HIDDEN GEMS - CLARA HURTADO

Written by Raabia Haq / Photography by Amadeusz Misiak

Madrid-born Clara Hurtado has been creating a pathway through the music industry over the past few years, shining through as a British-Spanish artist who is constantly redefining herself. From playing live shows on The Voice in 2017 to performing at festivals and venues across England, Hurtado is a budding musician whose authenticity, femininity and fierce drive is turning everyone’s heads.

Born to a singer-songwriter mother from Birmingham and a jazz drummer father from Madrid, music has always been a part of Clara. Always striving to connect to the Spanish culture she left behind, the artist has been working hard to uphold the freedom to express all the different sides to her. From singing along to Carlos Santana’s salsarock guitar to being captivated by Beyoncé’s runs and riffs, Hurtado has marvellously blended her Spanish and British roots in her style and is dedicated to continuously trying to find herself. After meeting with producer Raf Riley in early 2020, she has since been releasing genredefying music that explores themes of love, heartbreak and self-empowerment. Working together on multiple tracks alongside DJ RLo over the past year, Clara states: “It’s magical that I‘ve found someone who understands me and can bring out what I want musically. Raf and I are completely in tune with each other.” Her hit single ‘Perdóname’ explores the struggles of a relationship that is hanging on by a thread, and the ugly sides of yourself it can force you to recognise. Carried by a highlyaddictive beat with sultry Spanish vocals, it’s paired with a quintessential British garage style, reflecting her connection to both cultures and her diversity as an artist.

As of now, the enthralling bilingual singer has performed at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, the infamous Great Escape Festival in Brighton and the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where she supported Latin pop sensation Nathy Peluso.

Warming into a performance is Hurtado’s favourite thing about being on stage, as she states: “There are so many intrusive thoughts before going on stage, so I‘m usually on autopilot. Shifting from that to savouring the moment is an incredible feeling that just fills you with confidence. I like to be sexy on stage and I can’t wait for my personality to shine through more.” A path that has already been laid, as her enticing moves paired with her talents continue to allure listeners to what more she can bring to the stage.

Looking through the artist’s discography, there is a spotlight on Hurtado’s vulnerability and diversity. Tying in themes of sensual femininity with dark melancholy, the listener gets to experience her sincere harnessing of self-love and empowerment. Her newest project ‘Chill’ comes as a neo-soul song produced by Little George that encompasses the notion of self-love, to take a step back and give yourself a break from the constant demands of everyday life. So when a bad day comes around, Hurtado allows herself to feel every motion of it, as she has learnt self-empowerment through heartbreak: “The more uncomfortable moments come our way, the better. The part of you that knows better will guide and calm you. It’s good to bring gratefulness to your everyday life - I like to celebrate everything, big and small.”

With an EP due to be released later this year, Hurtado hopes to eventually tour and further grow as a performer. This is just the beginning of her becoming a rising sensation; we journey with Clara as she continues to connect to hearts all around the world with her authenticity and raw talent.