Поиск:de funk

Making a welcome return nine years on from his last outing on Dekmantel, Makam offers up a generous helping of wayward grooves that take his curious spirit even further into unmarked territory. With a strong dub sensibility grounding his rich tapestry of percussion and instrumentation, Guy Blanken follows his own path to arrive at an album that embodies house music as a launchpad for experimentation.

Blanken says himself he was determined to approach his first Makam productions in years from a place of total freedom — "It's not a single direction, but rather a landscape of sounds, moments, and textures. TARP feels like a new beginning, a free project that just had to happen naturally." The steady pulse of the club remains a guiding principle boldly manifested on heads down roller 'Static Shade', but even in the lilting organic loops and tumbling percussion of 'Forgive' there is a funkiness that's beholden to continuous movement.

At times the direct thump of 4/4 disco juts out as a call to dance, not least on 'Flying Birds' and 'La Tuna', but elsewhere the rhythms are more slippery. 'Dub In Loen' plots a delicate path through dub techno and 'Lummel Spirit' casts off into pattering Balearic bliss. The pervasive dub mood of the record comes to the fore on expertly crafted stepper 'Diagonal Rain' and crooked album opener 'Clear Skies'. 'Jackie B' lands as a love letter to quintessential deep house, and yet still there's a left-of-centre charm that gives the track a personality that is pure Makam.

Exuding warmth and imagination at every turn, TARP is the perfect example of how to make a groove-oriented album a rich home listening experience. There are ample moments primed for the spectacle of the dancefloor, but the mellow hue and broad sweep of approaches make Makam's welcome return utterly compelling from end to end.

Composed by vibes legend Roy Ayers for the soundtrack of the 1973 film starring Pam Grier, Coffy was a jazz chart hit. The music, an inventive mix of heavy funk and soul-jazz, with vocal highlights from Dee Dee Bridgewater, perfectly encapsulated Grier's vigilante character.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, XL Recordings today announce a special, expanded version of Leila’s acclaimed second album Courtesy Of Choice. Originally released on 11th September 2000, the album followed the success of her Rephlex Records debut Like Weather and felt like a broadcast from a futuristic radio station no one else could tune into. Twenty-five years on, alongside collaborations with the likes of Bjork, Aphex Twin and Terry Hall and iconic performances at the likes of the V&A and Venice Biennale, more and more listeners have found the frequency. While Courtesy of Choice's influence continues to transmit through contemporary culture. the Iranian-born, London-raised producer remains utterly singular:

"I realised very early on that people don't really belong anywhere. That's what gives me the freedom to do any kind of music...I don't feel any commitment or loyalty to anything. My commitment is to noise." – Leila


This new version, Courtesy Of Choice… asides and besides, re-presents the original 14 track album — including the previously vinyl-only “Relax the Pleasuredome” — alongside a wealth of unreleased material. Leila chose to re-edit rather than remake the album (she has all the original data… midi and audio), choosing to set the parameters of only recovering buried details while preserving its spirit. “I wanted this reissue to be honest,” she explains. “Nothing added, just making sure the performances came through as they were meant to.” Among the twenty unheard tracks are Roya Arab’s striking collaboration on Cabaret classic “Mein Herr,” the surrealist collage “A Reasoning” with a sample of Max Ernst, the hypnotic “Acid Frog Fave,” the digi rave blowout “Birdie Rave,” and “techyarr”’s future forever funk from the realm of primetime Neptunes. Together they reveal both the breadth of Leila’s vision and the enduring power of an album that continues to sound ahead of its time.

