“MY ALMA LATINA” By Michellar (EP)

“My Alma Latina,” Michellar’s new EP, which she released on July 25, 2025, marks the powerful and heartfelt debut for this San Francisco-based artist. This five-track project is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a profound celebration of one's culture, spirituality, and emotions. Michellar’s Spanish and Filipino heritage, along with the Latin-infused rhythms and introspective lyrics she weaves into her work, render this debut as heartfelt and intimate as it is global. “My Alma Latina” weaves together tradition and innovation as it is built collaboratively across San Francisco, Austin, and even London, with Lloyd Miller of Spirit Song Studios leading the project.

The EP opens with the deeply poignant and poetic track “The Deep.” As the first track of the EP, it instantly draws the audience into Michellar’s emotions. London-based Michellar’s “The Deep” tells stories of personal healing, depth, and vibrant introspection. As the lyrics unfold, the instrumentation of the song feels effortlessly soft and comments on vulnerability. Michellar’s voice, warm yet fragile, captures the listener and tenderly guides them through the recollections of her introspective self. The instrumentation is subtle yet evocative, shimmering synths and gentle acoustic elements float in and out, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a powerful introduction to the EP, one that sets the emotional tone and affirms her gift for blending tenderness with truth.

Now we have the bold reinterpretation of “Ave Maria,” one of the EP’s most adventurous and creative pieces. Michellar’s rendition strays from the convention of being piously performed in religious spaces. It seeks, rather, to celebrate the humanity of the individual. Michellar’s vocals, though contemplative, are modern and suit the piece, which embodies the essence of relaxation. It does not have to be confined to a single faith or ideology; everyone, regardless of religion, can find introspection in her elegy. It’s a spiritual offering, but not in a pompous or self-important sense. It serves as a lovely memento that the act of praying can be a global articulation of optimism, togetherness, and affection.

With “Samba With Me,” the tempo lifts further. “Samba With Me” is a cheerful and percussive call to dance and to enhance interactions with others through movement. It is anchored by the Latin dance elements, which Michellar’s lineage is known for. This song is further enhanced by brass instrumentation that is bright, syncopation, and, most importantly, a core and fundamental infectious groove. Michellar’s voice here, while full of swagger, now becomes engaging and of the spirit. It reinforces the dances but also, with its creation, the spirit of camaraderie and rejoicing. It’s the kind of song that’s impossible to sit still through, a vibrant contrast to the introspective moments on the EP, and a testament to her versatility as an artist. She effortlessly transitions from soulful storyteller to festive spirit, offering listeners a full-bodied musical experience.

“If It’s Only For One Night” elevates intimacy and romance within the EP’s framework. Michellar’s emotional delivery and the track’s instrumentation shine with delicate, yearning, and subtle piano and guitar-lined approaches, lending focus to the ballad’s emotional core. Crediting her voice, the track contains deep confessions, as if she is whispering into the speakers. This track illustrates romance’s fleeting qualities, encapsulating the desire to be cherished and noticed, even if only temporarily. It is self-evident that romance is not the core focus, as the song captures humanity’s need to be glimpsed. “If It’s Only For One Night” bolsters the EP, affording Michellar more emotional range while exposing her mastery behind crafting narratives within slow and deeply felt songs.

Finally, the EP ends with “California Fields,” which evokes nostalgia while expressing love for the artist’s home, embedding the memories tied to it. The track’s recording location, San Francisco, served as a muse for Michellar’s imagined simpler versions of herself, feeling herself more deeply grounded. The song has a preponderance of acoustic alongside ambient sounds, weaving gentle folk with smooth Latin melodies. The song touches on themes of belonging, memory, and the physical and emotional landscapes that shape us. “California Fields” is a fitting conclusion to an EP so rooted in identity, bringing the listener full circle from deep introspection to joyful communion and back to home and origin. It ties the project together with sincerity and poetic closure.

In “My Alma Latina,” Michellar showcases an artistic voice that is both traditional and contemporary. The artistic strength of this project goes beyond its musical range, which includes spiritual ballads, Latin-infused dance tracks, and confessionals, to its raw emotional honesty. Michellar is indeed performing, but what she offers is fragments of her very self. From San Francisco to Austin, London, and beyond, the collaboratives and long-distance recordings add texture and depth to the EP, but Michellar’s voice, both literally and artistically, is the true glue. Every track embodies her vision to honor her Spanish and Filipino roots and advocates the unifying power of prayer and music.

Stream “My Alma Latina” now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, and Amazon Music, among other global platforms. It is a debut that must not be missed, especially for those yearning for emotionally sincere, culturally rich, and musically diverse offerings. Michellar has woven an experience into her music that, while rooted in specific cultures, transcends borders and beliefs, and reminds us of the shared human experiences that bind us all: love, struggle, joy, and the deep longing for unity.

Shout-out to Michellar for giving us “My Alma Latina,” a debut filled with purpose, passion, and poetry. May this be the first of many soul-stirring musical offerings from an artist who’s only just begun to share her story.

Written by Manuel