Malena Cadiz Delivers Resplendent Depth on New Album ‘Hellbent & Moonbound’

Los Angeles’ Malena Cadiz is a lady of the canyon waylaid at a suburban strip mall, acutely aware of how romance shines through even in moments of grit and desolation. There’s something Didion-esque about Cadiz’s storytelling as she crafts deeply personal vignettes that reveal greater narratives about the world we live in.

The ten songs on her fourth full-length album, Hellbent & Moonbound, are full of wit and vulnerability. They really capture the strange beauty and humour of day-to-day life. In the seven years since her last album, Cadiz has uprooted her life, moved across the country, became a mother, juggled odd jobs, and spent the past few years going inward.

Discussing the last few years, Cadiz states:

“I found solace in being creative. I’d gone through so many transitions. It was a moment to be still and examine who and how I wanted to be, letting go of anything that wasn’t serving me, and leaning into what was… it’s been a long marinating process.”

And precisely because of that, she’s gained a rich perspective on how changes, big and small, help us to grow into a more self-assured version of ourselves.

“Growing up a second-generation Filipino-American, I bounced between living with my mom in Michigan and my dad in Singapore. Looking for a sense of belonging has always been a part of my work. It’s an ongoing journey. But I feel like, for the moment, I’ve found it, with my community, my family, and within myself.”

Produced by Andrew Lappin (L’Rain, Madison McFerrin, Orville Peck) at WaxLTD, Hellbent & Moonbound is truly a community affair. It features some of L.A.’s most sought-after studio musicians. That list of contributors includes Jason Abraham Roberts (Norah Jones, Bedouine), Leeann Skoda (Noah Cyrus, Aimee Mann), Matt Musty (Grace Potter, Train), Pat Kelly (Perfume Genius, St. Vincent), Sam Kauffman-Skloff (Angel Olsen, St. Vincent), and composer Bryan Senti (Feist).

To celebrate the album, Cadiz is hosting a record release show at Gold-Diggers in East Hollywood. It will take place on Sunday, December 3rd. She’ll be joined by a number of the musicians from the sessions. Very special guest Clara-Nova, opens. Tickets are on sale now.

Malena Cadiz ‘Hellbent & Moonbound’ album artwork