José Junior: NY Slice Session 2025

The music of José Junior is an interesting mix which has a lot to do with his background. Born in the States to Spanish parents, he moved to London at an early age.

As a UK-based musician, he played guitars and keys with various bands, including Bad Breeding, Post Louis, and Bombay Bicycle Club. Eventually, Junior made his way back to New York to pursue a solo career and he has made a really wonderful album, Spanish Leather.

He sings in both English and Spanish and the album is a perfect mix of psychedelic and indie rock, Latin folk, and pop. The first song that attracted me was "Chico Malo," but as I quickly discovered, all of the songs on Spanish Leather are great.

José Junior and his band made their Studio A debut with blistering live performances of two songs — "Projections" and "Death of a Party Boy" (which he wrote when he turned 30) — plus check out his "NY Slice" pop quiz too.