Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Hilla Peer
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember being a child and feeling deeply moved by music, musicals, but I never imagined myself as a singer. Music was something I admired from the outside — something other people did. It wasn’t until much later in life (age 37!) that I discovered my own voice, almost by accident. That moment changed everything.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began unexpectedly in 2019. I had never sung publicly before, and one day I simply decided to record myself singing — just to see what I would sound like. What I heard surprised me. It felt like finding a hidden part of myself that had been waiting quietly all along.
From that moment, I knew I had to follow it wherever it led.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
“Under the Surface” is the title of both my new single, out December 5th, and my upcoming album.(Out in the beginning of 2026)
It explores what lies beneath our daily masks — the emotions, fears, and hopes we often hide. The songs are like little windows into moments of truth, written during times of deep reflection and transformation, for the past 2 years.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I think my sound blends emotional indie pop with electronic textures and cinematic moods. It’s honest and atmospheric — a bit dreamy, but always grounded in something real and human.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That vulnerability is strength. In the beginning, I tried to sound “perfect,” but I realized that what truly connects people is authenticity. The small cracks, the raw takes — they carry the emotion. Also, I love working with other talented musicians in the studio together, true magic happens!
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I usually start with my voice and piano or a simple synth sound. I work with producers who help me build the world of each song — adding layers, beats, and textures until it feels like the emotion has a shape.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been listening to RAYE a lot lately. There’s something about her amazing sound and her musical journey that really speaks to me.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Completely. My songs often begin with something I’ve lived through or got inspired by — moments of love, loss, confusion, or awakening. Music became a way to process and transform those experiences into light.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my songs remind people who they really are, and that it’s okay to feel deeply. That beauty often lives right next to pain, and when we allow ourselves to go “under the surface,” we discover who we really are.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Enjoy the moment, be present and love the process.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Playing at Reeperbahn Festival in Germany or Primavera Sound in Spain would be incredible — places where indie artists from all over the world come together to share their truth.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Probably Dennis Lloyd, I admire how he combines emotion with experimentation — how his songs feel both intimate and universal. Love his sound.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Hilla Peer on all platforms:
Hilla Peer | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To perform in Europe, connect with new audiences, and keep creating honest music that touches hearts. I want my songs to travel — to find the people who need them.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That everything I create comes from a real place. I discovered my talent mid life, and that makes every step feel like a gift. I hope that inspires others to listen to their own inner voice, no matter when it starts to speak.
