LOTA

Today, we celebrate Ray Lozano's highly anticipated sophomore album, SILK & SORROW, co-produced by the amazing Samon Kawamura.

Released via Melting Pot Music, the 11-track record is a beyond-worthy follow-up to her 2021 debut Pairing Mode, on which she also worked with Kawamura. With SILK & SORROW, the Cologne-based artist delves into the paradoxes of everyday life, crafting an emotional and beautifully rough soundscape that resonates with those navigating the push and pull of intimacy and isolation, overwhelming emotion and emptiness. The album's title quickly sets the stage of the duality we all live in - Silk wraps you in warmth and reassurance, while Sorrow delivers an unexpected emotional blow.

Before we dive headfirst into the full record, I wanted to share with you my favorite (at the time of writing this) song from SILK & SORROW called "LOTA". From the very first delayed guitar chord, which by the way gave me a strong Frank Ocean vibe, I felt instantly drawn into what was coming ahead, and as soon as Ray's humming harmonic voice started, I knew I've found a new emotional home. A perfect example and reflection of how tenderness and heartache coexist, inseparable and ever-present, shaping our experiences whether we embrace them or not.