Elena Ley Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Elena Ley

The Italian voice in Spain is releasing her new album “Connectando”.

Elena Ley is an independent Italian singer-songwriter based in Spain known for her unique fusion music style and international background.

In October 2025, she won Second Prize for Best Singer-Songwriter at Sanremo Senior with her original song “Camminando,” a heartfelt piece that reflects her personal journey and artistic vision.

Born in Milan, Elena began performing as a child and had her first semi-professional band at 14. Throughout her life in Italy, Germany, and the USA, she contributed to various music projects before settling in Barcelona in 2013. In 2022, she returned to her solo career recording new own songs with emotional lyrics and connecting with listeners through storytelling and performance.

Shaped by her experiences as a multicultural psychologist, independent entrepreneur, and socially engaged individual, most of her songs are inspired by real-life stories, emotions, feelings, and moods. Authenticity, credibility, and assertiveness define both her music and personality.

She performs live with her acoustic guitar, valuing direct interaction with her audience as she emphasizes storytelling, audience interaction, and sing-alongs. 

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I’m currently recording songs for my upcoming album, Connectando, at Ophiura Studio in the province of Barcelona, together with producers Leo and Marcel. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been deeply immersed in composing, arranging, and recording new material, always striving to give each song an authentic and distinctive sound. I place great importance on lyrics and on the meaning that lives behind every song.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

My passion for creating music began very early. I’ve always written poems as a way to express what I felt, and that naturally led me to songwriting. I wrote my first songs at the age of 14 with my first band, and from that moment on, music became my way of telling stories and connecting with others.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The title “Connectando” reflects a process of reconnection — with my past, my stories, and my background. Most of the songs are written in Italian, my mother tongue, and some of them are autobiographical. This album is a search for identity, a journey from the inside out.

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

My new production is deeply organic, built around real instruments played by real hands, where acoustic and Spanish guitar meet subtle modern textures. Real drums provide a grounded, physical pulse, giving each song weight and movement. Every sound is carefully placed to serve the narrative, highlighting the drama, intimacy, and emotional truth at the heart of her stories, stressing that my lyrics are full of metaphors, symbolic meanings and hide true stories and real emotions.

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

I’ve learned to trust what I feel, while still keeping a healthy balance with feedback that helps me grow. In the past, I listened too much to every opinion because I wanted to be good, to be liked, to be heard. Over time, I realized that this was a mistake. Now, my focus is on being myself — writing, creating, and making the music I truly want to make. When you listen to too many people’s opinions, you eventually stop listening to yourself.

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

My acoustic guitar and my voice are at the heart of everything, along with the melodies and poems I first write by hand and later rewrite on my laptop. I record myself on my phone or create rough demos in Ableton, then take those ideas into the studio, where they are shaped and transformed into real songs.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m deeply drawn to Italian indie artists like Niccolò Fabi, Lucio Corsi, and Brunori Sas—I love the intimate way they use the acoustic guitar to tell very human, honest stories. I’m also inspired by artists like Lemo or Travis Birds, whose creativity and intriguing sounds I truly appreciate. And I must admit that, at times, I enjoy listening to instrumental music, especially Spanish guitar by artists such as Tomatito or Paco de Lucía.

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

My music is shaped by real experiences and the emotions connected to them. As a woman, a dreamer, and an activist, I write from what I live and observe—vulnerability, doubt, love, fear, friendship, passion, and the desire for change. My Italian roots bring a strong sense of melody and storytelling, and I try to keep everything honest and simple, letting the voice and the guitar speak for themselves. My international background adds a blend of different styles and influences. My music is my heart and my soul.

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

I hope my music encourages people to reflect, feel seen, and feel empowered. I want my songs to invite deep self-reflection, to question what we accept, and to remind listeners that sensitivity, empathy, and vulnerability are powerful tools for change. And most importantly, to remind us that we are not alone—we often share the same emotions, stories, and experiences. This is the most beautiful and exciting part of being human.

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

Music has taught me that learning never ends. Every song, every stage, every mistake is part of an ongoing process of growth. It keeps me humble, curious, and open — reminding me that the journey matters more than perfection.

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

I dream of performing at intimate festivals and venues where the audience can truly feel the music and the meaning behind it, like the Club Tenco in Italy. Spaces that celebrate storytelling, honesty, and acoustic artistry are where my songs come alive and connect most deeply with listeners.

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

I am currently collaborating with several musicians who are contributing to my album. I am planning concerts with a local violininst, this will be an exciting experience. I’m also planning a collaboration with an Italian artist very soon—exciting new music is on the way. In general, I love the idea of working with international artists from very different styles to create something completely new. Bringing together diverse voices, sounds, and approaches is incredibly inspiring—it challenges me, sparks creativity, and opens the door to songs that neither of us could imagine on our own.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? 

Through my website you can find the links to your favorite digital platforms and social media www.elenaley.com 

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

Looking ahead, I dream of creating music that continues to grow with me — honest, intimate, and resonant. I want to reach audiences who connect deeply with my songs, explore new collaborations, and keep evolving as a storyteller and performer, always learning and pushing the boundaries of my art.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope listeners discover the person behind the songs—a woman, a dreamer, an activist, someone who writes with honesty and emotion. I want them to feel my passion for storytelling, my roots, and the courage it takes to transform personal experiences into music that truly resonates.