As we root through our cupboards to find scarves, coats and every layer possible for the next few months, summer and festivals may be the last things on our minds. But, with the new year so close, here at Gigslutz, we want to get ourselves ahead of the game and get the lowdown what to get excited about in 2019.

As the festival to kick off the summer season and the home of new music, Live At Leeds are lending us a hand. Over the next few weeks in the run-up to Christmas, we’ll be introducing ourselves to the emerging talent on their line-up with festive playlists, what tracks make them resemble Scrooge, and their tips for the big day.

The decorations might not be up yet, but the first to add some cheer to Gigslutz this year is Malena Zavala. The Argentinian-born musician, producer and filmmaker has created herself a beautiful-sounding niche within music with her take on psych-pop. Her dreamy and calming vocals mix with reverb-heavy, yet soft riffs that are almost spell-like in their composure.

You can catch Malena Zavala at Live At Leeds 2019. Tickets are available HERE.

Malena Zavala’s Christmas Survival Guide

Top three tips to make the most out of Christmas Day

As I say I’m not festive. But this year there’ll be three key things I’ll be doing at Christmas…

Writing songs by the beach in Spain
Wine.
Eating lots of food with my parents

Least favourite Christmas song

I’m not really a festive person, so naturally I’m not a fan of all Christmas songs. What is good though? What’s that new Tyler the Creator Christmas EP saying…

Malena’s Christmas Playlist

Not one to make a fuss out of the holidays, Zavala has given us a more alternative take on the usual jolly-sounding yet irritating by September 1 lists.