By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound has a dark-pop vibe with some R&B and electronic fusion.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Growing up, I always wanted to be a pop star and my musical influences were artists like Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Christina Aguilera, Mya and many more pop/hip hop and R&B artists who were big in the 90s-00s, especially on MTV. I’d say that today, my sound is influenced by dark pop and R&B artists like Banks, Lana Del Rey, Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Peaks and Valleys.”
A) “Peaks and Valleys” was made to be about anything the listener may feel in their heart. The story behind my lyrics to “Peaks and Valleys” had to do with all of the sadness I was witnessing in the country, particularly in Los Angeles, where families were getting torn apart. I was writing the song while putting myself in the shoes of those hurting and at the same time, I was truly hurting. Despite the adversities happening, my lyrics become hopeful and encouraging that “this special love will find a way” while we endure the “peaks and valleys” that life brings.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I believe fans are drawn to either the beat, melody, lyrics or all of them together. Both the beat and melody are catchy, while the lyrics could connect to mostly anyone who has endured hardships with a loved one.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I wanted the music video to have a natural look with real peaks and valleys. The video was filmed in various spots in California, including Big Bear. The views were incredible and the video came out just as good, to show listeners the whole picture of “Peaks and Valleys.”
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I usually come up with a melody or a phrase, jot it down and work on it in the near future. If a producer creates a beat or instrumental for me first, then I will most likely finish the song faster with lyrics that come to mind.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I’m still learning the whole process of the production part, but I always give notes, especially on any vocals, to better my sound and song. I also send my mixes to my team, where I can get another opinion and more advice if needed.
Q) With “Peaks and Valleys” out now is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) “Peaks and Valleys” will be a part of an EP in the near future.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I enjoy performing at both big and small venues. My favorite places that I’ve performed at in the past would be in San Diego at The Holding Company for the SpringBoard Show, and also for Breaking Sound LA at Adults Only Bar.
Q) Some of my favorite La Raca Flaca tracks are “The Mirror,” “Beam Me Up” and “Cold Turkey.” Do you have any of your songs that still hold a special place in your heart for a particular reason?
A) My first break out song, “Mr. Golden Sun,” definitely gives me nostalgia when listening and watching the music video. I also really enjoyed creating the “Beam Me Up” music video in Joshua Tree; it brought me back to a 90s feel.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I don’t have any one artist in mind that I would collaborate on a future song with. If the opportunity came along to collaborate with a talented, motivated and successful artist, I would totally be down to work!
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) My playlist is all over the place and I usually add a song if I like it on a social media post. It really depends on my mood if I’m into the song at the moment, but one of my favorites I’ve recently added is called “Snowbound” by Ornithology, which is more of a jazzy vibe with no lyrics. This is great for long drives in traffic.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you so much for supporting me and taking time to listen to my songs while I climb this mountain. I will keep the songs coming and I won’t disappoint. [winks]