Idriss D returns to Memento Records with his brand new track "Oct. 13", kickstarting the label's 20th anniversary in 2026, a year that will see quite a few special events to celebrate this milestone.
True to his musical roots and upbringing, Idriss heads right into experimental territory here, merging different styles and vibes: echoes of the upbeat mid '00s Minimal Techno craze fuse masterfully with sci-fi sounds and robotic vocals, with glitchy percussions and an infectious funky bassline creating an irresistible groovy rhythm. It's a track that boldly encapsulates the history of the label, from its raw beginnings in Italy's underground clubs to the more sophisticated latest outputs, a nod to its past while looking at the future.
Mr. Marc Houle is onboard here on remix duties: the man responsible for tracks like Bay Of Figs and Techno Vocals graces the release with an outstanding production. Slightly speeding up the pace, Marc adds spacey acid synth melodies and frenetic vocal loops drenched in delay, making this even trippier and more energetic than the original.
Black and House Music fan Munir Nadir rounds off the EP with a personal rendition playing squelchy keyboard arpeggios and hard slapping synth stabs, bringing a musical live-session feel to his contribution.

The second release from Irish label IL Corpo Records comes from Dublin native Dave Hughes. The Fastplay E.P. sees the accomplished audio engineer and Dj return to production duties with 4 carefully crafted excursions into mid tempo deep house with elements of dub and techno. Having had multiple releases on John Tejada’s legendary Palette label and iRecords amongst others, the production values are top notch and well executed making this an interesting listen indeed.

Fastplay chugs along building gradually before sultry vocals from Svelte weave their way into the mix and beckon the listener to the dance floor for the night ahead.

Feel Better is a downtempo dubby experiment inflected with a dose of rave nostalgia.

Walk Alone sees more atmospheric chord work and well chosen percussion that cements the sentimental feel of the E.P.

Tabouli rounds out the release with broken beats wrapped up in mid eastern rhythms. Moody chords and a G Funk lead line keep the groove evolving to the end.

(Early support by Ben Klock, DVS1 & Rene Wise) DHÆÜR makes his debut on Dustin Zahn's Enemy Records with 4 stripped down Techno tools ranging from "relentless and heavy" to "grooving and introspective." Each track offers a different approach to minimalistic Techno, all rich in moody atmospherics.

In classic A1 fashion, "Bayes Theorem" is the heaviest track on the record. Throbbing sub bass meshes together with pedaling hi hats while vocal chops and modulating synth work cover the top end. It's sinister and pounding, yet retains a sense of groove without becoming too aggressive. "Perception" closes the A side with a deeper and more introspective approach. The bass fills in only where necessary,leaving the pads and bleepy synths to do all the heavy lifting.

"Scanning" kicks off the B-side, defined by a rolling bass line and moody chord stabs. It gives the dance floor exactly what it needs and nothing more. The record comes to a close with "5th Avenue." It's deep, steady, rolling, and dripping in polymeter synth pulses. Brief glimpses of vocal phrases offset the darkness, giving it a bit of funk and playfulness...making it essential for deeper late night sets.

Rhythms Of Prescott debuts on Potency with the highly-anticipated Run Of Deluxe EP. This has been getting rinsed by esteemed selectors such as Ben UFO at Houghton Festival through to Shanti Celeste at Dekmantel. The music speaks for itself on this one, listen for yourself. Limited copies!

2026 Repress

DJ Quik is a giant of West Coast hip-hop. With his fourth album Rhythm-Al-Ism he created his masterpiece, a perfect hip-hop album. As Quik explains, “the name Rhythm-Al-Ism alone tells you what I was doing. I was mixing up rhythms. I was meshing R&B with hip-hop and jazz. And a little bit of comedy”. It’s absolutely sensational and as with a lot of mid-90s albums those original vinyl copies are now rare so here’s the Be With re-issue.

A preternaturally gifted producer/rapper, DJ Quik has produced scores of LA gangsta rap classics. He’s released platinum and gold records of his own, as well as helped craft them for the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre. Quik has always been quirkier and more interesting than his gangsta rap peers, both musically and lyrically. An old-school funk producer at heart, he’s also incredibly nice on the mic. His raps often deal in boasts, jokes and good times but also cover his beefs, his trials and his trauma. Partying and pain, all mixed up. DJing and producing hype beat tapes from age 14, Quik’s tracks blended the languid funk and rubbery synths of Zapp and George Clinton with a gangsta aesthetic, creating a more danceable foil to Compton’s more typical nihilistic hedonism. Ultimately, his records sound custom engineered to drift out over sun-soaked barbecues.

