From Benidorm to La Barrosa, LUCYCALYS finds in its roots the identity signs of its first album

LUCYCALYS has released her debut EP Del amor y del mar, marking a new chapter in her brief yet dynamic career. The album, which blends elements of flamenco, traditional Andalusian sounds, pop, and electronic music, reflects the artist’s deep connection to her roots in Cádiz. Born in Chiclana de la Frontera, Lucía Sánchez Manzorro, known professionally as LUCYCALYS, draws inspiration from the sea, the landscapes of Andalucía, and the feeling of freedom. The EP consists of six tracks, each designed to evoke a sense of openness and self-discovery, with songs such as Marina and La Barrosa serving as key examples of this thematic focus. The project was conceived with the aim of creating a sonic journey that transports listeners to open spaces and connects them with feelings of liberation. In interviews, LUCYCALYS described her vision as one where the audience could feel the air of the open, return home, or rediscover themselves through the music. This idea permeates the entire album, particularly in the video for Marina, directed by Miguel Cintas, and in La Barrosa, a track that speaks to the comfort found in familiar places. For LUCYCALYS, these locations, especially the beach of La Barrosa, are deeply tied to her identity, both personally and artistically. Her ties to Cádiz are central to the creative process behind the EP. She emphasizes that the sea and her homeland are integral parts of who she is, both as an individual and as an artist. “The beach of La Barrosa is my safe place,” she says, adding that she believes everyone needs such a space to feel at peace. This sentiment underscores the broader cultural significance of showcasing Andalucía through her music, which she sees as a celebration of a lifestyle rooted in calmness, presence, and freedom. Musically, the EP avoids rigid categorization, instead embracing a fluid mix of genres. LUCYCALYS prefers not to define the project with labels, stating that doing so would limit its scope. However, she acknowledges that all the tracks share a common atmosphere, one that inevitably evokes the sea and the south. Her collaboration with producer Tony Grox has been instrumental in shaping this sound. Their partnership began before her participation in the Benidorm Fest, and she describes working with him as a daily learning experience. “Every day brings something new,” she notes. The EP also features collaborations with musicians Cris Lora, Pula Prieto, and D3llano, whose contributions add distinct textures without compromising the overall cohesion of the work. LUCYCALYS explains that none of the songs were created with a specific strategy in mind, but rather emerged spontaneously during sessions in the studio. “We just came together and the songs flowed naturally,” she says. Behind the music lies years of artistic growth. LUCYCALYS credits her time in the choir at the conservatory with helping her overcome stage fright and discover the stage as a place of safety. More recently, she has begun studying musical theater, an education she hopes to continue pursuing. “An artist never stops learning,” she insists. “It’s always important to keep refining the voice, interpretation, and performance.” The release of Del amor y del mar represents the beginning of a new phase in her career. Yet, LUCYCALYS acknowledges that much of what has happened over the past year has directly influenced the EP. Winning the Benidorm Fest with Tamaré marked a turning point, both professionally and creatively. “Before, I composed alone in my room and could take a month to finish a song,” she recalls. “Now I’ve learned to create collaboratively and have become more comfortable in the studio.”