Alba LaMerced: "Beyond the songs, in my concerts I convey stories and emotions"

After touring stages across Spain, and sharing festival lineups with artists like El Kanka, Kiko Veneno, or IZAL, the singer, guitarist, and pianist Alba LaMerced returns to Málaga to perform a concert next Saturday, January 24 at 9:30 PM at La Cochera Cabaret. This performance marks the beginning of a crucial year for the young artist from Málaga, following her recent move to Madrid. In 2026, she will release new songs that recapture the essence of her beginnings while exploring styles never before seen in her repertoire.

Soon it will be the first anniversary of the release of your debut album, 'Ciudad Matriz'. How have you experienced the journey of this first album?

Creating a first album is a process that involves a lot of learning. It's an album that continues to evolve with each live performance. I was eager to have a catalog of who I am, of what my life has been up to this point. As the creation and recording of an album is such a slow process that takes so much time, I believe that some of the songs from this first album no longer represent me in this new artistic stage that I am in. It has been a project that has helped open doors for me in the music industry and allowed the public to get to know me. And it tells a very personal story: my own experience in my city, though it could be transposed to any other city experiencing what Málaga is going through now.

Listening to 'Ciudad Matriz', its eclecticism is striking: each song opens up to new styles. There is a journey through Latin American folklore, but also genres from American popular music like blues and jazz, and a distinctive local stamp. Within your proposal, many artistic personalities coexist, right?

I try to fight a bit internally with that tendency to define myself a bit better. But this eclecticism is part of me, of what I like to be as an artist. However, I believe that in art one must try to define oneself, and although it is quite difficult for me, I am beginning to achieve it, thanks to the maturity and learning that making this first album has provided me. But always being true to what I feel and to what I create.

What does Málaga as 'Ciudad Matriz' bring to you?

Málaga is very present in 'Ciudad Matriz', and also in the new songs I am currently working on. The relationship I have with my city is something unbreakable.

On January 24, you will offer a concert in Málaga, at La Cochera Cabaret. What does it mean to return to your city to perform live? What will you offer the audience in this performance?

It will be a very special concert: in some way, it is a closure to a stage. It will be the second presentation I do in Málaga of 'Ciudad Matriz'. We will sing the songs from the album again, along with some unreleased ones that have not yet seen the light. We will also present my new single, 'Ponte guapa'. It will be a beautiful concert, where I will be accompanied by many musicians. I hope to move the audience with the stories I am going to tell: my concerts are not just about singing songs, but also about telling stories and conveying messages and emotions.

'Ponte guapa', your latest single, marks a notable shift in your sound: there is an approach to club music and electronic rhythms. Is this part of that path of rediscovery and change you are immersed in as an artist?

Yes, it's a song where I start to find other ways of transmitting, embracing other styles that I also like and excite me. What is coming next also starts from there, but at the same time, it will be different. With the new year, I feel that I am increasingly clear about where I need to go. Although it approaches 'Ponte guapa', what I am doing will also mean a return to my roots, to what I am, to my guitar, voice, and piano, seeking vulnerability.

As you tell us, you are already working on new songs. What will Alba LaMerced offer in 2026 after the concert on January 24?

I feel that this year will mark a turning point in my career. I believe that for the first time I am really doing what I want. I am at a point where I am very happy, working hard, and listening to myself, being true to myself. I am going to take it easy to release songs when I feel I should, without rush and without ties. Letting the song be born, and flow as it wants. This year I hope it brings me many things: since I moved to Madrid a few months ago, my career has taken off quite a bit, and I have had some very beautiful opportunities.

Tickets for the concert of Alba LaMerced on January 24 are available atthis link.