Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Lua Lelia
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I can’t really remember which one was the very first, but the one that had the biggest impact was when I was about ten years old. I didn’t have many friends during primary school and used to spend most breaks alone. One day, I stayed in the classroom with my English teacher, and somehow we started talking about Ed Sheeran. We ended up singing “Everything Has Changed” together. That was one of the first moments where music made me feel deeply connected to something meaningful — it helped me feel less lonely. That was when I first realized that music was my way to understand the world, and ultimately, my passion.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I’ve always loved singing and performing. As a kid, I was very theatrical, so I naturally gravitated toward music’s expressive side. I come from a very musical family, so playing an instrument was almost expected — I chose the guitar. It became a way to connect with my father, who was very
sick at the time. When he passed away, just before I turned twelve, playing guitar became painful, and I lost my drive to play.
At around fourteen, I started therapy, but it didn’t really help. One day, I came home and told my mother, “Can I quit therapy and buy a guitar with that money instead?” I was convinced it would help me more — and it did. I bought the guitar, started writing songs, and music became my medicine. That’s when my passion returned. Around that time, I wrote my first song in Spanish, called “Plomo”, about my father’s death.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
After a few years of being involved in the music industry, I lost track of my roots and got caught up in the idea of “making it.” About a year ago, I started reconnecting with what truly made me fall in love with music in the first place — my origins.
I’m Galician, and I grew up in a very earthy, magical place. Because of everything that happened during my childhood and teenage years, I spent a long time searching for my identity and my roots. Eventually, I realized they were always there — in the sound of my father’s classical guitar, in the birds I hear every morning at home, in the old folk cassettes my family used to play.
We live in a very fast-paced world where influences can come from anywhere, even things we’ve never experienced firsthand. I think it’s important to stay grounded and connected. Through my music, I want to build that sense of connection — blending the sounds of my
hometown with Spanish, English, and Galician lyrics. My goal is to create music that feels organic and human, bringing a folky sound into the Spanish music scene and building a community around it.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music?
I’d describe it as folk in Spanish, with country and rock influences — a sound that makes you want to go to the countryside.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Learning how to use plugins and effects in Ableton was a game-changer for me. It completely opened up new creative possibilities.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My number one essential is my guitar — everything starts there. Beyond that, I rely on my organic instruments: harmonica, banjo, mandolin, bass, and sometimes percussion. Ableton is my main software for producing, though I occasionally use GarageBand too.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Caamp a lot — their song “26” is one of my favorites. I also got really hooked on Field Medic’s “No Hometown” for a while.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal life and music are deeply intertwined. My day-to-day experiences constantly shape how I create. I love meeting musicians and going to jam sessions — they’re incredibly inspiring.
My earlier songs were heavily influenced by grief and loss, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve reconnected with the part of me that finds joy and peace in music. I’m also deeply inspired by nature — I think that’s pretty evident if you’ve seen my content.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my listeners feel safe and heard. Being alone is very different from feeling lonely. As someone who has gone through difficult experiences, I want my music to spread a message of hope and peace. I want to encourage people to find what brings them comfort and to remind them that things do get better.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
No matter what happens, you have to be present and make the most of it. Focus on the positive and enjoy the moment — the right people will find you when you value yourself and your art.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’ve always dreamed of performing at Tiny Desk, but if I had to choose a venue, I’d say Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough question. When I was a teenager, I would have immediately said Ed Sheeran. Now, I’d probably say Noah Kahan because his songwriting deeply inspires me. On the Spanish side, I’d love to collaborate with Guitarricadelafuente.
Where can listeners follow and support your music?
Linktree
Spotify
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m really grateful for everything that’s happening with my music right now. In the coming months, I’ll be releasing more songs and focusing on growing my audience. My dream is to gain real recognition with these next releases, have some sold-out shows in 2026, and continue building a strong and connected fanbase.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they fall in love with the world I’m creating through my music — and I’m especially excited for them to hear the new songs that are coming soon.
