L E A Talks Growing Up in New Jersey, Her Favorite Artists, and Her Style Inspo
Photos by Marina Hunter / Interview by Hannah Kozak
L E A is a Los Angeles based musician taking inspiration from artists such as Charlotte Sands, Mayday Parade, Secondhand Serenade, and Cherie Amour. When describing her sound, L E A says her music is colorful, extroverted, aggressive, and blunt.
Q: How long have you been writing/making music? How did you get into music?
A: The earliest I can remember writing my first tunes was about 5th grade. Music was never something I discovered or got into, It was always just a huge part of my life. I was constantly surrounded by music growing up and sang and played instruments whenever I had the moment.
Q: What was life like growing up in New Jersey? (The good, the bad, everything!)
A: Growing up in New Jersey was honestly pretty awesome. I am from a touristy beach town smack in the middle of an ever growing alternative music scene. So many artists come out of my area making the music I make and love and that’s so special to me. Growing up there, my friends and I used to play and write music on the boardwalk for passersby, creating some fond memories I look back on today.
Q: What was the writing and recording process like for your latest single, “F U LOL?”
A: I wrote this song about a year ago with Mike Grubbs from Wakey!Wakey! and One Tree Hill. Our mutual friend connected the two of us saying “you two would make a killer song” and the rest is history from there! Grubbs and I went on to write two songs so far and our brain power together is magical! This tune started from a story about a T-Shirt exchange and after 2 hours of conversion and passing melodies, F U LOL was born. I flew to Nashville shortly after and started recording the studio version with elder emo sensation, Chase Coy, who took it to an explosive level.
Q: Some of your older music was more pop-leaning than pop punk. Was there anything in particular that made you want to shift sounds and become more edgy and alternative-inspired?
A: I think in the process of the self-discovery journey we all go on, I realized it was harder to be something I’m not then to embrace the aggressiveness and bold personality I have. I love pop music and the science behind it, and always will, but I grew up on rock n roll, jazz, and pop punk and as I lean more into the things I like, I find myself comfortably sinking more into the genre and style I fit in.
Q: With the previous question in mind, how do you think “F U LOL” differs from or is similar to your EP Jersey Boy?
A: To be honest, I think it’s just a harder-hitting version of Jersey Boy. The sequel, so to say. Jersey Boy sounds calmer, more pop leaning, yet still a bit alternative, but have you heard the lyrics? I’d say they compare nicely to F U LOL. Same forwardness, but F U LOL doesn’t hold back this time.
Q: What are your top artists that you’re listening to right now?
A: Magnolia Park, Honey Revenge, In the Mourning, 408, Cherie Amour, Charlotte Sands
Q: What is your dream tour and/or dream show lineup?
A: Literally any of the bands above would be totally cool. But I’d love to open for Mayday Parade or Secondhand Serenade and fulfill that childhood dream. Additionally, getting to play an Emo Nite, Emo Night, or an alternative festival like So What?!
Q: Your style is very cool and fun! Where are your favorite places to shop, and do you look to anyone/anything for style inspiration?
A: Oh thanks! It’s cool to get style compliments because I had such a hard time accepting the things I liked growing up. For the longest time, I played it safe and wore what everyone else wore. But now I’m more comfortable putting together my own looks. I’m really into the oversized collared shirts with either biker shorts or 90s baggy jeans. I love bright colors, but also trying to look edgy at the same time. Anything to remain trendy, vibrant, and punky!
Q: Do you have any advice for any women out there that may want to have a career in music?
A: Take the lead! Take charge. Don’t accept something you don’t like and be vocal about the things you want and go get ‘em.
