Michellar’s debut EP, ‘My Alma Latina’, is a self-introduction to her as a singer-songwriter who is rooted in her Spanish and Filipino ancestry while deeply drawn to her Latin influences. Recorded in San Francisco, Austin and London, the five-song EP seems both intimate and wide-reaching in scale – a result of the amount of time, care and love she poured into it. Produced in Spirit Song Studios with Lloyd Miller, the project manages to find space for quiet prayers and contemplative moments, while also driving full-throttle to the joy of dancing and celebrating what makes Michellar the artist she is today. In equal parts prayer and party, the EP is a statement about faith, family, storytelling and musical exploration.
“California Fields” is a gentle, but no less expressive, introduction to ‘My Alma Latina’, as it sets the pace for the more earnest songs to come with imagery of open skies and clearings under the sun. “Ave Maria” is a beautifully sung reimagining of the popular prayer, sung in modern times and with an inclusive tone intended for people both inside and outside of the church. The songs, “If It’s Only for One Night”, is about closeness and romance, riding on heartfelt lyrics and a bed of quieter instruments to emphasize Michellar’s skills as a storyteller. “The Deep”, which was recorded in London, is a texturally dense cut that feels like the center of the record, drawing the listener in with all of its emotion and a soul-searching quality to the instrumentation. “Samba with Me Tonight” is an appropriately joyous conclusion to the EP, with the rhythm and life of Latin music in full effect, evoking the warmth and togetherness that is the hallmark of the culture.
One of the most impressive things about ‘My Alma Latina’ is the range of emotions, and the sounds that accompany them, that Michellar manages to fit in one EP, without losing authenticity. Her influences are clear – there is a particular nod to Santana and guitar-driven Latin music, but the elements are never larger than Michellar herself. Prayer, romance, self-reflection and celebration are each given a moment and shine just as brightly, evidence of her talent in her ability to play around with the different facets of her personality as an artist. As a debut, ‘My Alma Latina’ is a statement of purpose and belonging, with songs that welcome listeners in to join the Latinx artist on her journey into the world.
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