Released in 1998 on Profile, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the closest Quik ever got to making a commercial splash. “You’z A Ganxta” and “Hand in Hand” made radio waves across the country and the less radio-friendly tracks like “Medley For A ‘V’” were bumping out of car stereos. Combining his soulful, jazzy P-Funk/G-Funk beats with his effortlessly smooth flow, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the quintessential West Coast Party. Squelchy synths, bouncy bass, monstrously knocking drums and freaky keys - this is peaking acidic party-rap, straight out the gate. Music for gliding, for skating, for time with your people and your poison. Sunshine. No cares. BBQs. Heavy smoke in the air. Dripping with wit and good humour. A real swing to the vibe.

The album opens with Quik setting out his mission statement with “Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro)”, telling us what this is all about before the self-explanatory “We Still Party” rocks the spot. It’s definitely all about the party here, complete with Quik’s signature head-nod/body-moving beat. Next up, the undeniable laidback funk and dripping swing of groove-laden “So Many Wayz”. This positively slaps.

Then we get to the three huge singles. The R&B-tinged radio-friendly minor-hit “Hand In Hand” closes the first side only for the flip to get straight into the rolling and scratching of bleepy computer-funk banger “Down, Down, Down” (featuring a particularly nice use of Howard Johnson’s epochal “So Fine”). The effortlessly smooth, flute and guitar-laced “You’z A Ganxta” completes the trio. Next up the fast-paced, vocoder-enhanced, woulda-beena-global-hit “I Useta Know Her”. This coulda (shoulda) been a single too. Head-nod funk workout “No Doubt”, with its ace sample of Prince's “Sexy Dancer”, closes out the second side.

“Speed” races out the gate on the second disc, sampling Edwin Birdsong’s “Rapper Dapper Snapper” in a harder, better, faster, stronger way than those daft Parisian punks. Amphetamine-swift raps over soaring, string-drenched b-boy beats. A total anthem. Up next, the staggering, near 8-minute laconic, lounge-y sax-rap of “Whateva U Do” cools things down and smooths things out with its flute wrapping around a sample of Smokey Robinson’s “So In Love” and some oh-so-classy lounge-piano tinkling. And speaking of smooth, things don’t get much smoother than the blissfully melodic glider-anthem “Thinkin’ ’Bout U” riding that ace flip of SWV’s “Use Your Heart”. Exceptional.

The exquisite funky-flute-slapper “Medley for a ‘V’ (The P***Y Medley)” opens the fourth and final side, with star turns from Snoop Dogg and a typically suave Nate Dogg. It’s followed by the supremely skanked-out “Bombudd II”, a beautifully sweet reggae-fuelled ode to the herb. “Get 2Getha Again” is slick funk. Stunning.

This 2022 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Pete Norman and pressed at Record Industry. Unusual for the time, Rhythm-Al-Ism was originally pressed as a double and we’ve reproduced the original LA vibe picture sleeve and insert to match.

As that original front cover says, this is “over 70 minutes of commercial free music” and it’s absolutely perfect from start to finish. There are no stand-out tracks here. It’s all gold.
: Rhythm-al-ism (2LP)

A longtime favorite among Brazilian music collectors! Fafá de Belém’s take on Joao Donato´s ‘Êmoriô’ and ‘Naturalmente’ strip away the originals’ sophisticated arrangements in favor of a more driving groove and a raw, funky edge that makes them absolute dancefloor weapons.

First time 7” reissue, cut at 45 RPM !

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Singer and actress Fafá de Belém is one of Brazil’s most beloved and popular artists. This vinyl single from 1975 marked the very beginning of her long and successful career in Brazilian popular music and, over the years, has become a highly sought-after collector’s item among DJs worldwide.

The record features two tracks, ‘Êmoriô’ and ‘Naturalmente’, written by João Donato alongside Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, originally released on his album “Lugar Comum” that same year. Fafá de Belém’s versions, however, strip away the originals’ sophisticated arrangements in favor of a more driving groove and a raw, funky edge that makes them absolute dancefloor weapons.

