Colombian Enla Arboleda announces himself to the UK with new EP, Other Ways To Find Yourself.

By Graeme Smith

Enla Arboleda is the project of London-based, Colombian artist Santiago Giraldo Arboleda. He’s just come to my attention through his introspective EP, Other Ways To Find Yourself.

The EP is about his migration journey from Medellín, Colombia to our capital, an experience that pushed Santiago to the extreme. He’s reflected this in the composition of each of its tracks. As he explains: “I wrote these songs in absolute solitude, not knowing what would happen with this project or my life.”

It opens with a sense of melancholy courtesy of When The Light Goes Out. A gentle intro gives way to a steady groove while Santiago’s vocals stay soulful throughout as they deliver their wistful lyrics. There’s a freshness to his style of R&B-infused pop. It makes for a compelling start.

Define Me brings with it some dark, electronic textures while its lyrics are defiant. Daydreamer is suitably woozy, sitting somewhere between fantasy and nightmare thanks to its bittersweet jazz. I Don’t Belong Here strips things back during a reflective moment before ending big. Rewire Rewrite rounds off the EP with a hopeful, regenerative highlight.

There’s enough range, emotion and storytelling on display in his new EP to mark Santiago out as one to watch. I, for one, welcome him to our UK scene. I’m sure he’ll make a fine addition based on this EP. I’m going to be keeping an eye out for what he does next.

Other Ways To Find Yourself is out now and you can give it a listen below.