Photo: Silvio Deiaco, Danilo Gambara & Christian Kondić

The first time we saw Marina Herlop perform was at Le Guess Who? in 2022, where her intricate vocal work, layered compositions and unconventional approach to songwriting quickly drew us into her singular musical world. The Catalan composer, vocalist and pianist blurred the lines between contemporary classical music, experimental electronics and pop, creating a performance that was as disorienting as it was captivating.

Now, and following the piano-centred minimalism of 2016’s Nanook and 2018’s Babasha and the adventurous electronic explorations of 2022’s Pripyat and 2023’s Nekkuja, Herlop has announced the release of Dja Dja, her fifth album. Arriving on October 9th. the new record brings together those different strands while also introducing new elements, including brass arrangements and Balinese gamelan. Developed over the past three years, with most of it written, recorded and produced by Herlop in her home studio, Dja Dja was conceived as a single, interconnected work, with each composition forming part of a larger whole. It also marks Herlop’s first self-released album, reflecting the independent approach behind its creation.

Alongside the announcement, Herlop has shared the the lead single, ‘Jaque’, an utterly gorgeous and wildly exhilarating and absorbing piece. Take a listen below.