Nala Sinephro

2.1. Childhood and family

Nala Sinephro spent her childhood in Belgium, growing up on the outskirts of Brussels, in an area close to a forest. Her mother, who is Belgian, worked as a classical piano teacher, while her father, of Martiniquan and Guadeloupean heritage, was a jazz saxophonist.

2.2. Education and formative experiences

During her teenage years, Sinephro developed a tumor in her jaw. Following the successful removal of the tumor, she entered a period of hedonistic living, frequently visiting clubs in Brussels to experience hardcore dance music. Although her initial ambition was to become a biochemist, Sinephro eventually transferred to an arts-based high school that featured a dedicated jazz department. It was there that she discovered the harp, an instrument with which she quickly felt a profound connection.

Sinephro attended Berklee College of Music in Boston for one year but subsequently dropped out, finding that her practical experience as a sound engineer provided a more valuable education. She then relocated to London and enrolled in a second jazz college. However, she quickly withdrew from this institution as well, citing racial disparities as a key reason for her departure.

3.1. London scene and early collaborations

Upon moving to London, Sinephro became a contemporary of notable saxophonists such as Shabaka Hutchings and Nubya Garcia. She also became involved with the jazz improvisation collective Steam Down, where she honed a strong sense of individuality in her musical style. Sinephro performed regularly with Steam Down and collaborated with Robert Ames, the artistic director of the London Contemporary Orchestra. In June 2020, Sinephro began hosting her own radio show on NTS Radio.

3.2. Space 1.8

Sinephro commenced writing the compositions for her debut album, Space 1.8, between 2018 and 2019. She primarily composed on the piano, recording her pedal harp and modular synthesiser parts at her home studio. She then moved to Pink Bird recording studio to record with the album's collaborators. These collaborators included saxophonists Nubya Garcia and James Mollison, drummer Jake Long, and bassists Twm Dylan and Wonky Logic. Throughout the composition process for Space 1.8, Sinephro placed a strong emphasis on minimalism and intentionality. The album, released in 2021, received widespread critical acclaim.

3.3. Endlessness

Sinephro's second studio album, Endlessness, was released on September 6, 2024. The album featured contributions from a diverse group of musicians, including saxophonists Nubya Garcia and James Mollison, synth player Lyle Barton, drummers Natcyet Wakili and Morgan Simpson (a member of Black Midi), flugelhornist Sheila Maurice-Grey, and multi-instrumentalist Wonky Logic. Endlessness was met with further critical acclaim, appearing on several year-end lists of the best albums of 2024.

4.1. Musical approach and instrumentation

Sinephro's signature sound is often described as ambient jazz. Her primary instruments include the pedal harp, modular synthesiser, keyboards, and piano. Her compositional philosophy is centered on principles of minimalism and intentionality, which guide her in creating intricate yet understated soundscapes.

4.2. Musical influences

Sinephro's music draws from a wide range of influences. She incorporates elements from various jazz traditions, reflecting her father's background as a jazz saxophonist. Her heritage also connects her to Caribbean culture, which subtly informs her musical expressions. Furthermore, her interest in field recordings, developed during her time in Martinique, has significantly impacted her artistic output, adding unique textures and environmental sounds to her compositions.

5.1. Residency and family background

As of January 2022, Nala Sinephro had been residing in Tottenham, North London, since 2018. Her family has strong ties to the Caribbean island of Martinique.

5.2. Pandemic experience and creative development

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinephro spent several months living on Martinique. This extended stay on the island proved to be a creatively significant period for her, during which she developed a keen interest in field recordings.

6.1. Studio albums

• Space 1.8 (Warp Records, 2021)
• Endlessness (Warp Records, 2024)

6.2. Guest appearances

• "Tympanum" (2021) - Robert Ames
• "Together Is a Beautiful Place to Be" (Nala Sinephro Remix) (2021) - Nubya Garcia