2025 has been an incredible year. Not only did I launch my new project under the name Nina Mae Harper, but I also recorded eight songs and played thirteen live shows. If 2026 is anything like this past year, I’m more than ready for it.
Earlier this year, I said goodbye to my friends in Trébol, the folk-country band here in Valencia that I had been part of for seven wonderful years. Saying it “broke a few hearts” is putting it mildly — and yes, mine was one of them. But sometimes a chapter comes to a natural close, and this was one of those moments. I had to move on, even if it hurt.
Country gigs under the Valencian sky
Almost immediately, I began ramping up concerts under my new artist name, joined by Toni Saiz, a long-time friend whose guitar playing I adore. Our first gigs were intimate and acoustic — sometimes literally played among trees and fields. Very country indeed. One of them was an 80th-birthday celebration for a petit Valencian abuela whose daughter-in-law came from outer Siberia. The cake was excellent, and the grandma ended up dancing to Folsom Prison Blues amongst the olive trees. A highlight, honestly.
Since May, Toni and I have been playing in bars, cafés, and even a town square on a warm summer evening. Over the summer we decided to expand the project, adding a bassist and drummer — one of our best decisions so far. Carel de Neeve (NL) and David Rowley (AUS) are both incredibly experienced musicians, and together we finally sound like a band. A real one. And it feels amazing.
Recording my debut album
Meanwhile, I’ve continued writing, composing, and recording in the studio with Helder Borges Santos, whose creativity truly knows no limits. I’m endlessly grateful for his work and so proud of what we’ve created so far. Once I’ve built up a solid collection of songs, I’ll shape them into a beautiful roots-americana-folk album.
A special highlight this year was receiving a lovely review for my song A Long Time Coming from A&R Factory. They described it as “a folk-rooted hymn of release,” praising the emotional build and the sense of letting go woven through the track. It means a lot to see the song resonate so clearly.
I’m genuinely excited for next year — and I can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring.
Nina Mae Harper 
Leave a comment