Start Listening To: Ona Mafalda

A London-born, Madrid-shaped artist finding new clarity in pop-rock that feels bold, heartfelt and instinctive.

Ona Mafalda’s music has always carried a sense of movement, shaped by the cities and cultures that raised her. Born in London with Spanish roots and now based in Madrid, she blends the sun-soaked warmth of the Mediterranean with the sharper, electric pulse of the UK’s alternative scene. Her new album Reset captures that crossroads with striking honesty. It’s a record built on instinct and self-trust, leaning into powerful guitars, bilingual storytelling and an emotional clarity that comes from starting again without fear. Across these songs, she strips things back to what feels true, writing from moments of exhaustion, renewal and the quiet bravery of choosing a new path. Here, she reflects on reconnecting with her roots, working between Madrid and London, the lessons learned from opening for Coldplay, and why beginning again can be one of the most empowering things an artist ever does.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

I’m Ona Mafalda, a singer and songwriter born and raised in London, with Spanish roots. I moved to Madrid five years ago, and ever since, the mix of all these places has shaped who I am and the music I make. My sound blends the warmth of the Mediterranean with the harder, electric energy of London, and these days it leans into pop-rock. I usually start writing from a feeling or a story I really need to share, and I build my songs with organic textures,real instruments, and melodies that are both delicate and strong. If you’re just discovering my music, I hope it feels heartfelt, exciting, and powerful to you.

What was your creative process like while recording your new album Reset, and how did it differ from your previous work?

Every time I start a new project, I grow from the last one, so the process for *Reset* felt very different. I went into the studio wanting to be braver and more honest, experimenting with powerful guitars, heavier production, and a more energetic sound. I also wrote more from instinct, which made everything feel freer and more fun. In many ways, the album’s title makes sense. I went back to the mindset I had when I first started writing songs, creating from a pure place and trusting my gut.

How was the album produced?

This album wasn’t made with just one producer. I collaborated with a few. It was important for me to work not only with people in Spain but also to go back to London and develop the project there too, working with producers like Mac Wetha and Dan Holloway. We experimented with different guitar sounds and textures, which really helped shape the energy and identity of the record

Can you share any specific moments or experiences that inspired the lyrics of ‘Harta’ and ‘Broken Games’?

Harta’ came from a moment where I was honestly just exhausted with situations, with people, and with versions of myself I’d outgrown. I wrote it during a time when I really needed to set boundaries and reclaim my space. It was actually the last song I recorded for the album and almost didn’t make it in because of timing, but I’m so glad it did.

Broken Games’ came out of my first sessions with Mac Wetha and ended up being one of the first demos for the album. This song in particular really marked the path for what the rest of the record was going to sound and feel like

How do you approach blending Spanish and English in your songs, and what significance does this bilingualism hold for you?

Blending Spanish and English feels very natural to me because it reflects who I am. I grew up in London with a Spanish background, and I’ve been living in Madrid these past few years, so switching between languages is just part of my everyday life. When I write, some feelings come out in English and others in Spanish. I just try to stick to whatever feels most natural in each writing session

What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from the songs on Reset, particularly in the context of starting over?

With *Reset*, I hope listeners feel ok with starting over. The album is really about letting go of things that no longer serve you, habits, relationships, versions of yourself and making space for something new. A big theme for me is not being scared of beginning again. Rebuilding yourself, trusting your instincts, and choosing a different path can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also incredibly empowering. I want people to feel that it’s okay to hit reset, to step into the unknown, and to grow into a version of themselves that feels more honest and aligned.

How has your experience opening for Coldplay influenced your music or performance style, and what did you learn from that opportunity?

Opening for Coldplay was honestly one of the most amazing experiences. It pushed me to think differently about my own performance style, to be more open, more present, and to trust the unbelievable energy of the crowd. Watching their team and the way they work was incredibly inspiring as well. I came away from the experience more confident, more motivated, and with a clearer idea of the kind of artist I want to continue becoming.

In what ways do you feel your music reflects the cultural influences from both Spain and the United Kingdom?

My music naturally reflects both Spain and the UK, because those places shaped me. The melodies and production often lean more toward a UK sound, edgier, more alternative, which comes from the bands I grew up listening to like The Libertines, Florence + The Machine, and Arctic Monkeys.The lyrics, though, tend to come out more in Spanish, where I feel I can express emotion in a direct and honest way. That mix happens without me forcing it, it’s just the blend of the two cultures that make me who I am.

Can you describe the visual aesthetic you aimed to create for the album artwork and how it complements the music?

For the *Reset* artwork, I wanted something really honest and stripped back, just me as I am. That’s why I’m in a white T-shirt and jeans. It felt real, comfortable, and true to the place I was in while making the album. The whole idea was to keep things clean and natural, almost like a fresh start. It matches the music because *Reset* is all about going back to basics, reconnecting and starting again with clarity.

What is the significance of the title Reset, and how does it encapsulate your journey as an artist at this moment?

I called the album *Reset* because that’s exactly what it is, a fresh start. It marks a moment where I let go of old expectations, trusted my instincts, and wasn’t afraid to try new things. It’s me beginning again, but in a way that feels truer!

What role does your community play in your music, and how do you engage with fans?

My community means so much to me. I don’t just like interacting online, I honestly love meeting people after shows, chatting, and hearing their stories. Those moments make everything feel real and remind me why I make music in the first place. Connecting with fans inspires me and makes me feel like we’re growing this project together.

What do you love right now?

The other day I went to a show by a band that completely blew me away, The Molotovs. I’m obsessed with what they’re doing right now

What do you hate right now?

Baby Shark song (sorry)

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

Babyshambles. I remember driving to school and my mum played that album on repeat for like a month. It basically became the soundtrack of my mornings, and it’s a big reason I fell in love with music in the first place. Every time I hear it now, it takes me right back to that moment of discovering something exciting for the first time

When someone hears your music for the first time, what do you hope sticks with them?

That it made them feel something real, even for a moment!