“She doesn’t hold back, letting her creativity pour out over spiritually driven tracks...”
Julyssa López
With a welcoming sound that embraces cumbia, vallenato, rancheras, jazz and American pop and jazz, the singer-songwriter Alea moves her audiences with messages of the spirit, calls for social change and free-flowing love. Originally from La Guajira, Colombia, Alea’s performance encompasses an entire generation of ethno-futuristic and folkloric music accentuated by buttery vocals, deep-rooted grooves and uplifting guitar. Alea’s in-person performances are powerful encounters of the spirit, passionate travelogues that link downtown New York to a tropical Colombian cantina. They are celebrations of Latin America and new definitions of what “Latin Alternative” can be.
@alealeamusic
Her latest album, 2021’s Alborotá, was shortlisted as among the Best Latin Music of the year by both Rolling Stone and NPR.
That acclaim was especially meaningful for an artist whose songs blossom from a personal place. “The ideas for Alborotá came out of an intimate exploration of my own roots,” Alea says. “I wanted to write about topics that are integral to my experience as a Latina and as an artist: feminism, pride of self, fear of failure, immigration, abuse and harassment. Translating the expression of this album into a fully-considered live event should be more than going through a setlist. I want my concerts to give the audience the same feelings of excitement and release that making Alborotá instilled in me.”
Read more reviews by SongLines Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan. El Espectador, La W Radio, Shock, Radio Nacional de Colombia, Jazziz Magazine, NTN Tenemos Que Hablar.
ROLLING STONE, USA
The 35 Best Spanish-Language and Bilingual Albums of 2021
JULYSSA LOPEZ Dec 2021
BROOKLYN VEGAN, NY
Alea releasing new album ‘Alborotá,’ playing NYC (watch a new video).
Andrew Sacher, August 18, 2021
NUESTRA TELE INTERNACIONAL, NY
TENEMOS QUE HABLAR
[Alea: Alborotá]...The entire album is a celebration of the cultural and musical diversity of Latin America and especially Colombia.
Alfonso Díaz, Octubre 2021
EL ESPECTADOR, Colombia
Alea breaks molds with "Alborotá"
Valeskha De La Hoz, Octobre 2021
JAZZIZ MAGAZINE, NY
David Myles, Alea, Andy Farber & More: New Release Cheat Sheet
Matt Micucci, August 20, 2021