“i was searching deeeeep for validation of my identity, and i wanted to write music that honored that. spanish music. in the years since, i’ve amassed the songs that represent this side of me and now they’re ready to be heard. i’m ready to be seen.”
Nico Peña
A fanciful Latin pop rock jam tracing its lineage from Spain to San Francisco, para ti is the latest full-length album by PEÑA. Led by Nico Peña, the full band applies a psychedelic Latin jazz sonic palette (thanks to keys, alto and tenor saxophones, plus a wide variety of rhythmic explorations) to quick catchy songs pleasing from the start. On the surface, these songs are simple and carefree, but they express a depth of growth for the artist as he simultaneously explores his ancestral and cultural identity as well as his capability as a bandleader. Still, it can be easy to work with friends, and the songwriting and performances here reflect not just a personal story but the story and sounds of an artist working within community. And from community, joy.
