As a writer who hears the tracks and lets them breathe, I find the new single ‘El Cortez’ by Natalie Del Carmen to be a quietly powerful testament to memory, family and the intimate reward of seeing your roots with fresh eyes. From the opening gentle guitar, the song builds with warm Americana textures and evocative lyrics that reflect a shared trip and a gratitude that settles deep. Del Carmen’s voice holds both vulnerability and clarity she’s telling the story not just of a visit to the iconic casino, but of a deeper reckoning: “I realised how much I’d already won in life.” The instrumentation mandolin, pedal steel, subtle banjo gives the track a timeless feel while staying grounded. This song doesn’t shout; it invites you to slow down and listen. It’s the kind of single that lingers.
Natalie Del Carmen – El Cortez
