Hey music lovers, have you ever stumbled across a song that feels like it’s speaking directly to your soul? That’s exactly what zinha’s latest single, Walls, does. Dropping on August 14, 2024, this stunning ballad is a sneak peek into her debut EP, ☹☺ [sad/happy], set to arrive via B3SCI on September 20. If you’re into adult contemporary, singer-songwriter vibes with a dash of alt-pop magic, zinha’s got something special for you. Let’s dive into why Walls is about to become your new obsession and get to know the artist behind it.
A Melody That Hits All the Feels
Walls is one of those songs that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. Born from a spontaneous studio session between zinha (aka Luisa Chumbinho) and her collaborator Josh Christopher, the track is raw, emotional, and beautifully unpolished. Recorded live without a metronome—yep, you read that right—this ballad captures the organic ebb and flow of real emotion. The melody, rooted in a snippet Josh had on his phone, weaves together haunting chords with zinha’s soulful vocals, creating a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.
Lyrically, Walls is a gut-punch. It’s about the moment a relationship—romantic, platonic, or otherwise—reaches its breaking point. Zinha describes it as “the crashing of waves, the rumbling of the underground, and the sound of hard rain falling.” You can feel the weight of those words in every line, as she sings about love’s inevitable end with a mix of vulnerability and strength. The production keeps things minimal yet powerful, letting her voice and the piano-driven arrangement take center stage. It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone, with headphones on, letting the emotions wash over you.
Meet Zinha: From Lisbon’s Streets to Your Playlist
Luisa Chumbinho, the Portuguese-born, UK-based artist behind zinha, is a name you’ll want to remember. Her journey to this point is as inspiring as her music. Back in 2021, during the chilly post-pandemic winter, Luisa was working as a part-time waitress, dreaming of a music career but unsure how to make it happen. A heart-to-heart with her friend and producer Josh Christopher sparked the idea for her stage name, zinha—a childhood nickname from her family. That personal touch sets the tone for her music: intimate, authentic, and deeply rooted in her experiences.
The duo spent a year crafting her debut EP, ☹☺ [sad/happy], in Josh’s DIY studio, resulting in an 8-track collection that’s as eclectic as it is cohesive. From the heart-wrenching ballad Why Do You Make Me Wait? to the retro-bop So Blue and the Latin-infused You’re My Biggest Regret, the EP promises a little something for everyone. Walls fits perfectly into this mix, showcasing zinha’s ability to blend modern alt-pop with vintage singer-songwriter vibes.
Now splitting her time between the UK and Portugal, zinha has become a fixture in Lisbon’s music scene, busking at city hotspots and earning a full-time living with her captivating performances. Her crowd-pleasing covers and original songs have made her a local legend, but with Walls and her upcoming EP, she’s ready to take on the global stage.
Why Walls Matters in Today’s Music Scene
In an era where pop music often leans heavily on polished production and predictable formulas, Walls stands out for its raw honesty. The adult contemporary and singer-songwriter genres are having a moment right now, with artists like Adele and Norah Jones paving the way for emotionally driven storytelling. Zinha’s sound taps into this trend while adding her own alt-pop flair, making Walls a perfect fit for playlists alongside contemporaries like Maggie Rogers or Phoebe Bridgers.
Plus, the DIY ethos behind the track resonates with the growing wave of independent artists taking control of their careers. Zinha’s busking roots and hands-on approach to her EP reflect a broader movement in the music industry, where authenticity and grit are just as valuable as a big-budget studio.
Get Ready for ☹☺ [sad/happy]
With Walls as a teaser, the anticipation for zinha’s debut EP is sky-high. The 8-track project promises a rollercoaster of emotions, from introspective ballads to groovy, thought-provoking bops. The inclusion of “fly-on-the-wall” interludes adds a unique touch, making the EP feel like a cohesive story rather than a collection of singles. Mark your calendars for September 20, because this is one release you won’t want to miss.
Join the Indie Music Revolution with DistroKid
Zinha’s journey from busker to rising star is proof that independent artists can make waves in today’s music world. If you’re an artist dreaming of sharing your music with the world, platforms like DistroKid make it easier than ever to get your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Plus, you can save 7% on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a small step that could lead to big opportunities, just like it did for zinha.
What’s Your Take?
So, what do you think of Walls? Are you feeling the emotional vibes, or are you more excited for the retro grooves of zinha’s EP? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s chat about this rising star. Don’t forget to share this post with your music-loving friends—zinha’s story deserves to be heard!
