Critically acclaimed contemporary flamenco singer-songwriter and composer María José Llergo takes the spotlight in the latest episode of our original series, Luckman Sessions.

From humble beginnings in Andalucía, Spain, María José Llergo has become an international sensation, evolving flamenco’s traditional roots into a style uniquely her own. Her music incorporates elements of jazz, rock, pop, and R&B, but always stays true to her flamenco foundation.

Following her breakout hit “Niña de las Dunas” in 2018, María José Llergo rose to international prominence with the release of her 2020 EP, Sanación. She subsequently earned the prestigious Goya Award for Best Original Song for “Te Espera el Mar” from the film Mediterráneo. She recently appeared as a coach on La Voz España and on stage at New York’s Lincoln Center and Primavera Sound in Barcelona.

In this episode, María José performs selections from her debut full-length album, Ultrabelleza, which has garnered praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times, NPR, and Pitchfork – also winning Best Folkloric Album from Spain’s Academy of Music and Best Album of 2023 at the Ruido Awards. She discusses the stories behind her lyrics, the production of the album, and the beauty she hopes her music expresses to the world.