Mariela debuts The Underglow, a joyful chronicle of Trans femme freedom

San Diego-based indie artist, Songwriter Sanctuary alumni Mariela will release her debut LP The Underglow on October 10. The ten song collection from Rachel Hall (the singer-songwriter/producer behind the moniker) is a raucous gender-affirming revelry that invites anyone who’s ever been ostracized to report to the dance floor for some rock candy pop music therapy.
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New tunes include:

• “Fall in Love Again” (party starter co-written with The Voice contestants Leah Colon and Sav Walters of the indie-pop duo MisterMoon.)
• “The Underglow” (sexy closer co-written with Grammy-winner Melody Walker).
• “Dust” (nostalgic confessional, co-written with Brenden St. Gelais).
• “Don’t Pretend” (razor sharp callout to the ones who pretend to care).

Fans may also recognize previously released singles including: 

• “Santa Ana” (early single signaling Hall’s arrival as Mariela).
• “Don’t Fence Me In” (bold closer co-written with Latifah Alattas of Page CXVI).
• “Brandy” (flirty romp produced by longtime collaborator Tommy E. Nixon). 
• “Therapist Said” (vulnerable breakup ballad co-written with Lily Wecks).
• “Moriah” (triumphant rejection of evangelical bigotry, another Walker co-write).
• “The Girls of Summer” (playful queer twist on a Don Henley classic, reimagined with Songwriter Sanctuary curator Lindsay White.)​

The album’s sound comes to life through a network of trusted friends and collaborators. Producer Tommy E. Nixon and guitarist Luke Gibson anchor much of the record, joined by an ensemble of musicians and friends who’ve helped shape The Underglow into both a personal capstone and communal celebration. 

Mariela - The Underglow. Photo credit Sydney Valiente

Touring & Next Chapter
Mariela will support the album with West Coast touring this fall and festival appearances throughout spring and summer, building on momentum from Hall’s 30+ date run supporting and playing in Billboard-charting artist (and Songwriter Sanctuary alumni) Flamy Grant's No More Trauma tour. 

“When I first started grappling with my own gender identity, I was desperately searching for examples of happy successful transwomen artists, and it was harder to find than it should have been,” says Hall. “Now that I’m safely settled in the joy of my identity and support of my community, Mariela is my platform to show people we all belong and that a fulfilling life full of love and support is out there!”

Congrats to Mariela on this awesome accomplishment. We know it's going to have a wonderful impact on people searching for their own examples of artistry, love, support, and joy! Speaking of, make sure to check out Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego's next show - you might discover your next favorite local artist!