Girl Ultra falls back in love on latest EP ‘Blush’

Girl Ultra falls back in love on latest EP 'Blush'

As I delve into the vibrant world of Girl Ultra, I am struck by the profound impact her music has had on not just one but several lives. The story of Napo Pineda and Daniel Moreno, two young lovers bonded over the relatable tunes of this Mexican pop sensation, resonates deeply with me.


Amidst the bustling charm of Roma Norte, Mexico City’s fashionable neighborhood filled with upscale vintage stores, captivating street art, and stylish eateries, I, Girl Ultra, often find myself yearning for a reprieve from its crowded allure. Rather than shunning it completely, I bravely navigate through the chaos to reach my sanctuary – a cozy studio nestled atop one of the artist communities that tower above this vibrant area.

Moving up to the sixth floor of the building, her initial irritation dissipates as she steps into the small recording booth with an outdoor terrace. This booth serves as Girl Ultra’s primary workspace, where the 28-year-old initially immersed herself in modern sounds and continues to explore new avenues of experimentation. Having navigated her arduous journey to this cherished studio, the Mexico City-born musician learned to accept duality and conquer self-criticism during the creation of her latest EP “Blush.

According to De Miguel, he felt bold in his actions, crafting items that he’d long desired. If something didn’t satisfy him, he wasn’t hesitant to discard it. It seemed like a playground for children, and with ‘Blush,’ he experienced freedom.

Several months following its debut, De Miguel pauses in sunny Los Angeles during a crisp September day to mark the eagerly anticipated vinyl launch of his EP.

Amidst downtown’s grand warehouses and luxury stores, nestled within the Arts District’s Row DTLA shopping center, I observe her from afar. She was easily recognizable in her casual attire – a roomy leather jacket paired with a black miniskirt – exuding excitement as she walked towards me. With anticipation for a “Blush” vinyl copy, it marked the first time she had seen a tangible version of the project, which initially dropped in July. Before heading to In Sheep’s Clothing for an autograph session, she shared her deep connection to her work, a bond that remains strong regardless of the passing years.

In simpler terms, De Miguel stated, “Everything repeats itself. It seems like nurturing a child who won’t stay with you forever. But all you can do is wish for its growth into an outstanding individual.

Girl Ultra falls back in love on latest EP 'Blush'

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve been on quite a journey with my musical projects since 2017, releasing albums like “Adios,” “Nuevos Aires,” and “El Sur,” as well as two EPs. The process of creating music has often left me in a spiral of pessimism, questioning my worth and whether my sound truly reflects who I am. It’s been like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, much like the highs and lows of falling in and out of love.

Initially, I focused on refining my songs until they were satisfactory rather than letting them be naturally good from the start. However, with ‘Blush,’ I decided to let go of many things. It was a process of reconciliation, not only with myself but also with my past and my journey as a musician. This time around, I learned to enjoy music again and found myself deeply in love with it.

In a concise seven-track collection, “Blush” delves into themes of sadness, femininity, and transient love, offering unique narratives that contrast with typical acoustic storytelling. Instead, this artist seamlessly blends heartfelt scenes with the pulsating rhythms of hyperpop, garage beats, and dance anthems. Tracks such as “guapa” and “rimel” emit a sensual, cyber-infused sound with pop undertones, while songs like “blu” and “5to elemento” exhibit a blend of early 2000s indie inspiration and innovative jungle production styles.

As the record signing segment of the event begins, she takes her seat in front of a wall adorned with “Blush” records from top to bottom. The cover art for the EP depicts De Miguel up close, with a serious expression in her eyes, a lit cigarette between her lips, and unusually bright, pink cheeks. Inspired by the expressive power of makeup, the singer aims to address the feminine expectations she has encountered through her songwriting.

De Miguel described herself as a girl who prefers a more natural, smudgy makeup look, which she feels aligns with her personality. She’s not fond of perfection, especially in music and life. Her songwriting mirrors her lifestyle, ensuring that the song ‘Blush’ captured those feelings.

Girl Ultra falls back in love on latest EP 'Blush'

At the onset of the launch event, spectators gradually make their way in, displaying a mix of shyness and awe. The duo, Napo Pineda, aged 21, and Daniel Moreno, aged 24, show up donning identical Girl Ultra T-shirts, eagerly joining the queue that was forming. Following the signing of their albums and an unexpected photoshoot with the performer, they express that the music of Girl Ultra was one of the initial factors that bonded them as a couple.

Moreno commented, ‘Her music feels remarkably relatable compared to others. It’s unique and demonstrates the wide range of musical preferences among Latinx people.’

Pineda concurs with his boyfriend’s perspective, stating, “There’s an incredibly diverse range of Latinos creating music, often spotlighting artists like Young Miko from Puerto Rico or Karol G and Kali Uchis from Colombia. But it’s really refreshing to have Girl Ultra as our Mexican pop sensation!

As De Miguel continues to grow musically, her commitment to defying genre boundaries is essential to the evolution of Girl Ultra. Having spent a few years spinning tracks under her superhero-inspired alias, she unveiled herself as an alternative R&B artist with her debut EP, “Boys.” With her innate emo spirit and profound love for salsa and cumbia, De Miguel’s fusion of Mexican R&B soon morphed into a harmonious blend of diverse influences.

Girl Ultra falls back in love on latest EP 'Blush'

Frequently transitioning from one release to another, I’m deeply appreciative for having crafted the character of Girl Ultra, which provides me with a solid foundation amidst these musical evolutions.

As a cinephile, I embrace change just as I do with my favorite music. Reflecting on my connection to Girl Ultra, I see myself, Mariana, as the girl who gathers experiences and knowledge. Then, Girl Ultra represents the transformation and creation that emerges from this collected data.

Over time, her collection of music encompasses periods of bedroom pop, soft punk, and deep house. She acknowledges that showcasing this diverse assortment presents unique difficulties. Using a roller coaster as an analogy, she finds joy in witnessing the varying responses from audiences as they experience the frequent shifts in moods and sounds during her tours.

De Miguel shared that he has a soft spot for fast-paced tunes. As R&B evolved into club music, his performances have morphed into a harmonious mix. Regardless of the variations, everything seems to fit seamlessly together in the final outcome.

At present, Girl Ultra is accompanying bands Chromeo and The Midnight on their tour, interspersed with some solo shows. On October 24, she will take the spotlight at the Echoplex in Los Angeles as a headliner.

Exploring the intricacies of heartache, “Blush” enabled De Miguel to stretch her musical horizons more than ever. However, throughout it all, she consistently returns to a single feeling.

Before leaving to sign more records, De Miguel reminded us that we’re all just girls going through sadness and hormonal feelings.

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2024-10-17 01:31

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