Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Luis Pelest

Letting go of someone you once loved deeply is complicated and painful. It means sleepless nights, unsent messages, tears in your eyes, and on your phone screen as you look at the photos you once shared. Forgetting is a long and difficult road — one that, fortunately or unfortunately, Luis Pelest has walked himself. He knows exactly how it feels. It’s not forever, but no one should have to go through that process alone.

Luis Pelest is a musician, songwriter, and performer of regional Mexican music. He writes songs that are more than just melodies — they are true stories of his life.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My earliest memory related to music is from when I was 5 years old, when I would take the microphone to sing and pretend to play the guitar during family parties.How did your passion for creating music begin?

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The story behind my music project is quite beautiful. When I was 13, I wanted to learn to play an instrument, specifically the guitar. I never had the opportunity to have a teacher or study at a music academy, but thanks to YouTube, I started playing my first songs. That’s how I discovered I could compose songs that expressed what I felt at certain times in my life, and I began writing my own songs.
My parents didn’t like their son playing in bars, among people drinking, putting his life in danger, but one day, I mustered up the courage and entered a singer-songwriter competition. To my surprise, I came in second! That’s how my project, “Luis Pelest,” began.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

My songs have a very nostalgic sound that transports you to specific moments in your life, making you feel happy or a little sad.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I learned that every day you have the opportunity to improve in everything you do. Maybe you’re not the best today, but if you work at it for a while, the moment will come when you will be.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Without a doubt, my guitar, my headphones, and my notebook. Listening to music while I compose my songs is incredibly relaxing.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I really admire Ed Maverick’s work on his song “Ropa de bazar”; I highly recommend it.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

They’ve influenced me immensely. All my songs are based on situations from my personal life. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed singing about my experiences; I call it “singing stories from my life.”

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I want them to enjoy my songs, to enjoy every moment of their lives, and to never feel alone, because I’ve been there too. That’s why my songs are a way of telling them, “Hey, you’re not alone, everything’s going to be alright.”

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music unites the world. You may not know English or another language, but if you enjoy the same music as someone who speaks another language, you’ll understand each other perfectly. Life without music is not life.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

My dream is to play at the Telmex Auditorium in Guadalajara, Mexico. It’s where I grew up, and I know I’ll make it happen. When it does, you’ll know.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Kevin Kaarl, because he’s a very complete artist and I feel we’d have great chemistry, because of the meaning he gives to his songs and the emotion he conveys in each one.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

These are my social media accounts. I hope you’ll follow me, and there will be many surprises soon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luispelest?igsh=Nm9rbHc0YTBsb3h4
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pcTpNTLdSEi1phHEfeXuO?si=x2yGTw-gTGW5-xQDBfwrcQ
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@luispelest?si=Wh0YSi7crtPZlxS8

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?