From Montreal, Quebec, musician Ada Lea just released her debut album what we say in private. Ada Lea also works as a painter and visual artist, and cites inspiration from artists in a variety of media, including Sylvia Plath, Frida Kahlo, Karen Dalton and Nina Simone.

Ada Lea’s work on the album arose from a need to chronicle the end of a significant romantic relationship. Over the course of six months she channeled emotional turmoil into painting and music, and ultimately found herself reborn with a new sense of freedom.

Watch her perform “The Party” and “Yanking the Pearls Off Around My Neck” live in the Indie88 Black Box studio.