Malena Zavala

Malena Zavala was born in Chaco, Argentina. At the age of three, Zavala moved to the UK and maintained her connection to the Latin world through music. She wrote, recorded and produced her debut album 'Aliso' alone in her parent’s garage, learning from YouTube Tutorials and wired on Yerba Mate. Inspired by her native Argentina, Aliso’s ten tracks recall Brian Eno, Tame Impala, Latin folk music and Argentine tea. The Guardian gave Aliso four stars, describing her debut release as “Gently warped and beguilingly melancholy guitar pop.” She immediately went from her parent’s garage to supporting Lord Huron at London’s Roundhouse and then Village Underground with Men I Trust. That summer, she featured at Latitude festival, Greenman Festival and All Points East, playing Aliso to thousands.


In her second album, La Yarara, Malena delved deeper into her Latin roots. She explored the great Latin musical traditions of Cumbia, Bolero and Andean folk. Clash Music called the single, “an inspired piece of left-field pop” and “a subtle take down of the boxes women are placed in by patriarchal society.” She continues that journey with her new songs, blending the challenges and dilemmas of her inner life with the forms of her musical heritage.