Sparklmami Announces Debut Album 'in this body'

Chicago artist's new record blends jazz, boleros, and community spirit.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:34pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, glittering sequins captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of Sparklmami's debut album release.Sparklmami's debut album 'in this body' blends jazz, boleros, and Chicago's vibrant DIY spirit into a communal, improvisatory listening experience.Chicago Today

Chicago artist Sparklmami will release her debut album 'in this body' on June 5th via Verve Records/slowplay. The album features new single 'no te vayas', a dusky funk track accompanied by a throwback visual directed by Sparklmami herself and featuring a cameo from Andre Gibson of the renowned Chicago musical outfit Universal Togetherness Band.

Why it matters

Sparklmami's debut album 'in this body' connects her past with her present, drawing inspiration from the jazz of 1970's Brazil and the Mexican boleros that radiated through her home growing up. The album embodies a communal, improvisatory spirit, featuring contributions from a range of Chicago musicians.

The details

The album 'in this body' was recorded with Eddie Burns, William Corduroy, Alec Trickett, Josh Jessen and Kenneth Leftridge Jr., and features instrumentation and contributions from the likes of Nico Segal (The Social Experiment, Neil Young), Alex Santilli (Thee Sacred Souls), Raphael Olivier (Etienne Daho, Yael Naim, National Jazz Orchestra), Adlai Reinhart (Shawnee Dez) and Chris Misch (Metro Boomin, Gunna, Bobby McFerrin). The album also includes prelude single 'running', which was re-released with a remix from LA producer Mndsgn.

  • Sparklmami's debut album 'in this body' will be released on June 5, 2026.
  • The new single 'no te vayas' was released alongside the album announcement.

The players

Sparklmami

A Chicago-based artist who will release her debut album 'in this body' on June 5, 2026 via Verve Records/slowplay.

Andre Gibson

A member of the renowned Chicago musical outfit Universal Togetherness Band, who makes a cameo appearance in the music video for Sparklmami's new single 'no te vayas'.

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What they’re saying

“As an undergrad in my video art class, I was introduced to The Chicago Party – basically a public access television talent show documenting Chicago arts in the mid-80s. I remember being so fascinated by not only the talent on the show, but feeling the DIY spirit that continues to carry Chicago culture forward.”

— Sparklmami, Artist

“When I was visualizing the world of 'no te vayas', I immediately knew it was going to be a party, and that I wanted to honor the Chicago community who had inspired me and been a part of my journey as an artist. I am grateful to Andre for bridging his past to my present and recreating the vibe of the most formative media from my childhood. He will always be a legend to me.”

— Sparklmami, Artist

The takeaway

Sparklmami's debut album 'in this body' showcases the artist's ability to blend her diverse musical influences, from the jazz of 1970's Brazil to the Mexican boleros of her childhood, into a cohesive and communal listening experience that celebrates the vibrant creative spirit of her hometown Chicago.