600% Dynamite is the critically acclaimed Soul Jazz Records compilation series of Jamaican music, praised for its eclectic selection of upbeat reggae, ska, soul, rocksteady, dancehall, funk and dub satisfying both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.Originally released in 2003 this album has been out of print for nearly 20 years making it one of the most-collectible of Soul Jazz Records" Dynamite! Series. This is the first ever Color Vinyl edition of this classic album.Party classics and non-stop reggae anthems such as Tenor Saw"s "Golden Hen", The Uniques "Queen Majesty", Johnny Osbourne"s "Buddy Bye" and many more, 600% Dynamite is an addictive mix of well-known classics and rarities.Classic artists such as Dennis Brown, Johnny Osbourne, I Roy, Yabby You and Tenor Saw which feature alongside classic and rare tracks by lesser known artists such as Tall T and The Touchers, Prince Mohammed and more.

Während das musikalische Fundament die Einflüsse aus Nordamerikanischem Pop-Punk aufnimmt und zu einem eigenen Sound weiterentwickelt, stechen insbesondere die klare Haltung und tiefe persönliche Momente in den Texten heraus. Entstanden ist ein Punk/Rock Album, das nicht nach 20ern und Jugendbewegung klingt, sondern nach neuen Perspektiven, nach späten 30ern - menschlich und politisch. Seit Erscheinen des BLAUFUCHS Debüt-Albums vor rund 4 Jahren hat sich in der Welt viel verändert und wenig verbessert. Diese traurige Abwärtsspirale findet sich – mal drastisch und direkt, mal dezent akzentuiert – in allen Texten von „Bis jetzt ging alles gut“ wieder, das trotz Anflügen von Resignation auch stets einen Funken Hoffnung auf Besserung vermittelt. Blaufuchs betrachten nicht nur den gesellschaftlichen Wandel – sie sind selbst auch einer ständigen Veränderung ausgesetzt. Ihr zweites Album ist ein Stück weit auch ein Neubeginn mit einigen Neubesetzungen im Verlauf der letzten Monate. Hale Winter übernahm den Bass von Marisa, Jan Schlagowski das Schlagzeug von Alex Veth und mit Jan Jurat stieß ein weiterer Gitarrist zur Band. Den Blaufuchs Sound verändern die neuen Einflüsse nicht gravierend, die Drums werden ein Stück härter, die Gitarren etwas filigraner, aber die Handschrift von Hauptsongwriter John Hofmeister verbindet nach wie vor den amerikanischen Gesamtsound mit den deutschen Texten von Johannes König. Dennoch verzögerte sich die Entstehung des Albums durch die Umbesetzungen um mehrere Monate, was laut Johannes König auch nötig war: „Mir und John war extrem wichtig, dass auf dem Album auch Einflüsse unserer „Neuen“ zu hören sind, die uns live teilweise schon seit Jahren unterstützen.“ Aufgenommen wurde „Bis jetzt ging alles gut“ in den Limetree Studios in Ilsede und produziert von Sören Kucz und Gitarrist John Hofmeister. Mit „Fertig“ setzt die Platte einen extrem persönlichen Schlusspunkt und König wird hier deutlich direkter: „Den Druck, der mit der Verantwortung in der eigenen Familie, im Job und auch in der Band zusammenkommt, trifft im Alltag oft auf ein Männlichkeitsbild, in dem wider besseres Wissen versucht wird, Dinge alleine zu regeln.“

Wewantsounds is delighted to continue its Yoshiko Sai reissue program with the release of "Mikkou", the Japanese singer-songwriter"s 2nd album released in 1976 on Black Records. The album, produced by ace arranger Isamu Haruna, keeps the same formula as "Mangekyou" with Yoshiko Sai"s beautiful songs and dreamy vocals over cool funky arrangements, this time featuring legendary guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. This is the first time "Mikkou" is widely available outside of Japan, with remastered audio, original artwork and a 4 page insert including new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha who interviewed Yoshiko Sai for this special occasion.

