Inside Noreh’s Ultra-Personal New Album ‘A Film By La Vida Real’

Noreh has stamped some of his most personal experiences on A Film By La Vida Real, his sophomore studio album and debut set under 5020 Records after signing with the label last September. 

Home to 15 tracks, including the previously-released singles “Trailer,” “Dieta,” and “Rey” in collaboration with LAGOS, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter delivers primarily ballads (some laced with tropical music, others with electronic) that are both heartfelt and heart-wrenching—all best representing everything he’s lived in his 27 years. 

“There are many varied experiences on this album, from good and bad things that have happened to me,” he tells Billboard exclusively. “I always believe that a piece of material should have that contrast and be honest enough to resonate with the people who listen to it. I had this concept of taking it through movies and TV shows because I felt it was necessary for each song to tell a story.”

A Film By La Vida Real also includes collaborations with Corina Smith, Jay Wheeler, and Sin Bandera on the focus track “Porsi.” It also marked the first time that the 2025 Billboard Latin Artist to Watch teamed up with different composers for a project (he always wrote the songs himself). 

“They made the creative process truly valuable,” he explains about his collaborators. “It was very enjoyable, very relaxed, we had a good time, and we ended up releasing these songs. Working with talented people allows everyone to contribute — they contributed with their essence, their voice, and their creativity.”

But beyond unleashing an album that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and mesmerizing, Noreh owes his potent lyricism to his identity. 

“Everything starts from there,” he elaborates. “We always talk about the organic. How cool would it be to experience virality with some of the album’s songs, but we also know there’s something organic going on. I don’t downplay the value of an artist who generates virality or makes urban music. I love urban, underground, and explicit music, but I feel that everyone, based on their identity, needs to choose their niche and contribute to that. There are many people who dedicate themselves to making art.”

Below, Noreh breaks down three ultra-personal tracks on A Film By La Vida Real:

“Chao Cheo”: “It’s a love story, but the most curious thing is where it comes from and why. Basically, many years ago, I didn’t know about the person who killed my father, his life, or why he did what he did. The story is based on him and his wife. My way of expressing myself was this, and interpreting the fact that many families suffered because of this.”

“Niño”: “It’s very personal and speaks to that little child we all have inside, giving us strength and advice. I was interested in [creating a song with] this topic from the very beginning, and I had never explored it before until now.”

“Porsi” with Sin Bandera: “It’s a song that doesn’t talk about perfect love, but about a love that can fail at any moment. Just in case, this song is for you today, at 27 years old. Many songs talk about eternal and perfect love, but sometimes they don’t talk about the difficult things, and that’s precisely what I’m singing about.”

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