by tiffany arunarsirakul
photo by lindey ruth
L E A is a Los Angeles-based alternative-pop artist with Jersey pop punk inspiration, who was featured as an MXL Creator in 2021. With EP Jersey Boy releasing, we expect big things from “Pebbles,” a song that people could relate to on multiple levels. Her EP ties her Jersey roots to her LA influences, where L E A says, “Jersey Boy rehashes old feelings, brings out this masculine energy, welcomes me into a more rock-leaning genre, and allows me to embrace my emotions.” We are excited to see L E A’s creative musical journey soar!
What is your inspiration for “Pebbles”?
L E A: “Wildly enough, my inspiration came from a TikTok! I still can't get over the fact that two songs off my EP exist because of some creative exercises on TikTok. Aside from that, the story came from wanting to take a flirtationship real slow to quickly losing patience and knowing what I want.”
Would you say that this single has a stronger message due to us experiencing quarantine?
L: “Hmm, that's a good question! But no, I don't think so. I personally have always been a go-getter. When I want something, I'll fight for it. I can see how people could relate this to being impatient cause we've been isolated for so long though!”
Your EP Jersey Boy releases this month. What is your overall message for the EP?
L: “I feel like this EP is my journey back home. Metaphorically, of course. Though I have moved on from my hometown, I realized how much of me still lies within it. I feel like I brought Jersey to LA.
Jersey Boy rehashes old feelings, brings out this masculine energy, welcomes me into a more rock-leaning genre, and allows me to embrace my emotions.”
L E A, you are called the love child of Katy Perry and P!nk. Did these two artists have any influence on your works?
L: “You know what's funny, I was actually in a writing session with Mike Grubbs AKA Wakey!Wakey! (that's enough spoilers!) and he had told me after listening through my EP, that the whole project sounds somewhere in the middle of P!nk and Katy Perry. Ever since then, I kinda ran with it! As much as I absolutely adore P!nk and everything she's ever created, I feel like my music style almost accidentally lends itself to her sound. I never planned on comparing myself to her, but it just so happened that way! Since then, I've been so inspired by her approach towards the rockier side of pop and her story of growing up as a tomboy.”
photo by lindey ruth
How was the transition from New Jersey to Los Angeles? How did it change/inspire your music?
L: “The transition was almost seamless at the time I was first introduced to Los Angeles. I had been living there for a few months at a time for two years and I knew I wanted to move there after college. With the anticipation leading up to the big move, my friends constantly called me an ‘LA Devotee.’ I'd say that really impacted my music when I first got out there. I have a playlist I started in 2016 called ‘California Beach Pop’ which has now grown to almost 1,000 followers on Spotify. I made it because I wanted to make music just like that. I started making pop music leading up to the big move, but the longer I have been out here (I still love it just the same) the more I realized how grounded and influenced I am by the music I grew up with and the music scene in New Jersey. I actually had a long conversation on the phone about this with a good friend I went to high school with. That was kind of the moment I realized I wanted to name the EP ‘Jersey Boy.'“
What got you into music? Have you always wanted to be a part of the music industry?
L: “Music was really all I ever knew growing up. Having been adopted, I'm the only one in my family that has pursued music to such an extent. My mom recognized my talent at such a young age and she really encouraged me to take lessons, join choirs, and audition for musicals. I always say this, but music is quite literally the only thing I know like the back of my hand. I'm good at a lot of things, especially creative things, but I'm only great at music.”
In 2021, you were featured as an MXL Creator, as well as being placed on two Pandora Editorial Playlists in 2020. How does it feel to accomplish these recognitions?
L: “You know, every time I see someone else mention it, I take a moment to reflect on how grateful I am for accomplishments like that. I think we're always trying to get to the next goal, landmark, or chapter, that we sometimes take for granted what we've already earned. I've had such an empowering experience with both opportunities and I'm honored to have gotten where I am today with the support of MXL Mics and Pandora!”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
L: “Learn. Learn. Learn. Knowledge is so powerful. Learn new ways to take your music to the next level and keep challenging yourself and your creativity!”
What can we look forward to in the near future?
L: “May have dropped a big hint here in this interview for the first time ever! But aside from that, I'm continuing to work on new music, traveling, performing live, and so much more! Thank you for having me.”