The last time Noir embarked on a similar creative exorcism was for 2012's Jimmy's Show LP which selected choice cuts from 18 E.P. 's released via straight to fan subscription over as many months. The resulting album is one of his most lauded and beloved by fans, with the vinyl now selling for silly money on Discogs.

Programmes for Cools is Jimmy's Show's spiritual successor, idiosyncratic, other worldly and brimming with timeless melodies. Noir's influences seep through the track list, wrapped with a haunting, dreamlike delivery.

First single 'Out Of Sight' is a Fleetwood Mac meets Selected Ambient Works era Richard D James, four to the floor banger. Already a fan favourite, it propels Side A forward with a somewhat misplaced optimism, much like Neil Young's 'Walk On' starting On the Beach.

Side B is more esoteric, exemplified by 'Fireworks’which includes lyrics and vocals from Marie Claude Dequoy,produced with the wooze of golden era Boards of Canada. Elsewhere, influences as disparate as Stevie Wonder, on the wonky clav funk of 'The Fountain', and Ian Brown 'I think I found it' illustrate Noir's disregard for musical straightjackets (the latter may have the most unapologetic baggy, hypnotic groove since the Mondays' 'Halleluiah').

As the album swells to its conclusion, via the epic Led Zeppelin meets the Warhol clique 'Morning Light’and the heart tugging finale of 'Motorbike’(the first song released from the most recent run of E.P.'s), there is a sense of completion and finality...
‘This is the last Jim Noir album. There are no more Jim Noir albums after this one. This time I'm serious. It's been the hardest I've ever worked on anything. I think I have created my own Be Here Now...Sorry.’
Joking and hyperbole aside, the album has more of an Abbey Road feel, and needs to be experienced in one sitting. If the infamous Davyhulme prankster is to be believed and this is his final outing, then you could wish for a more fitting album. - NM

With four albums already behind them, Sababa 5 have earned global support, from Songlines magazine and BBC Radio 6 Music tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova and Iggy Pop to France’s FIP Radio and Radio Nova, for their unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern celebration music with psychedelic grooves, funk, jazz, rock, and international vocal collaborations spanning Japan to India. The Paris-based group have taken this sound to stages across Europe, including Reeperbahn Festival and Dresden’s Super Fest.

Ça Va Ça Va is the band’s hafla album – a return to the wedding and event celebration music that first shaped Sababa 5. Recorded in Paris, it draws directly from the sounds of hafla – the joyful, communal music heard at Middle Eastern weddings, parties and festive gatherings – with a sprinkling of influences from the wider Mediterranean. The group utilise their classic combination of electric guitar, bass, drums, organ, and synths to transform these ideas into vibrant melodies, dance-ready rhythms, and a spirit of abundance and
togetherness.
Opening track “Bienvenue” sets the tone with a mysterious, longing guitar solo before bursting into an irresistible rhythm and jubilant guitar motif. It flows seamlessly into “Allô”, straight into wedding-riot territory – a fast-rising instrumental that showers the dancefloor with energy as it builds around a hypnotic, arpeggio-driven riff. The album is almost entirely original material, with two key exceptions: “Ypárcho” (I Exist), a beautiful instrumental journey inspired by a classic Greek song traditionally performed by Stelios Kazantzidis, and “Asunsan”, an instrumental flip of the much-loved Sababa 5 collaboration “Nasnusa” with Yurika Hanashima. Another impressive step in the Sababa 5 story, Ça Va Ça Va captures both joy and longing – the unmistakable warmth of Eastern Mediterranean celebration and the band’s surf-rock edge – sounding more confident, spirited and deeply rooted than ever.

Antibalas established themselves in the late 1990s as a burning, tough, horn, bass and drum driven Afrobeat ensemble cut from the Fela Kuti mold, who were politically savvy and socially conscious. Their live shows have been incendiary events where rhythm and perspiration from completely crazy, booty-shaking audience members shared something deeper and wider than the music itself. Security is Antibalas' fourth album. It was co-produced by the band with John McEntire from Tortoise.

