‘My Alma Latina’: A Heartbeat of Heritage and Hope

Michellar’s debut EP ‘My Alma Latina’ is a refreshing, warm, and intimate release that focuses on unity of theme, personality, and Latin-infused sensibility, punctuated by devotionals and lyrics that hit home. Drawing on her Spanish and Filipino roots, Michellar’s love of art, culture, spirituality, and history shine through here with soulful character and palpable sincerity. The EP, recorded partially in San Francisco, Austin, and London, comes together more like a single studio session than four separate sources, with pieces that flow organically and speak to her as a sincere person first. Assisted by producer Lloyd Miller, the music stays on-brand with its songs while displaying an appreciation for work and elements that transcend labels, displaying both humility and professionalism in its finish.

The EP begins with a light and soothing lead single “California Fields”. The track is filled with warmth and feels like a comfortable daydream, perfect for a sunny day. Second is the clear standout of the album, “Ave Maria”. Standing strong as an emotional statement beyond a literal or thematic reading of its title and famous influence, it’s neither anti-Christian, anti-Catholic, nor even inherently spiritual, but rather universal in its pleading to strength in the face of adversity and less-than-desirable times. The third one is “If It’s Only for One Night”. Its lyrics and instrumentation build on the former, adding heft and a deep vulnerability to the song’s narrative and earnest character. As far as its music and composition, Michellar’s vocals hold a closeness to the music, much more personal and sincere than the former.

The EP’s fourth single is “The Deep”. Shifting tones and timbre more toward electronic and slightly more modern Latin jazz, smooth and soulful, the track holds an easy-listening atmosphere. Wrapping things up is a brief but vivacious and festive “Samba with Me Tonight”. Bringing the EP to a close with vivacious Latin flavor, the song is happy, fun, and, like much of the rest of the album, warm, conveying the same genuineness of intent but in a more animated setting and context. All in all, ‘My Alma Latina’ stands as an excellent introduction to Michellar. She holds an identity here, shows a palpable character, and a wide open sincerity of musical exploration and self-discovery. She speaks her mind and expresses her spirit more directly than the average listener might give her credit for. We must be excited to see what she’ll do and create in the future and recommend highly for others, too.

Follow Michellar on Sound Cloud, Bandcamp, Facebook and Instagram. Also Visit her Official Website