Markéta Irglová has released a new single titled Mona Lisa. It features stunning vocal performances by MALINDA, with string arrangements by long time collaborator Marja Gaynor. Manuel Barreto on drums and percussion and guitars by Petr Moc. The song is produced and recorded by Sturla Mio Thorisson at Masterkey Studio in Iceland.

The inspiration for the song came from Markéta contemplating women’s position in society throughout history, combining two timelines, and bridging the gap of about 500 years between the present 21st century and the past age of Renaissance. It uses the renowned Mona Lisa painting as a window through which to transport the listener into a Florentine society of the early 16th century.
“A time when women were expected to find their life’s purpose in being their husbands’ wives and bearing them children their highest priority. Women were not considered to be equal to men, therefore they did not have the same rights. In fact they were considered their father’s and later their husband’s property and they had no real independence or freedom. The the free thinking, artistic women especially, must have dreamt of having a stronger voice in society, wishing to be seen and heard. I imagine they dreamt of a better future for their daughters and I believe they did fight for that dream when possible.”
While some things have changed since the 16th century, others remain the same and in some parts of the world women’s position in society has worsened if anything.
“This brings me much sadness as I consider all the women and girls around the world being harmed and exploited, their voices silenced and their rights taken away. I am one of the lucky ones, having enjoyed a life of freedom and independence, and the opportunity to build a career as well as a family on the foundation of love and equality. I wish every woman had the possibility, and I certainly believe every woman should have the right.”

Markéta asked MALINDA to be the voice of Mona Lisa in this song, given her background in Musical Theatre and her experience in stepping into different characters. MALINDA played the role of GIRL in the Washington production of Once the Musical, and that is how the two became acquainted with one another.
“MALINDA travelled to Iceland from New York and it was a joy to watch her work her magic. The strength in her expression matched by its tenderness were the perfect tools for delivering the message of this song. I am so grateful to Malinda for lending her powerful voice to this character and bringing it to life.”

The music video was conceived and produced by Sigga Soffia, a dancer and choreographer, and Marino Thorlacius, photographer and videographer.
“Their ability to connect to the very core of this song and create visuals that so perfectly match the emotion behind each line is awe inspiring, much like Sigga Soffia’s willingness to dance in freezing Icelandic waters while making it look not just easy but elegant and graceful too. Marino has a unique talent for capturing raw reality while making it feel like utter poetry. His cinematography finds pristine beauty in the most ordinary of moments.”

The song was recorded and produced by a long time collaborator Sturla Mio Thorisson. “Mio helps me bring all of my songs into being, to mind and care for them until they are fully grown and ready to fly into the world. He also created the lyric video for all who enjoy being able to read the lyrics while listening. This song has been in the works for a few years now, and it is simply wonderful to release it now.”

The cover is created by Amy Salomone, whom Markéta discovered on Instagram under forms_most_beautiful. She saw some of Amy’s mixed media collage pieces and asked her to create one for Mona Lisa.

VIDEO CREDITS:
Direction MARINO THORLACIUS
Cinematography MARINO THORLACIUS
Choreography SIGGA SOFFIA
Editing SIGGA SOFFIA & MARINO THORLACIUS
Color Grade MARINO THORLACIUS
Graphics MIO THORISSON
Starring SIGGA SOFFIA, ÍSOLD & NÓI

MUSIC CREDITS
Mona Lisa
Written by Markéta Irglová
String arrangement by Marja Gaynor
Produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson

Vocals, piano and sampled instruments by MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ
Vocals and flute by MALINDA
Violin and viola by MARJA GAYNOR
Drums & percussion by MANUEL BARRETO
Acoustic and electric guitar by PETER MOC

Recorded, edited and mixed by Sturla Mio Thorisson at Masterkey Studios in Iceland
Mastered by Scott Hull at Masterdisk

Cover art by Amy Salomone
Graphic Design by Mio Thorisson

Released on Masterkey Sounds 2024
© 2024 Masterkey Sounds
℗ 2024 Marketa Irglova Music
Admin by Warner Chappell Publishing (ASCAP)