Kevin Bronson on June 19th, 2020

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Amo Amo’s new EP “Canta,” out today, strikes a buoyant note in what Omar Velasco calls “a strange, strange time.” In today’s QUARANTUNES, Velasco talks about his hopes for post-pandemic life and shares a Black artist-centric playlist “to honor those great artists who inspire us all.”

THE LATEST FROM AMO AMO

L.A. psych-pop ensemble Amo Amo — Omar Velasco and Lovelle Femme, along with Justin Flint, Shane Mckillop and Alex Siegel — today released their new EP “Canta” via Poolside’s Pacific Standard Records. (It’s available on Bandcamp.) In five songs, Amo Amo offer a warm celebration of diversity and resiliency and a clarion call for human connection. “I will be blind no more,” Velasco croons in the closer “Colors,” which hopes for a rainbow future. An embrace of nature, the title track was released on Earth Day, and “Missed Connection” speaks to technology-driven isolation, yet could be read as a cry for coming together in this critical time. The follow-up to last year’s self-titled debut album and Amo Amo’s collaboration with Poolside on “Around the Sun,” “Canta” offers some harmony-rich hope at a moment we could use both.

Amo Amo will do an Instagram Live set at 5 p.m. tomorow to celebrate the release.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

Omar Velasco: It’s a strange, strange time. Luckily, writing music can happen during this time. That’s how I’m maintaining a semblance of sanity. Also, gardening and spending time with my family. I’m very grateful to have these things.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Omar Velasco: I really look forward to playing music for people. I find the virtual thing to be unnerving and lacking in the spirit that makes playing music for each other so essential. But hopefully this pause can shine light on the things that really matter, and I pray we don’t get sucked back in to our “normal,” mindlessly consumptive ways.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Omar Velasco: It’s a collection of songs that emphasizes rhythm and dancing, and is Black-artist centric … to honor those great artists who inspire us all.