Moldovan-Romanian alt-pop artist Catalina Cara breaks from the mold with her new single, ‘Shinon’.

Dreamy, dancable, soul-stirring, and laced with vibrant and subtly experimental energy, ‘Shinon’ is a vibrant example of Cara’s potential. As comparable to FKA Twigs as it is top Jai Paul, the track is a shimmering synth led wonder.

Produced by acclaimed Romanian producer Mihai Ristea, the song blends euphoric synths, warm melodies, and a steady, infectious rhythm, showcasing Catalina’s signature blend of alt-pop with elements of neo-soul and electronica. Her voice, delicate and emotive, guides the track toward a shimmering crescendo that feels like liberation in sonic form.

The emotional weight behind ‘Shinon’ is real. The track was written during a personally turbulent period, and for Catalina, it became a way out — a release. Speaking about the track she explains: “Shinon was born from a moment of vulnerability and raw honesty, an unconscious dialogue between my emotions and the music. The song became my escape, a way to break free, leave my worries behind, and rediscover lightness. That’s what Shinon means to me – heartbeat, movement, hope.”

The title itself nods to the Japanese kanji for heartbeat, symbolizing the track’s emotional rhythm and sense of motion. The inspiration goes even deeper — drawing from nostalgic visuals like Back to the Future Part II and the famous rollercoaster bridge in Japan, Catalina envisioned ‘Shinon’ as a cinematic moment: driving into the stars, leaving all burdens behind.

This release marks a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution. Known for her ethereal 2020 debut EP Leap Year Baby, Catalina has steadily carved a name for herself in the alt-pop scene, earning Spotify playlist placements and appearances at major festivals such as Electric Castle, Summer Well, and Romanian Fashion Week. Through frequent collaborations with producers like Yin Creatif (Ristea’s production collective), she continues to expand her sound with intention and heart.

Watch and listen below: