Marina Herlop: A Captivating Journey into Mystical and Experimental Folk
Headlining the Closer Music festival at Lafayette Anticipations this Saturday, January 20th, Marina Herlop has been captivating audiences with her experimental folk music since 2016. Her music is a unique blend of traditional chants, classical piano, and syncopated beats, evoking comparisons to artists such as CocoRosie and Debussy.
Marina Herlop’s latest album, “Nekkuja,” released last October, offers a captivating odyssey into a mystical and dreamlike jungle, unfolding over eight enchanting tracks. The music immerses listeners in a meditative journey, with flutes and soaring vocals harmonizing with the calls of morning birds. The album draws inspiration from Bulgarian traditional music, the experimental folk of CocoRosie, and the impressionist compositions of Debussy and Ravel.
Despite her appearance as an outgoing and talkative individual, Marina Hernández López, known by her stage name Marina Herlop, is actually a solitary and hardworking artist. Her dedication to music began at a young age, and she went on to study piano at the conservatory. In 2016, at the age of twenty-four, she released her first album, showcasing her mastery of the piano and vocals.
Her third album, “Pripyat,” released in 2022 on the respected label PAN, propelled Marina Herlop into the spotlight of the experimental music scene. Her music has garnered critical acclaim, with comparisons to artists like Björk and Kate Bush, showcasing her penchant for blending classical and contemporary influences.
Her latest album, “Nekkuja,” represents a more accessible and lyrical direction for Marina Herlop. Despite her experimentation with new elements such as Japanese traditional music and field recordings, she has embraced simplicity in her compositions, resulting in a more pop-inspired sound.
Looking ahead, Marina Herlop is already working on her fifth album, aiming for an even more ambitious and sophisticated work. As she completes her first international tour, she reflects on the importance of finding balance and maintaining her passion for music. Ultimately, her dedication to her craft transcends financial success, as she insists that she would continue creating music every day, regardless of her financial situation. For Marina Herlop, music is not just a personal need—it is her duty.
