Q: Hi! I absolutely love the soothing, calming vibe of “Sign.” Can you walk me through your creative process in making this track?
FELICIA LASE: It all started with the first line of the song “Tell me something to believe in” and the piano line itself. I absolutely love old-school R&B, but I also want to make it sound more ‘current’. So I then decided to combine elements of old-school R&B (piano, organ) with trap beats – and it works!
Q: Your vocals are impeccable; your range is amazing! Who are your biggest musical influences?
FELICIA: Thank you so much! Oh I love a range of musicians and singers, and would always draw on their craft to better myself. At the moment, Jacob Collier really influences my creative process, Tori Kelly and Adele are my vocal inspirations, and legends like Stevie Wonder really influences my musical style as well.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about the music industry, and how has it helped you navigate through it thus far?
FELICIA: I would say to diversify your craft and experience in the industry – and I really believe that. That is why I am not only singing and playing music, but also write songs, produce, and compose music for other people. It really gives you a deeper perspective on what goes into a release or a show – and that will get you far!
Q: From the sound of the lyrics, “Sign” seems to be about feeling lost and helpless in a way. Can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind this track?
FELICIA: It stems from the feeling that we all felt at some point, the feeling of not knowing where to go or what to believe in – just simply, lost. I have gone through that – and I believe most of us do. This song shares that moment when you felt so lost, you would just grasp at the first thing that leads you out.
Q: I’m always interested in an artist’s musical journey; did you grow up with a musical family/do you remember what or who first made you fall in love with it?
FELICIA: I started music at a very young age at 5 with classical piano. I hated it at first – mostly because of the amount of practice I needed to do! But as I got older, I can truly appreciate the emotion and story that goes into each piece – and that what made me fall in love with music even more. Then I started to explore singing, songwriting, and finally production, and I never looked back since!
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
FELICIA: I think I didn’t have a pivotal moment as such, but more a series of little moments that nudge me closer to the path as a musician. I started with performing at local stages, then at weddings/events, and then creating my own music as well as creating music for other people. All these little moments create the little steps that brought me to where I am right now. So I’m just grateful of all the moments, the good and the bad.
Q: If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
FELICIA: Oh my, what a question! The first one I would say “Jacobean Essentials” by Jacob Collier – just because I absolutely love Jacob Collier and that album just encapsulates all of my favorite Jacob’s songs. Then, “The Thrill of It All” by Sam Smith. I just remembered how amazing that album was and I just put it on repeat!! For the last one, I would throw a bit of a spanner and say “Map of The Soul: 7” by BTS. KPop bands have had a bad rep for being superficial and “too bubble-gum pop” – but this album might change your mind. It is inspired by Jungian psychology and is divided into the 3 main concepts – Shadow, Persona, and Ego. It is just so cool to listen to a whole album not tied by a single genre, but by a big main concept.
Q: Thanks so much for talking with me! Tell everyone what’s coming next for you!
FELICIA: I am in the process of recording and preparing my next single(s) – so keep an eye out for that!
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
FOLLOW FELICIA LASE:
