Alt-Pop Artist L E A Talks About Moving To Los Angeles, ‘Jersey Boy’, And Her Upcoming EP

A rising artist you need to know!

With over 200K+ streams on just Spotify alone, get your playlists ready for its next singer. Today, she’s back with a brand new single ‘FTS (Sick Of This)’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with L E A about recently performing in Nashville, working with Kellin Quinn, and more!

What was it like to leave your small hometown in New Jersey to pursue a music career in the bustling Los Angeles?

L: “Moving to Los Angeles was something I always knew I wanted to do right out of high school. My college thankfully gave me the opportunity to spend some time there before I committed to moving, but after almost 6 years in LA, I am finally feeling really integrated in the alternative music scene out here and have gotten to play some of the coolest venues.”

You have certainly curated your own niche within the music world, combining pop, emo, punk, and hip-hop to formulate your sound; what inspired you to combine these genres? What is the best way for artists to find their own sound?

L: “It’s so hard to be original when writing music nowadays. I think anything you’ll ever write will be a mish-mosh of all your favorite genres, bands, and sounds that inspire you. I grew up listening to pop punk and acoustic emo music, started writing songs on the piano as early as 12 years old, found a love for writing pop in my late teens, and have been inspired by the new wave of hip-hop influenced nu-punk/nu-rock. All of those life experiences really fall into what has shaped my sound as an artist.”

Recently, you performed at Emo Night in Nashville, Tennessee. What has your experience been performing in front of audiences?

L: “I’m currently writing this on the plane back from Nashville so I am certainly still on a high from that night. I’ve been so lucky to be able to perform in front of hundreds recently at Emo Night’s across the country. This experience has been incredibly reassuring that I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing and to get to share that moment with over a thousand people is beyond special. Emo Night Nashville was filled with so many crazy, upbeat, and heartwarming memories. I’ve made new friends, reconnected with artists and people I’ve met on the road before, and jammed out on stage with some awesome musicians. Surreal.”

What was it like collaborating with vocalist Kellin Quinn? What informed your choice to include his vocals on your new EP?

L: “Kellin was amazing to work with. I had seen some mutuals sharing their recent collaborations with him and thought “his vocals and lyrics would fit perfectly on my EP’s title track”. Kellin’s communication was always so punctual and you could tell he really loved the song he was writing/performing on. His parts fit so effortlessly and with all his experience, he made this collaboration easy, fun and filled with talent. I think it’s awesome that he’s featuring on smaller independent artists tracks and giving us a platform and place in the alt music community.”

You have collaborated with other artists in the past including Benny Levs and Lesser bay; what role does collaboration play in your music?

L: “Earlier on when I started releasing music, I had the honor to work with incredible electronic/pop producers. If it wasn’t for their hard work and inspiration to write and release, I wouldn’t have started my project! I’m eager to continue collaborating with more artists in the future and growing together in the alternative space.”

You released your first EP Jersey Boy in 2021, and since then have released numerous singles; how has your sound evolved since then?

L: “To be honest, Jersey Boy was the transition into the pop punk/pop rock I’m releasing today. I had started my project leaning surf-rock, straight into indie pop, and eventually found my way into pop punk and am really discovering and developing my sound with some “edgier” elements. This whole journey creates the sound you hear today!”

What hopes do you have for your new EP coming in February of 2023?

L: “For it to continue to open up new doors and opportunities like staple collaborations and more performances!”

Where do you see yourself and your music career in 5 years?

L: “I’ve experienced so much growth as an artist just in this last year alone, I will keep pushing towards success in these next 5 years. Either way, I’m going to continue making memories and diving into the scene that has welcomed me with open arms!”

Stream ‘FTS (Sick Of This)’, available now on all music platforms!

Photo Credit: Marina Hunter

Chloe Fribourg– Music Editor – Chloe is a rising senior in high school, where she is the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. Aside from journalism, Chloe is a lover of music, playing the bass, guitar, and piano in her free time. She also speaks Spanish and is learning French and Italian; she dreams of studying Linguistics in college.