It’s rare to find a young artist who already knows she refuses to be confined to one genre. Meet Paloma Dineli Chesky, the vibrant New York-based singer-songwriter whose debut album Memory proves she’s ready to carve her own musical path. "I don’t want to be put in a box," Paloma says. "I love highly produced pop music, but I’ve also always loved jazz and timeless older artists. Right now, I’m blending the two worlds, trying to find my own voice. This is who I am."
On Memory, Paloma showcases her jazz-inflected acoustic side with six personal originals and three meaningful covers—some of which you may have already seen her perform in pop-driven versions on YouTube. It's a stunning introduction to a crossover career filled with raw power, emotional depth, and a style uniquely her own. As Steve Hart, host of Just Jazz, put it: Paloma has “a voice that could stop traffic.”
A Pandemic Awakening
Paloma’s journey to Memory was shaped heavily by the pandemic. Schooled through the New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers program, she had been studying composition and piano when COVID-19 halted the world. Encouraged by program director Jon Deak to weave lyrics into her compositions, Paloma leaned fully into songwriting. "Singing was always natural for me," she recalls.
While stuck at home, she taught herself music production using Logic Pro. When the world reopened, she finally stepped into a real studio with live musicians to bring Memory to life.
Songs from the Heart
From the moment Memory opens with Paloma’s soulful, bluesy take on the classic “Summertime,” it’s clear she’s not content to simply cover standards—she transforms them. "‘Summertime’ has been recorded so many times. I wanted to create a fresh groove and approach it my way," she says.
Her original songs are just as moving. The bittersweet “When the Moon’s Away” captures the feeling of joy being quickly followed by chaos and heartbreak. "People cry when I sing this," Paloma says. "It speaks to those moments when the light is overtaken by darkness."
A Musical Legacy, But a Voice All Her Own
Coming from an artistic family—her father, David Chesky, is a composer and pianist, and her mother, Patrícia Dinely, is a celebrated Brazilian actress—Paloma grew up surrounded by creativity. But her music is deeply personal and fiercely independent. "They support me, but they give me complete freedom. I write alone. These are my ideas, my sound," she explains.
Her talent was recognized early. In 2023, when ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince performed at Lincoln Center’s Youth America Grand Prix gala, producers chose Paloma’s song “Green” as the event’s centerpiece. Paloma performed it live, forming a bond with DePrince before her tragic and unexpected passing. Now, every time Paloma sings “Green,” it carries even deeper meaning.
Building Memory — And A Career
Memory is stripped-down and acoustic, emphasizing authenticity. Joining her are tenor saxophonist Maxwell Barnes, bassist Chris Ramirez, drummer Danno Peterson, and guitarist/musical director Michael Hilgendorf. "I wanted a mix closer to pop, so Michael was the perfect fit," Paloma says.
The album features standouts like:
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"Baby Face": A playful, sax-driven swing that reflects on the lasting power of soul beyond youthful appearances.
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"Memory": The title track, a sweet farewell ballad inspired by leaving Brazil to return to New York.
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"Diamonds": A mid-tempo journey rich with metaphors about savoring the moment.
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"Sober Now": Perhaps her most popular song to date, a poetic reflection on healing from addictive relationships.
When it comes to covers, Paloma is highly selective. She delivers a fierce, emotionally charged rendition of “House of the Rising Sun,” while offering a tender, Portuguese-sung version of the bossa nova classic “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars).” "I'm part Brazilian," she says. "Singing it feels like coming home."
An Artist to Watch
Paloma Dineli Chesky is a fearless young artist blending her many influences—jazz, pop, blues, bossa nova—into a style that’s all her own. Memory is just the beginning.
"I want to tie different styles and ideas together," Paloma says. "Through my chords and lyrics, I’m telling my story. I'm sharing my experiences, and hoping to connect deeply with my audience."
Memory will be released June 19, 2025, on The Audiophile Society label. It’s a must-listen debut from an artist you’re sure to hear much more from in the future.
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