera Destino, Pachyman, and Andrea Cruz, with major artists outside of music, such as Hollywood film director Miguel Arteta, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jose Rivera, author Jaquira Diaz, and legendary EGOT Rita Moreno.

Luis Guzmán is a Puerto Rican actor. His career spans over 40 years and includes a number of films and television series. He has appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson's films Boogie Nights, Magnolia and Punch-Drunk Love, and Steven Soderbergh's films Out of Sight, The Limey and Traffic.

“Our goal with this project was to produce a new kind of audio portrait using field recordings, sound design, and original composition to create a deeper intellectual understanding and emotional connection with Puerto Rico,” said Doug Baldinger, Chief Content Officer at Atlas Obscura. “With the ultimate goal of encouraging listeners to visit and experience it for themselves.”

Through conversations with some of the Island’s most famous and talented artists, listeners will get to know Puerto Rico’s incredible towns, cities, beaches, rainforests, mountains, bars, and dance clubs that not only shaped their work but ultimately influenced global culture. Listeners will hear how places across the Island – from San Juan to El Yunque, from Ciales to Vieques – played a crucial role in the creation of their art. Their words will be accompanied by archival songs, innovative sound design, and original music, creating a memorable and distinctive listening experience that will evoke the beauty and vividness of Puerto Rico for listeners everywhere.

“At Discover Puerto Rico, we believe our Island is a living canvas, painted with the vibrant strokes of our culture, creativity, and passion,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico. “‘Sound Influence: The Art and Soul of Puerto Rico’ offers an extraordinary journey, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the stories and sounds that pulse through our streets and landscapes. This podcast beautifully captures the spirit and artistry that thrive in every corner of Puerto Rico, showcasing the authentic essence of our Island.”

This is an interesting and novel collaboration between a podcast company and a tourist organization, with a well-regarded actor as guide and host. As a bonus, the podcast introduces listeners to amazing music that is not part of their Spotify playlists.