Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leila Lopez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Leila, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I was a child, my household was perpetually filled with music. My parents would always have the record player going, (and later in the 90’s, CD’s.) In addition, my father had a few guitars, and we owned a piano. My knowledge of playing music first came exclusively by hearing a song and trying to mimic the notes on the piano. Later I tried this same method on guitar, and was inspired by the notion that you can create just by intuition. This type of learning strengthened my ear, and allowed me to create music uninhibited- a skill I am still utilizing and very grateful for! I later learned in school how to play Cello in the orchestra, but at first was challenged by the need to have music theory knowledge to read the sheet music. This obstacle presented a great opportunity for me to continue my music journey in a new way, and I am thankful to have had multiple ways in which I have been able to learn and work with this form of expression.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began playing music as a young child, out of curiosity and for fun. As I grew older, it became clear that it was not a phase but a hobby, and my focus and intention increased. As a young adult I began exploring the art of songwriting, and singing. I wrote a few songs and mostly kept them to myself until I was asked to play at an open mic at a cafe around the corner from my house. The experience of performing fueled my inspiration to continue to write with the intention of playing for others and perhaps one day explore recording my music. As an independent artist, I had much to learn, and at the time there were not as many resources. I feel proud of my process and the way I stuck to my gut feeling as I explored and created my musical career piece by piece never giving up when I came upon bumps in the road or obstacles. I bought a digital four-track recorder and learned how to use it, and at age 22, I recorded an album of original songs. Shortly after, a friend reviewed the album in a local publication, and venues began inviting me to perform. This was my introduction to becoming a performing artist.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal that would always drive my creative journey when I was first starting out (and still does) was the excitement of learning and growing artistically. The idea that every time you play the same song, it can still be different, and what I can learn from these cycles of growth. This is the seed that will continue to grow and keep me on that edge of always wanting to learn more.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, one of the gifts of being a musical artist is the way it allows me to interact with the world around me. The inspiration I get from music, and from my day-to-day life helps me to process and understand this human experience, and provides a healthy and fun outlet in which to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leilalopezsongs.com

Image Credits
Vannessa Gressieux (for first photo) Michael Longstaff (for the additional 3)