Eva Pagán gets personal in ‘In The Mirror,’ a tribute to her name and her mother

Originally published on Sound Spectrum Magazine

Eva Pagán’s new single ‘In The Mirror’ marks a turning point—not just in sound, but in identity. Previously releasing music as Eva Westphal (her legal surname, from her German side), she now performs under her mother’s last name, Pagán, in honour of her Puerto Rican roots. It’s not a rejection of her past—she’s said herself she loves her dad—but more of a reclaiming. This rebrand is the beginning of a new era: one that leans fully into her Latin heritage, queerness, and storytelling voice.

‘In The Mirror’ is danceable, nostalgic, and distinctly Latin in spirit—think Bad Bunny’s storytelling with a mix of the bold, experimental production of Charli XCX. From the first beat, it draws you in. And if (like me) you’d already heard snippets before the official release, you’ll likely be singing along while trying to catch the full picture.

The lyrics explore her relationship with her mum, and more broadly, the experiences of immigrant parents—their sacrifices, hard choices, and the distance between generations. One of the most striking lines is: “And I get why you did what you did: leaving, chasing, you were just a kid.” It lands deeply, especially if you’ve ever tried to understand your parents’ past—literally and emotionally. The Spanish verse stands out, both musically and symbolically, and the voice note from her grandmother is a personal touch that makes the track feel grounded and intimate, without sounding overly polished.

Her vocal delivery is soft and assured. There’s clear use of vocal effects—some might call it heavy on the autotune—but it’s not about hiding her real voice. It reframes it. Compared to her earlier work, which leaned more acoustic and natural, this feels like an artist fully in control of her sonic world. She knows exactly how she wants to be heard, and it’s refreshing to witness.

That said, for disabled listeners, parts of the song may be harder to follow due to the layered effects. Without access to the lyrics, some of the storytelling might get lost on first listen—particularly in the more filtered moments. A lyric video or accessible captions would go a long way, which I believe, knowing Eva, it’s in the works.

Overall, ‘In The Mirror’ is emotional, danceable, and beautifully put together. I smiled, I danced, and I definitely teared up. I’d recommend it to anyone—but especially to children of immigrants. Bonus points if you’re queer. Eva Pagán is carving out something unique, and this feels like just the beginning for her… and for summer! 

About the artist

Eva Pagán is a New York-based singer-songwriter who previously released music under her legal name, Eva Westphal. Fans often describe her as an “international artist” because of her multiple heritages—including, but not limited to, German, Puerto Rican, and Cuban. She began her musical journey with stripped-back, honest songs about mental health and queerness.

Over time, she’s moved toward a more pop-forward sound that still carries emotional depth. A Columbia University graduate, she’s currently studying law while continuing to write, produce, and connect with her growing audience. She’s also very online—in the best way: clever, funny, and deeply in touch with the community she’s singing for.