Singer song-writer Gala has finally returned this time stronger, tougher and on her own terms. Referred to by her fans as a “cult dance artist” for her minimalist look and haunting voice, Gala suddenly disappeared at the top of
her success leaving behind an air of mystery.
She formed her own label, Matriarchy Records, in Brooklyn, New York and set out to redefine her sound. ‘TOUGH LOVE’ is Gala’s New York album. Sassy, hard-edged, a little bitchy even, yet like New York itself, impossible to ignore.
Gala has flirted with rock and roll; she has teased it and sampled its delights, and with the release of TOUGH LOVE, she has succumbed fully to its charms. Sure Gala has a history that includes selling millions of dance records, platinum and diamond sales awards, and festival appearances but on the streets of her Brooklyn home those statistics don’t get you too far. What does, is honesty and dedication to making the kind of record that comes
from the heart. TOUGH LOVE is that record.
The album is rock in attitude more than execution; old fans needn’t fear a barrage of guitars and growling vocals. Gala’s version of R&R occupies the same musical headspace as Chrissie Hynde, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry and on
occasion, the B52’s and Prince.
Yet TOUGH LOVE doesn’t completely ignore Gala’s dance/pop past. “Freed From Desire (The Un-Remix)” still gurgles with beats that recall her original version, “DKOL (Different Kind Of Love)” starts with a solid guitar riff but
quickly adds club friendly beats, and “Do It” would be at home on a Grace Jones album.
Gala’s New York story of course includes a cast of partners-in-crime; producer Marcus Bell harness' Gala’s creative expression and makes sure that all the levels line up, avant-garde drummer Deantoni Parks brings his
formidable experience touring with Lenny Kravitz and The Mars Volta to the table, and platinum-selling musician/producer Kevin Rudolf co-produced the urban tinged track “Faraway.”
But above it all Gala reigns; her vocals soaring above the fray, a true rock and roll story. TOUGH LOVE will be released September 6th on Gala’s Matriarchy label. An introductory EP consisting of six songs is currently available at iTunes.
Finishing her album in the creative pulse of Brooklyn, she is excited to be working on the music she believes in, and continues to make the most out of life.
