Maria Chiara Argirò

“This is completely different from everything I've done before,” says Maria Chiara Argirò of her latest album, Closer. Rooted in a deep, indescribable feeling she calls “a dreamlike feeling in motion,” the record was created with a laser focus. Unlike previous works, Closer required little experimentation; Argirò possessed a rare clarity for the vision, from the production to the specific placement of a trumpet solo—a "once in a lifetime" moment of creative intuition.

A central figure in the UK jazz, classical, and electronic scenes since moving from Rome to London over a decade ago, Argirò has built a reputation as a highly skilled and ambitious artist. A classically trained pianist, she has collaborated with acts like These New Puritans and Moonfish. Her previous solo effort, the acclaimed Forest City, earned praise from The Guardian, Pitchfork, and Vogue, while her music has reached global audiences through the Netflix series Elite. She counts industry tastemakers like Four Tet and Gilles Peterson as fans, with the latter describing her work as “absolutely crazy good.”

Closer mirrors Argirò’s personal path of self-exploration. While not a concept album, it traverses a wide sonic spectrum—from ambient to dance music—while retaining light touches of jazz and a leaning towards experimental pop. This shift is highlighted by Argirò’s more central, upfront vocals. The track “Light” establishes this new sound with immersive synth-pop focused on inner balance, while the slow-burn title track “Closer” merges deft melodies with glimmering production. “Time” showcases her range, evolving from soft soul-jazz into a techno-inflected anthem, all while maintaining her signature dreamy quality.

For Argirò, the result is a genre-fluid record that balances engulfing atmospheres with deconstructed rhythms. “While working on the music, there was this strong feeling of getting closer and closer to the person I want to be,” she explains. By following her instincts and ignoring external expectations, she has created a work that is deeply personal and anchored in the inner self. As she continues to progress, Closer marks a point where boundaries have dissolved, opening the door to endless future possibilities.

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