UK-based Spanish singer-songwriter and artist-to-watch Gizmo Varillas is releasing his new EP “Still Holdin’ On”, accompanied by the official video for the title track, today. The EP follows the release of his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, 'The World in Colour', earlier this year.
Opening with a striking harp glissando from Wales’s finest Amanda Whiting, the single “Still Holdin’ On” is a dancefloor banger that transcends the 70s to the present day from start to finish.
“‘Still Holdin' On’ was inspired by the early days of chasing my dream of becoming a musician”. – says Gizmo. Moving to London, working kitchen and cinema jobs just to make rent, and pouring every spare moment into songwriting was my reality. After a long and tiring shift, I’d come home with a fire inside and work on my songs. Holding on to the dream that began when I first picked up a guitar kept me going, no matter how tough it got.”
The track comes accompanied by a Music Video filmed by Emiliano Bechi Gabrielli in and around some of London’s most recognisable landmarks and those that have played their part in Gizmo’s life journey.
Alongside the single, Gizmo also releases a remix by cult French artist Voilaaa. AKA Bruno ‘Patchworks’ Hobart, long revered by the likes of Gilles Peterson for his love of funky disco music mixed with African and Caribbean influences, brings brass and rhythm reminiscent of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen (who Gizmo has also collaborated on single Saving Grace). Another collaboration also features on the single, with cult Greek artist NTEIBINT adding his own interpretation to this song, which will no doubt be heard across the mediterranean this summer.
Gizmo’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, “The World in Colour”, is out now. It comes with critical and commercial acclaim. The album shot up to the #1 spot on various Amazon charts, including Hot New Releases and International Best Sellers; with Gizmo announcing his biggest headline shows in London, Paris and Berlin amongst many more.
“The World in Colour” is Gizmo's most personal work to date, inspired by formative events in his recent past: the loss of his father, his wedding, moving with his family to Brighton - back to the sea, which has accompanied him since his childhood in Santander. It’s an album that celebrates the range of human emotions.
After spending 2024 touring across Europe with his new band to sold-out audiences from the UK to Romania and almost everywhere in between, Gizmo is currently on the road on a full European Tour, with more dates added for next autumn.
About Gizmo Varillas:
Gizmo Varillas is a Spanish-Basque songwriter. His musical origins, flamenco and ska-punk, reflect on Varillas’ duality: he was born to Spanish parents who raised him in Santander then Cardiff before returning to Spain and then back to Cardiff again.
Just as he’s named ‘Ones to watch’ in 2025 by ‚ Record of the Day’, Gizmo’s new music presents a compelling new chapter in his career.
After three acclaimed albums, including Out of the Darkness (2020), and over 300 million Spotify streams, Varillas has expanded his career from insider tip to critical darling and successful world pop star. His distinctive style and personal touch not only earned him placements in commercials, TV series and soundtracks, but also a loyal, worldwide fan base.
His latest album, “The World in Colour”, has quickly become a milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in his impressive career.
European Tour Dates:
http://www.gizmovarillas.com/tour
- 9th May - Alte Feuerwache, Mannheim, DE
- 10th May – Naumanns, Leipzig, DE SOLD OUT
- 11th May – Groovestation, Dresden, DE
- 13th May - La Maroquinerie, Paris, FR
- 15th May - De Centraal, Ghent, BE
- 16th May - Arci Bellezza, Milan, IT
- 18th May – Cabaraet Voltaire, Edinburgh, UK
- 20th May – YES Pink Room, Manchester, UK
- 21st May - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, UK
- 22nd May – The Jazz Café, London, UK SOLD OUT
- 24th May – Wiltz, Luxembourg
- 6th July – Wilde Weide, Kraggenburg, Netherlands
- 8th July – Kulturfestival, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- 16th August - Chez Hubert, Le Juch, France
- 8th October – Flex, Vienna, Austria
- 9th October – Posthof, Linz, Austria
- 10th October – Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn, Austria
- 11th October – Die Bäckerei, Innsbruck, Austria
- 14th October – Technikum, Munich, Germany
- 15th October – Salzhaus, Winterthur, Switzerland
- 16th October – Gaskessel, Bern, Switzerland
- 17th October – Jazzhaus, Freiburg, Germany
- 19th October – Brotfabrik, Frankfurt, Germany
- 20th October – Zakk, Düsseldorf, Germany
- 21st October – Columbia Theater, Berlin, Germany