Biography
Nala Sinephro is a Belgian-Caribbean experimental jazz musician, composer, and producer born in 1996 in Brussels, Belgium[1][3][5]. Raised on the outskirts of Brussels near a forest, she was immersed in music from an early age: her mother was a classical piano teacher, and her father a jazz saxophonist from Martinique and Guadeloupe[1][3]. Sinephro's childhood was marked by a blend of classical and jazz influences, and her connection to nature would later inform her ambient soundscapes. During her teenage years, she overcame a serious health challenge—a tumor in her jaw—which led to a period of self-discovery and immersion in Brussels' club scene, where she developed a love for hardcore dance music[1][3]. Initially aspiring to be a biochemist, she switched to an arts-focused high school with a jazz department, where she discovered the harp—a pivotal moment in her musical development[1][3].
Sinephro briefly attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but left after a year, finding more practical education as a sound engineer[1][3]. She relocated to London, where she became part of the vibrant jazz community, performing with the improvisational collective Steam Down and collaborating with the London Contemporary Orchestra[1][3]. Her debut album, "Space 1.8" (2021, Warp Records), was crafted through a minimalist and intentional approach, featuring her pedal harp and modular synthesizer, and included contributions from prominent London jazz musicians[1][3]. The album received widespread critical acclaim and appeared on several year-end lists[1][3]. Her second album, "Endlessness" (2024), further solidified her reputation for blending ambient, jazz, and experimental elements, and featured a broader array of collaborators[1].
Sinephro's music is characterized by its meditative, ambient qualities, intricate jazz harmonies, and the use of unconventional instrumentation such as pedal harp and modular synthesizer[1][3][5]. She is recognized for her innovative approach to composition, rooted in the study of frequency and geometry, and guided by the belief that sound moves matter[5]. In addition to her studio work, she has hosted her own NTS Radio show since 2020, and in 2025, she scored the A24 sports drama film "The Smashing Machine"[1]. Sinephro's legacy is marked by her role in shaping contemporary ambient jazz, her collaborations within London's jazz scene, and her influence on a new generation of experimental musicians[1][3][5].
Fun Facts
- Nala Sinephro overcame a tumor in her jaw as a teenager, which led to a transformative period of clubbing and musical exploration in Brussels[1][3].
- She initially planned to become a biochemist before switching to music after discovering the harp in high school[1][3].
- Her music practice is deeply rooted in the study of frequency and geometry, guided by the belief that sound moves matter[5].
- In 2025, she scored the soundtrack for the A24 sports drama film 'The Smashing Machine,' starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Sinephro's father (unnamed) - Jazz saxophonist from Martinique/Guadeloupe; inspired her improvisational style and deep appreciation for jazz (Early musical upbringing) [Childhood]
Key Collaborators
- Nubya Garcia - Saxophonist; frequent collaborator on albums and live performances (Space 1.8, Endlessness) [2018–2024]
- James Mollison - Saxophonist; contributed to both studio albums (Space 1.8, Endlessness) [2018–2024]
- Jake Long - Drummer; performed on debut album (Space 1.8) [2018–2021]
- Twm Dylan - Bassist; contributed to debut album (Space 1.8) [2018–2021]
- Wonky Logic - Multi-instrumentalist; contributed to both albums (Space 1.8, Endlessness) [2018–2024]
- Steam Down - London jazz improvisation collective; regular performance collaborator (Live performances) [2018–present]
- London Contemporary Orchestra - Collaborated on performances and recordings (Live performances) [2018–present]
- Morgan Simpson - Drummer (formerly of Black Midi); contributed to second album (Endlessness) [2024]
- Sheila Maurice-Grey - Flugelhornist; contributed to second album (Endlessness) [2024]
- Lyle Barton - Synth player; contributed to second album (Endlessness) [2024]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Endlessness | 2024-09-06 | Album |
| Space 1.8 | 2021-09-03 | Album |
| The Smashing Machine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2025-10-03 | Album |
| Space 1.8 | 2021-09-03 | Album |
| Change Ringing | 2021-05-28 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Space 1 (Space 1.8)
- Continuum 3 (Endlessness)
- Continuum 1 (Endlessness)
- Space 7 (Space 1.8)
- Space 5 (Space 1.8)
- Continuum 2 (Endlessness)
- Space 2 (Space 1.8)
- Continuum 4 (Endlessness)
- Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be - Nala Sinephro Remix (SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE)
- Space 3 (Space 1.8)
External Links
Tags: #ambient, #ambient-jazz, #electronic
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nala Sinephro has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | 06:12 | Space 8from Space 1.8 | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |