Carla Patullo’s name is one not necessarily known in the mainstream realm. Navigating the fringe territories of ambient, new age and avant-garde musical practice, the Los Angeles-based composer and visionary has built a celebrated catalogue packed with ethereal, hypnotic soundscapes, bucolic neo-classical explorations, and tender song-form chants. Patullo is rather good at that, as her latest album ‘Nomadica’ clearly showcases. Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Tonality choir (Bjorn collaborators), Scorchio Quartet, and Martha Wainwright, the record acts as an adjoining bridge between lush aural matter and a deep lyrical concept.
You heard us correctly: not only is ‘Nomadica’ some of the most stunning and mesmerising music we have heard in a while. It’s also incredibly meaningful and honest, moving with purpose and cathartic allure through nostalgic imagery, soul-wrenching grief, and intense introspection. Seeking to honour the early loss of Patullo’s mother, the LP sounds as heartwarming as a motherly embrace; it’s compassionate, yet stirring and evocative. It’s not a surprise that the album was able to gain a Grammy Award just over a week ago in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. It’s a beautiful, sublime offering.
Uncovering the meaningful premise behind her nuanced body of work, Patullo explains: “I was struggling with the shock of my mother’s death, and with the fear of my own. On the hardest days, I sat in front of a microphone and sang. Little by little, I began feeling glimmers of light from her. Through that process, I released pain that I had been carrying for years, and I also finally accepted myself, especially that part of myself that was frozen in time when she died. And instead of a dead end, the music helped me see connection and adventure ahead.”
‘Nomadica’ gains Carla Patullo her second Grammy Award to date, following up on the one she won for ‘So She Howls’ in 2024. The future is bright.
Recommended! Discover ‘Nomadica’ now: