Miami artist Lu has dropped off a new album, titled PALOMA. A genre-bending, expressive artist known for his seamless combination of alt-pop, indie, alternative R&B, hip-hop, and more, Lu continues to make waves inside his home state of Florida as well as beyond for his eclectic sound and energetic versatility. A look at his musical trajectory reveals a creative restlessness. From nationwide tours to unforgettable collaborations with Florida mainstay Pouya, Lu has already built an expansive resume, and he continues to build it engagingly with his latest offering PALOMA. Veering from wistful calm to blistering intensity with ease and cohesion, PALOMA is a dynamic release bristling with creativity.
Opener "BRIGHT WHITE SKY BLUE" distills the record's diversity from the get-go. Opening with sweeping sections that blend emotive indie undertones with alt-pop, "BRIGHT WHITE SKY BLUE" then bursts into a noise-laced hip-hop soundscape that could knock the trunk of any ride. "100 DEGREES" follows next with a forward-thinking take on classic southern hip-hop influences, complete with crunchy drums, stylish, raw synths, and charismatic flows. "BUTTERFLY DOORS" contains an infectious smoothness, with a gritty yet relaxed soundscape that suits Lu's confident, laid-back vocals. "2016" closes the album on an introspective note with its powerful vocal samples and thought-provoking lyricism, laid atop a floating, bouncy rhythm section.
Behind the album’s diverse soundscape are producers Rocci, Mikey the Magician, Paperwater, and especially Delmar. Lu credits Delmar with taking his "brain vomit" and turning it into something not just listenable, but extraordinary. It’s a collaboration he says he’ll be "in debt to for a lifetime."
The recording process was a journey of artistic liberation for Lu. Driven by emotion and excitement, he describes the vibe as the "most creatively raw" he's ever felt. This wasn’t just another project for him; it was a year-long labor that reflects who he is, not only as an artist but also as an individual.
With an idiosyncratic blend of styles and an even more distinctive personality, Lu has delivered a truly dynamic and intriguing offering. Flourishes of indie, alt-pop, electronic, and hip-hop, PALOMA is sure to keep listeners on their toes anticipating the vibrant flavors and styles of each track.
For the album's release, Lu and San-Fransisco based music label and distributor EMPIRE launched a series of digital strategies and visuals focused around the first track "BRIGHT WHITE SKY BLUE". EMPIRE recognized the potential in Lu and teamed up with digital marketing strategist Avesta Shadpey to amplify his reach. The efforts bore fruit, as A&R Dañiel Paz Alexich-Duran mentions the record skyrocketed with over 10X streams from its debut at the peak of the campaign. Watch the video for "BRIGHT WHITE SKY BLUE" here now.