Samyula shares new album ‘Ethereal’

Barcelona-based composer, pianist and neuroscientist Samanta Yubero, known artistically as Samyula, is an artist whose work stands at the crossroads of music and science. Classically trained at the piano and holding a PhD in her scientific field, she draws from both disciplines to create compositions that are at once technically impressive and emotive. Based in neoclassicism, her music blends moments of serene reflection with passages of intensity, often pairing graceful piano runs with vivid string arrangements, offering listeners an immersive and truly moving experience.

Improvisation forms the backbone of Samyula’s creative process where composition is a journey, a private space where music becomes a sanctuary for reflection. She aims to craft sonic spaces that allow listeners to step away from reality, to pause, contemplate and connect with themselves. This philosophy is inspired by contemporary figures such as Ólafur Arnalds, Goldmund and Nils Frahm, while also nodding to minimalist pioneers like Arvo Pärt and La Monte Young, as well as timeless masters Ludovico Einaudi and Michael Nyman.

Her debut album Daylight, released in 2021, quickly found an audience across streaming platforms, establishing her as an essential voice in the modern neoclassical scene. She continued to develop her sound with Forward in 2023 and the 2024 EP When It’s Time to Go, each release further confirming her status as a celebrated artist. With over six million streams, Samyula has become a recognised name in her field, admired for her ability to bring together delicate melodies with emotional context.

Now, she unveils her latest full-length record titled Ethereal, released through the Pianoramix imprint. Engineered by Kjell Sonksen, the album is conceived as an inward journey, an exploration of the self, charting stages of emotional and spiritual discovery. Each track represents a different facet of this voyage; starting with the airy grace of “Ethereal” where Samyula’s soft piano notes form a mesmeric listening experience that gradually flourishes with intricate tumbles and fluttering melodic flickers.

“No One Knows Me” brings a lilting rhythmic sway, crafting an emotive piece that flows with tender performance and truly spellbinding composition. With “Duality,” she casts an enchanting scene of hushed notes that gently builds with playful bounce to forge an engaging sound from start to finish.

Other highlights include songs like “Orbit” with its serene atmosphere and absorbing melodic writing offering a soothing and utterly beautiful musical moment. “Axis” brings a steady rhythmic backing as the delicate plink of lead notes form a balletic dance above, taking listeners on a charming sonic journey of transportive instrumental music.

Adding further to the release, Ethereal also includes two reimagined versions of the title track and “Transcendent,” created by experimental composer Joan Arnau Pàmies. These reworks revisit familiar pieces from new angles, reflecting Samyula’s belief that self-discovery is rarely linear, it’s a spiral, revisiting old ground with fresh understanding. With Ethereal, Samyula continues to demonstrate her gift for crafting music that’s enduring, enjoyable and meaningful all at once.

Listen to Ethereal below