Dance/pop/rock singer song-writer Gala has finally returned. Referred to by her fans as a “cult dance artist” for her minimalist look and haunting voice, Gala suddenly disappeared at the top of her dance/pop success.

She formed her own label, Matriarchy Records, in Brooklyn, New York and set out to redefine her sound. ‘TOUGH LOVE’ is Gala’s New York album, with influences from rock and roll, Chrissie Hynde, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry and on occasion, the B52’s and Prince.

Yet TOUGH LOVE doesn’t completely ignore Gala’s dance/pop past. “Freed From Desire (The Un-Remix)” still recalls her original version, “DKOL (Different Kind Of Love)” starts with a solid guitar riff but quickly adds club friendly beats, and “Do It” would be at home on a Grace Jones album.

Participants for Gala’s New York album were producer Marcus Bell, avant-garde drummer Deantoni Parks and musician/producer Kevin Rudolf co-produced the urban tinged track “Faraway.”