RISING ANDALUSIAN ARTIST & PERFORMER JUDELINE RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM BODHIRIA
The 21-year-old Spanish breakout star Judeline has released her highly anticipated debut album, BODHIRIA, via Interscope Records. The album was produced by her longtime collaborators, Tuiste and Mayo, and was executive produced by Rob Bisel (SZA, Kendrick Lamar).
Just four years ago, the artist known as Judeline (née Lara Fernández) moved to Madrid from her small town in Southern Spain, determined to try her luck at jam sessions, knocking on studio doors, and releasing songs online. Now, she is a rising global pop star with a unique tradition-meets-innovation style captured in her haunting debut album, BODHIRIA, a fantastical tour de force. Comprised of twelve mesmerizing tracks, Judeline’s album is a feat in blending of cultures, sounds and inspirations.
BODHIRIA Album Tracklisting:
- bodhitale ft. Angel-A
- INRI
- angelA
- mangata
- BRUJERIA! (album focus track)
- luna roja
- JOROPO
- 4esquinitas
- 4angelitos
- Heavenly (ft. Rusowsky)
- zarcillos de plata
- Dios Es Bueno o sólo es poderoso?
Hailing from the tiny seaside village of Caños de Meca – a hippie haven in the ‘70s – in the Cádiz province, Judeline’s electronic, beat-driven music is profoundly influenced by her Andalusian culture. The rhythmic echoes of flamenco singing, the haunting beauty of Spanish and Arab folk melodies, and the spiritual undertones of Andalusian traditions such as Semana Santa all find their way into her work, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
The artistic name Judeline comes from her father’s love for the Beatles and her childhood yearning to become a top-tier artist. This manifestation is reflected in Bodhiria, a concept she describes as a dreamy state of limbo. The word itself is derived from the Buddhist term “bodhi,” meaning enlightenment. Bodhiria is an oneiric, conceptual album that explores the themes of religion, death, toxic love, and the spaces in between.“It’s about longing, being very ambitious, and wanting to be somewhere else,” she says. “It’s a metaphor for the moment I’m going through -everything is blowing up fast, and I’m detaching myself a bit from reality”. The mysterious storytelling of Bodhiria is embodied by the character of Ángela – also the title of one of the tracks- who sings to her former lover from that liminal state, possibly the afterlife, though it remains open to interpretation. “I dream a lot, and my dreams are very visual…I like telling my friends about them. I remember them vividly,” she shares.
First singles “Mangata” and “INRI,” with music videos directed by Nono+Rodrigo, draw heavily on Catholic religious imagery and Andalusian traditions. “INRI” was partly shot at the Alcázar of Jerez, where Judeline’s maternal family hails from. Her grandfather and uncle are part of the Hermandad of El Prendimiento, which carries the Christ of the Gypsies during Semana Santa processions. “It’s my culture. I’ve always felt a strong connection when I would go inside churches or read stories,” she says of the religious iconography in her work, even though she wasn’t raised practicing. “INRI” also incorporates Arabic lyrics and melodies, reflecting the cultural mix of her upbringing, where she could pick up radio signals from Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day.
Judeline’s father, a musician working in hospitality, was raised in Venezuela during the mid-20th century migration of Spaniards to Latin America. From him, she learned to play the Venezuelan cuatro and was named after the Lara state of Venezuela. He plays the cuatro and the bandola on the track “Joropo,” a more intense, vocally challenging song that pushes Judeline’s range.
The creative process behind Bodhiria was a journey of self-discovery for Judeline, recorded between Madrid and Los Angeles. Critically acclaimed artist-producer Ralphie Choo contributed to several tracks, including “Heavenly,” which features fellow trailblazer Rusowsky on vocals. Judeline is part of Madrid’s vibrant and eclectic music scene, and working with Choo and Rusowsky was essential to the development of her album. Emerging Spanish producers like Drummie, Saint Lowe, and Louis Amoeba also played key roles in Bodhiria.
Judeline’s debut EP, *de la luz* (2022), was praised by Rosalía and Bad Bunny. She was the first Spanish artist to appear in the Spotify Singles series with a Shakira cover. Judeline was chosen by J Balvin to open his 2024 European summer tour and was featured on Tainy’s *Data* album with vocals on the track “si preguntan por mí.” She also made her Puerto Rico live debut at the famed Choliseo during Tainy’s concert in January 2024.
UPCOMING JUDELINE TOUR DATES
November 3rd – The Cirque Royal Club – Brussels, BE
November 4th – Trabendo (Pitchfork Festival) – Paris, FR
November 5th – The Lower Third – London, UK (SOLD OUT!)
January 10th – Santana 27 – Bilbao, ES
January 11th – Oasis – Zaragoza, ES
January 25th – Circo Price – Madrid, ES (SOLD OUT!)
January 31st – Pandora – Sevilla, ES(SOLD OUT!)
February 1st – Momart! – Cádiz, ES
February 7th – Aguere Cultural – Tenerife, ES
February 8th – Sala Alboroto – Gran Canaria, ES
February 13th – Palau Alameda – Valencia, ES (SOLD OUT!)
February 20th – Sala Capitol – Santiago de Compostela, ES (SOLD OUT!)
February 27th – Razzmatazz – Barcelona, ES (SOLD OUT!)
March 7th – Mamba! – Murcia, ES
March 8th – Industrial Copera – Granada, ES (SOLD OUT!)
March 14th – Sala Paris15 – Malaga, ES
Follow Judeline