Maria Chiara Argirò announces new album, releases new single

Rising electronic luminary Maria Chiara Argirò is announcing her highly-anticipated album Closer due 26 April via US label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Nosaj Thing, Classixx, JIMMY EDGAR). Closer is a testament to Maria’s journey of self-exploration, and a manifestation of her profound connection with music. Rooted in an indescribable feeling that compelled her to create, the album transcends boundaries and traverses the spectrum of electronic music with unparalleled depth and clarity.

On the album, she says: “It is about a feeling, a dreamlike feeling in motion, a feeling that we cannot describe, a dream I’m sort of walking through. Emotions / dreams / feelings that sometimes you can just imagine, a dreamlike world where we walk through to get to the core of ourselves a bit more, even if things are completely undefined and blurry. While working on the music there was this strong feeling – at times blurry and at times more defined – of getting, with every single note, closer and closer to the person I want to be. Free. Curious and consequently Aware, Connected and Closer to the people I love. There is so much noise in this world, I think being direct, gentle, light, open and connected is the key.”

Photo credit: Dimitris Lambridis

The titular single Closer is also out today, an hypnotic embrace crafted with expert production, undulating synth and exuding an understated lo-fi charm. Layered and hypnotic vocals reminiscent of Imogen Heap gradually unfold to reveal an ethereal sonic landscape.

The accompanying dance-based music video depicts a very personal story. The visual storytelling and cinematography are both honest and raw, with a constant forward momentum provided by dancer Klaudia Wittmann as she moves gracefully through different settings.

Director Raoul Paulet offers: “A woman relives her journey on this planet in the pursuit of belonging. Only through the acceptance of the world around her, she can find our true self. Or, is it the other way round?”

Maria herself explains that “This song explores the dream of navigating life, finding where you truly belong and discovering freedom within this feeling. It’s a journey centered on connecting with oneself and getting closer in a dreamlike world.”

Argirò has been a central figure in the UK jazz, classical and electronic worlds since she moved to London from Rome over a decade ago. A skilled pianist since childhood, she’s collaborated with everyone from These New Puritans to Jono McCleery to Jamie Leeming alongside output with Moonfish. Her previous solo album, the stunning electronic jazz-fusion record Forest City, received widespread critical acclaim and was covered by the likes of The Guardian, Pitchfork, Vogue, and Rolling Stone. Her music has featured in the Netflix series, Elite, and she can count the likes of Four Tet and Gilles Peterson as fans, with the latter describing her music as “absolutely crazy good”.

The result of this journey, both sonic and personal, can be keenly felt on Closer. Maria explains: “While working on the music there was this strong feeling of getting, with every single note, closer and closer to the person I want to be.”

Finding clarity and sharpened definition in between blurred lines and dreamlike worlds, is the core duality and dichotomy that underpins Closer. Not only is this reflected in the philosophy that drove Argirò’s creative approach but it results in a genre-fluid record that gracefully blends engulfing atmospheres, glistening synths and pummelling beats; creating a space where melody and deconstructed rhythm harmoniously coexist.

Maria Chiara Argirò Tour Dates

8 – 16 March – SXSW, Austin, Texas

4 April – Apollo Club, Milan

5 April – Monk, Rome

25 April – Lower Third, London

18 – 21 Sep – Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg

Maria Chiara Argirò – Closer – tracklisting

1. Light, 2. Closer, 3. Grow, 4. September, 5. Time, 6. Koala, 7. Sun, 8. Game, 9. Air, 10. Floating