In the midst of winter in 2021, Luisa Chumbinho, a Portuguese-born alt-pop singer-songwriter based in the UK, found herself at a crossroads. Working part-time as a waitress, she was ready to leave that life behind and pursue her musical dreams. However, like many in the post-pandemic world, she was faced with uncertainty. How could she chase her ambitions without a job or stable footing? The answer came to her through a conversation with her close friend, songwriter and producer Josh Christopher. As they delved into her life story, Luisa found inspiration in her childhood, and her solo project “zinha” was born—a name lovingly given to her by family when she was young.
What followed was a year of artistic exploration. Zinha and Josh spent countless hours in his DIY recording studio in a small town, crafting what would become her debut EP, titled sad/happy. This 8-track collection reflects the emotional highs and lows of life, much like the contrasting symbols in its title. Now, zinha splits her time between the UK and Portugal, where she has established herself as one of Lisbon’s most recognized buskers. Her powerful vocals and crowd-pleasing performances have earned her a living, drawing attention as she fills the city’s vibrant streets with music.
Her EP includes songs that range from deeply personal ballads to upbeat, nostalgia-inducing tracks. “Why Do You Make Me Wait?” sets the tone with its poignant lyrics and timeless arrangement, evoking feelings of longing and heartache. Then, there’s “So Blue,” a standout track that takes listeners on a retro journey back to the lava-lamp era of the ’70s and ’80s. This song, with its funk-inspired bassline and vintage conga drum loop, encapsulates zinha’s ability to blend old and new in a unique and refreshing way. As she describes it, “So Blue” is an anthem of empowerment, signaling the end of a chapter and the strength to move forward, even when the ending feels bittersweet.
Another track, “You’re My Biggest Regret,” fuses Latin influences with indie-dance vibes, adding yet another layer of versatility to the EP. Meanwhile, “Walls” stands out as a thunderous love song, where modern soundscapes meet vintage energy, creating a rich and textured musical experience. Between each song, “fly-on-the-wall” interludes add a raw, intimate touch, seamlessly connecting the EP’s diverse tracks into a cohesive narrative.
So Blue, set to be the focus single, holds a special place in zinha’s heart. It was created almost by accident—starting with a jam session built around a funky bassline. But as soon as the vintage conga loop was added, something magical happened. The song captured a Stevie Nicks-meets-Kate Bush vibe, bringing together influences from another era while maintaining zinha’s modern alt-pop sensibilities. The track came together in just two days, and both she and Josh knew it would be the centerpiece of the EP.
Zinha’s debut EP, sad/happy, is a testament to her journey—one that blends her Portuguese roots with the influences she’s absorbed from her time in the UK. It’s the story of someone who took a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiar for a chance at something greater, and found her way through music. The world will finally get a glimpse into the unique sound and soul of zinha, the soon-to-be pop icon who started as a part-time waitress with a dream.
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