Michellar - 'My Alma Latina'

Some releases announce themselves with bombast, while Michellar’s 'My Alma Latina' arrives like a quiet invocation, one that blossoms into something bold and luminous. The San Francisco-based artist makes her debut with a five-track EP that not only introduces her sonic identity, but also roots it deeply in heritage, spirituality, and the power of cultural memory.

Drawing from her Spanish and Filipino lineage, Michellar crafts a world where Latin rhythms meet contemplative lyricism, where samba grooves and prayerful melodies co-exist without contradiction. It’s devotional, but not dogmatic. From the opening notes of 'Ave Maria', it’s clear she’s reimagining what it means to believe in something when belief is hard to hold onto.

The influence of Santana is unmistakable in the guitar phrasing and arrangement choices, particularly in 'Samba with Me', a track that feels like a family celebration spilling out into the street. Yet, it’s not all sunshine and movement as songs like 'The Deep' and 'If It’s Only for One Night' pull inward, layering introspective vocals over sparse, textured backdrops that reflect Michellar’s thoughtful songwriting approach.

There’s an undeniable tenderness to the entire collection, a kind of reverent vulnerability. Whether recorded in San Francisco, Austin, or London, the project remains cohesive, a credit to both Michellar’s vision and the subtle but expert touch of producer Lloyd Miller (Spirit Song Studios), who helped stitch together the disparate sessions into a seamless tapestry.

At its core, 'My Alma Latina' is a celebration of unity. It’s music for the in-between moments: when identity stretches across continents, grief mingles with gratitude, and silence gives way to song. And in that in-betweenness, Michellar has found a way to honour the past without being beholden to it.

With her debut EP, Michellar explores her roots while planting new ones. 'My Alma Latina' is a graceful and gutsy first chapter, and a promise that her voice, like her journey, is just getting started.