The group, whose name means "bulletproof" in Spanish, has indeed proved they possess the mettle to not only survive but also thrive by employing a musical arsenal that has become known worldwide. Initially using the revolutionary blueprint of afrobeat as a launching pad, the dozen-strong members of Antibalas weave a rich tapestry of latin, jazz, classical, funk and soul into their horn-driven mix. Words fail in trying to describe the result: simultaneously polyrhythmic and political, independent and contagious, and the reason why many have credited the band for introducing afrobeat's framework to a new generation.

Security is available as a numbered limited edition of 500 copies on white vinyl and is packaged in a gatefold sleeve.

The Cabildos remain one of the most enigmatic names to emerge from the 1970s library music scene. Little is known about the group, except that their name was inspired by Johnny Cabildo, an Italian keyboardist and composer who had relocated to Florida. Their recorded legacy is strikingly concise: just three albums—Yuxtaposición (1972, released under the name Cabildo's Three), Cross Fire (1974), and the later Where Is the Cat? (1979).

Entirely instrumental, the Cabildos' music is driven by deep grooves and a vibrant blend of Latin influences, funk, and jazz fusion, often enhanced by Afro-tribal percussion. Conceived primarily for use in films, documentaries, and advertising, their work naturally belongs to the world of synchronization music.

Cross Fire stands out as a particularly compelling chapter in their catalog, distinguished by an impressive range of textures and moods achieved through the minimalist interplay of bass, drums, and keyboards alone.

Now reissued by Redi Edizioni on clear red vinyl, this excellent record returns with a faithful reproduction of the original artwork, offering a renewed opportunity to appreciate one of library music's most elusive gems.

L.A.-based soul singer Leela James started out singing backup vocals on Hip-Hop albums in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2004, she recorded the song "No Tears" on Pete Rock's "Soul Survivor 2", shortly after she signed a deal with Warner Bros Records and released her debut album A Change is Gonna Come, named after her cover of the Sam Cooke song. A true soul singer, with a voice comparable to Mavis Staples and Betty Wright, Leela enlisted Commissioner Gordon to oversee production, which included tracks by Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef Jean, and Chucky Thompson. The lead single, "Music," is an ode to the soul singers of yesterday, with a Hip-Hop feel. She performs a soulful R&B cover of No Doubt's "Don't Speak" and alternates between funky uplifting tracks like "Good Time" and "Soul Food" with downtempo, soulful ballads like "When You Love Somebody" and "My Joy." Leela James departed from Warner after the release of her debut and went on to release seven more studio albums. It's been twenty years since A Change is Gonna Come was released in June of 2005, and Get On Down is proud to present this underrated gem for the first time on vinyl. The album is pressed on "Golden Pearl" colored vinyl and packaged in a gatefold jacket, limited to 1000 copies. It's been a long time coming, but this is a must-have for neo-soul and R&B music lovers.

2026 Limited Repress

Twisted Utopia is jeku’s first solo release on Harmony. The EP is a funky and eclectic synthesis dedicated to rhythm lovers. Twister Utopia’s progressive roller weaves high-energy elements with a splash of sonic psychedelic textures.

Side A kicks off with “Rhythm Circuit” galactic, drum-driven tunes, followed by “Frantic Antics,” whose rich chord progression is paired with airy vocals and wiggly basslines.

On the B-side, “The Future” delivers prog-infused euphoria beat-matched to perfection. The EP is wrapped up with “Borealia,” a multi-layered symphony of transcendence and tempo shifts.

(incl. Gaetano Parisio Remix) The Miller joins Backspin with a potent six-track EP that explores the sharper, groovier edges of techno. 'Loops & Tonic' is a no-frills, rhythm-forward toolkit. It's percussive, hypnotic and full of old-school motion.

