Interviews

Linda Mirada presents her new album ‘Qué largo es el verano’. Featuring a collaboration with North Satellite, production and mixing by Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani, contributions from Bart Davenport and Daniel Collás of the Phenomenal Handclap Band. The album is made with a lot of joy and care and it channels Mirada’s influences into songs that shine with their own light. On the week of the release we talk to this fascinating artist.

Thank you for taking the time to talk. Where are you this moment and how are you spending the today?

Thanks for having me. Right now, I´m cooking lunch, it's still hot outside and I'm raring to going swimming at my neighbourhood pool, which closes this evening. Summer season is definitely over.

Please can you introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ana, but when I make music, I hide behind the nickname Linda Mirada. I chose this name because of a character of Sesame Street. I love how it sounds in Spanish, it's like a play on words. Linda Mirada is the Spanish translation of Leslye Mostly, one of the few adult characters of Sesame Street along with Guy Smiley. I'm a huge fan of Jim Henson's work

Where are you based?

I’m based in Madrid, Spain.

What is it you love most about the city in which you live?

Well, this city used to be great. There were lot of museums, venues, nightclubs and places to be in general. Nowadays, as I think is the case with most of European cities, it has become unbearable due to gentrification, which is killing small businesses. Now, its full of trendy restaurants (owned by investment groups) that look the same as those in other cities, with menus that taste the same.

It's no longer easy to get into the best museums, and all the interesting places require advance booking, when I used to really enjoy improvising. But, If I had to choose something that I love, I really enjoy getting lost walking around Madrid. It is full of interesting buildings and very different neighbourhoods, which gentrification is making more alike.

How is the health of the music scene where you are?

I’m not very interested in any scene anymore. I don’t think there is an interesting scene left in Madrid. I remember loving to spend the late hours of the night in goth clubs, or sometimes at mod all-nighters, or stopping at dirty garage rock bars when everything else had closed. Now is all about expensive clubs with people talking selfies and not having any fun at all. In my personal view, there’s not a chance of developing an interesting music scene in a city where young people can’t afford to live.

Apart from that, I don’t care much about bands around. Musical variety cannot emerge when record labels, including almost every independent one, only sign bands that depend on playing at big festivals or being part of NMF on Spotify. In the end music is conditioned by these factors. Songs take on a certain form because you have to play at 1am at a festival

How is the health of the music scene generally in your opinion?

I don’t think we currently have the best environment for a healthy music scene to develop. It all comes down to marketing strategies, and only just artists with exorbitant streaming figures remain visible for longer on platforms, as the algorithm favours them. It is not easy for everyone to discover new music, and FM radio became very conservative. In my humble opinion, I think it´s very boring. How on earth can an algorithm favour a fundamentalist Christian band?

What is more, music is no longer about recorded music or records, but it has become live experiences that posh people can attend so to they have something to talk about their office mates on Monday (Who else can a afford tickets over 500€?). Of course, I know people who make interesting music, but they can’t make a living from it.

Who are the icons who have inspired the music that you make?

There are so many. I love the early 80s free style scene in New York. Mainly post disco scene. But I love 60s music, swinging London, West Coast sound, Northern Soul, Motown, Stax... I love UK new wave scene, and the American one as well…

If I had to give you names the list would be very long: Early Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Nile Rodgers, Al Green, Phil Lynott, Chaz Jankel, Joe Jackson, Steely Dan, Joe Raposo, Rocío Durcal, Radio Futura, Talk Talk, Prefab Sprout, The Cars, Terry Hall, The Spinners…

How did you come to meet the Lovemonk crew?

I have known them for many years, as I also work in the music business. Our relationship as an artist began with a joint venture with another record label, with the release a 12” EP. I think is the only label I know that dares to sign certain artists. They do not allow themselves to be limited by market rules, and I love them for that.

Why did you feel the label was the right home for your release?

I think I have already answered this question ☺

Balearic pop. How do you feel about that categorisation?

I don’t really like categorisation. I find it very restrictive. I believe first time I heard this term it was with Todd Terje and similar artists. I love Italo disco, but I love Joe Jackson too. I don´t feel very comfortable with categorisation; in my view, it can sometimes discourage people from listening to it.

How long did it take to come together? Did it flow easily, or did it take some time to perfect?

Some songs flow very easily, sometimes a chorus comes to me, but others start as an idea and need to be developed. Sometimes it takes a long time to get them just right. I can be very picky, especially with lyrics, not only because of their meaning, but also because of how the words sound and the rhythm of the syllables.

Tell us about any other artists involved in the release.

Daniel Collás, I met him many years ago in Madrid. We really clicked; we have a lot in common. Our tastes in music, films. He knows a lot about Spanish music and films, especially those from the 60s or 70s. I remember we started talking about Barrabas, I thinks he is very talented and good taste when it comes to producing.

Eugene Tamborine, I met him once in Madrid, he was playing percussion with Scott Matthew, and we got along really well the night we met. After that, we kept in touch through social media. We started sharing lots of things about 70s and 80s tv shows and films and, even television adverts. Sometimes we would spend hours chatting about music or films. On top of that, he released a solo album in 2024, and it turned out to be the one I listened the most that year, according to Spotify. In the end I suggested we do something together.

Do you tend to take some time - after you have made a track – to leave it alone for a while to evaluate?

Well, I have put out a record after 12 years, so obviously it sometimes takes a long time sometimes (hahaha!!) Seriously, some of the demos are many years old. I tried to produce them a couple of times and it didn’t work. But finally, here we are after all.

Do you find the feedback of others is important to you in the production process?

Sometimes I do. But after many years I have learnt that I must first trust myself.

What are some of the challenges in putting out music currently?

To be honest, in my opinion, I think its about having the opportunity to reach or connect with someone who might like my music. And, in the process, meeting people with whom you can share your passion for music.

What drives you to create music do you think?

I have loved music since I was very young. I suppose the main reason is the opportunity to create something that has never existed before.

What other artists do you think are making great music right now?

I don't go to concerts very often, but this year I've seen Lemon Twigs twice and I love them. I love some bands that play classic American rock today. Night Moves latest album is my favourite from 2025, I think.

I also went to see Sharp Pins and really enjoyed them. I think these kinds of bands are doing something unique and appealing in terms of good melodies, great harmonies and unpredictable arrangements. I know some people say they're not doing anything new, but I think they are.

Then there are people like Jaako Eino Kalevi whose albums I usually like, or Sean Nicholas Savage. Always Ariel Pink, I think he is very talented. (is he cancelled??)

What was the last record you purchased?

ALL THE YOUNG DROIDS: JUNKSHOP SYNTH POP 1978-1985.

What has been a highlight of the last year for you?

Is the fact I went back to the studio after 12 years enough of a highlight ☺??

What can we expect next from Linda Mirada?

I’m going to release this album, do a few interviews, DJ at a couple of parties and radio shows, and then we will see!

Check out the latest release from Linda Mirada.