NALA, the rising indie pop and art pop artist releasing music under the name thenaland, has unveiled her latest single, Rapunzel—a breathtaking and deeply personal masterpiece. Blending orchestral grandeur with modern pop sensibilities, Rapunzel is a striking display of NALA’s artistic depth. More than just a performer, she is the mastermind behind every element of the song, having written the lyrics, composed the music, arranged the orchestral elements, and performed the intricate piano parts herself.

At its core, Rapunzel subverts the fairytale of romance through a feminist lens, using the fairytale as a metaphor for the invisible yet powerful restraints imposed on women through romantic ideals. NALA’s lyrics cut through the illusion of love-as-freedom, revealing how traditional expectations serve as a cage for patriarchy. Her vocal performance is haunting and evocative, effortlessly transitioning between delicacy and strength, mirroring the tension between hope and disillusionment.

Musically, Rapunzel is one of NALA’s most ambitious works yet. Her orchestral arrangement is both sweeping and intimate, with strings and crescendos that elevate the song’s emotional depth. The piano, played by NALA herself, serves as the heartbeat of the track, adding a raw, personal touch that grounds the ethereal instrumentation. The result is a cinematic and deeply immersive listening experience. NALA’s vocal performance is both delicate and powerful, oscillating between vulnerability and defiance. Each line is packed with emotion, her voice soaring over the lush instrumentation, leaving listeners in awe of her range and ability to convey complex emotions with grace and precision.

To bring her vision to life with pristine clarity, NALA worked closely with longtime partner Jeremy Zheng, who handled the recording, mixing, and mastering for Rapunzel. Jeremy’s expertise ensured that the complex orchestration remained balanced, allowing NALA’s voice and intricate compositions to shine without being overshadowed. Jeremy plays a crucial role in refining the sonic landscape, preserving NALA’s artistic vision in Rapunzel.

With more self-produced music on the horizon, Rapunzel marks a defining moment in NALA’s evolution as an artist. Releasing under the name thenaland, she is carving out a unique space in indie music, where storytelling, composition, and performance exist in perfect harmony. If Rapunzel is any indication, NALA’s journey is just beginning—and it’s one that promises to be as fearless as it is groundbreaking.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6825UQwLJ5H299BIu0ftEk?si=f4c822193750470a

Instagram:

Connect with NALA @thenaland

Connect with Jeremy Zheng @jeremy.rcdvr

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