The A-side opens with 'It Was Just A Knife', a tribal-driven looper layered with Detroit-reminiscent synths. The track is a subtle nod to the past, wrapped in tight modern production. Peak OG hardgroove. 'Tryck' dials up the tension with broken rhythms, tripped-out cymbals and bleeps, adding a leftfield touch without losing the percussive thread. The B-side brings out the funk. 'Snake Venom' and 'Sax' strip techno down to its rolling essentials: it's all about punchy drums, melodic accents and a steady forward drive. The vinyl closes with the 'Groove Cut' version of the digital-only track 'Bastard', a remix by legendary producer Gaetano Parisio that reimagines the original into a leaner, melodic trip with clean basslines and spaced-out synth work.

The fifth release of Regal's label Backspin Records is a versatile, groovy and characterful techno record. The Miller's 'Loops & Tonic' EP is a proof that the most effective techno doesn't shout - it rolls, hits and lingers. It's the perfect record for floors that never stop moving.

Malena Zavala is an Argentinian-born, London-based artist, producer, and filmmaker, known for crafting ethereal, genre-blending music that navigates the space between her Latin heritage and her British upbringing. With the forthcoming album If This Life Could Start Again set for release on 30 January 2026 on Paraná Records, Zavala presents her most intimate, cohesive, and accomplished work to date, marking a significant evolution in her artistic journey.
With her new album, Malena creates an atmospheric dream pop world, weaving singer-songwriter intimacy with synth pop, Argentine folk, indiepop, rock and experimental music, threaded together by her blissful vocals and dreamy guitar work. Gorgeously warm and vivid, If This Life Could Start Again charts the journey from pain to acceptance, mapping out the non-linear nature of healing through a sonic landscape. Each song embodies a distinct emotion within that journey, from grief and chaos to feeling lost, seeking refuge, finding confidence, and finally acceptance and letting go. Drawing on her Argentinian roots, Malena uses the Andes mountains as both a visual and thematic anchor – the difficult climb towards higher ground becomes a metaphor for healing, whilst being lost at rock bottom reflects the darkest moments of the journey. 
Completely composed and performed by Malena herself, the album was recorded in Girona’s L’Empordà countryside in Spain with producer Luke Smith. As a professional producer and audio engineer, this was Malena’s first time relinquishing production control – an intimate creative shift that allowed their shared vision to shape the album’s rich, enveloping sound. 
However, Zavala’s career to date has been a testament to self-sufficient artistry. Her critically acclaimed debut, Aliso (2018), was written, recorded, and produced alone in her parents’ garage, which honed her dreamy bedroom pop sound. The album, praised by The Guardian for its “gently warped and beguilingly melancholy guitar pop,” ****, immediately catapulted her from DIY beginnings to prestigious stages, supporting acts like Lord Huron at London’s Roundhouse and Men I Trust at Village Underground and subsequently continuing on their UK/EU tours. Later with standout performances at Latitude, Green Man, and All Points East. Her consistent radio support from key influencers including BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, and Steve Lamacq has solidified her presence on the airwaves.
Her second album, La Yarará (2020), saw Zavala delve deeper into her roots, exploring Latin traditions like Cumbia and Bolero. This exploration of identity continues powerfully on the new album, but with a newfound lyrical depth and sonic confidence. The new album, If This Life Could Start Again, is a raw and transformative eight-track journey that maps the emotional landscape of healing. Written after a period of personal upheaval, the album traverses themes of grief, hereditary trauma, and self-discovery. The record’s narrative is structured like a mountain ascent. A challenging climb through varied emotional terrain, posing the central question: “Will you join the journey?” Sonically, this journey mirrors the non-linear path to acceptance, evolving from acoustic folk and synth-pop to funk-infused rhythms and rock anthems.
As a formidable live performer, Zavala has built a robust touring profile across the UK and Europe. She will embark on an extensive tour in February and March 2026 to support the album, with dates spanning major cities from London and Glasgow to Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona.
With If This Life Could Start Again, Malena Zavala fully realizes her artistic vision as a self-taught producer to an autonomous artist commanding her career through Paraná Records whilst reflecting the vast landscapes of her heritage and affirming her place as a compelling and evolving voice in contemporary music.