María de los Ángeles Rozalén Ortuño (born June 12, 1986), professionally known as Rozalén, is a Spanish singer-songwriter from Letur, Albacete. She is recognized for her distinctive voice, folk-pop musical style, and lyrics that frequently address social issues, feminism, and personal reflection. Her music blends traditional Spanish sounds with modern pop and singer-songwriter influences, often characterized by its poetic quality and emotional depth.
Early Life and Education
Born in Letur, a small village in the province of Albacete, Rozalén developed an early interest in music, learning to play the guitar and charango. She pursued higher education, earning a degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Music Therapy. Her background in music therapy has influenced her artistic approach, particularly her commitment to inclusivity and social engagement. During her academic years, she began performing in local venues, refining her unique sound and lyrical style.
Musical Career
Rozalén's professional music career began to gain momentum in the early 2010s. Her debut album, Con derecho a… (2013), quickly garnered attention, featuring popular singles such as "80 veces" and "Comiéndote a besos." This album showcased her ability to craft compelling narratives and connect with a broad audience through her honest and thoughtful songwriting.
Subsequent albums, including Quién me ha visto… (2015) and Cuando el río suena… (2017), solidified her position as a leading artist in the Spanish music scene. Cuando el río suena… achieved significant critical and commercial success, earning her a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album. This album featured the acclaimed track "La puerta violeta," which became a powerful anthem for the feminist movement in Spain.
In 2020, she released El árbol y el bosque, another critically acclaimed work that continued her exploration of personal and societal themes, for which she received a Latin Grammy Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album in 2021. Her most recent album, Matriz (2022), further delves into her roots and the traditional sounds of her homeland.
Social Commitment and Activism
A defining characteristic of Rozalén's career is her strong commitment to social causes. Her lyrics frequently tackle themes such as gender equality, human rights, environmental protection, and social justice. She is a vocal advocate for feminism and consistently uses her platform to raise awareness about various social issues. Reflecting her background in music therapy, many of her live performances feature a sign language interpreter on stage, ensuring her music is accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and emphasizing her dedication to inclusivity.
Discography
- Con derecho a… (2013)
- Quién me ha visto… (2015)
- Cuando el río suena… (2017)
- El árbol y el bosque (2020)
- Matriz (2022)
Awards and Nominations
Rozalén has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including several Latin Grammy nominations and a significant win for Best Singer-Songwriter Album. Her music has been recognized for both its artistic merit and its profound social impact.