We had a chat with emerging Australian indie pop artist Lana Karlay following the release of the poignant ‘Don’t Let Me Go’
An emerging young artist with a thoughtful and nuanced indie pop sound, Australian upstart Lana Karlay is somebody who already has an innate knack for articulating relatable situations in a way that resonates with listeners and leaves a moving mark on them, as evidenced by her initial releases and her brand new fourth single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’.
The track does a great job of reinforcing everything that the artist does well, touching on themes like love and loss in a way that feels heartfelt and powerful. We love the new release and have found the artist’s initial output really encouraging and exciting, so felt like it was time we had a chat with the potential future star to find out a bit more about the influences that have shaped her sound and what else she has planned for the near future.
Who TF is Lana Karlay?
I’m a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Australia who basically grew up living and breathing music. I write my music straight from my heart, my life experiences and feelings. Music has always been my way of making sense of everything and being myself.
How long have you been making music?
Music has been the biggest part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up always hearing my parents’ music, pop, rock, classical , literally everything. I started piano, voice, violin, and bass guitar lessons when I was pretty young and never stopped. It’s always been the thing where I feel like I can express and be myself.
Why do you make music?
Music has always been my outlet. Whether I’m going through something or I’m just bored at home, I always end up at the piano. Somehow, it solves my problems and worries but it is just my absolute favourite thing.
What are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences originate from my parents music taste. Dad was always into the classic rock; Rolling Stones, The Who, Pearl Jam, while Mum loved Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Pavarotti and ABBA. When writing, I feel that my music encapsulates a part of each of these artists which makes my music so special and unique.
What would you say has been your best moment so far
Honestly, meeting Esthy and Adam Moseley. From the second I met them, we just clicked. They’re the kind of people you instantly trust with your music. All the late nights in the studio with Esthy recording vocals or filming content, and the full band days with Adam, or our late night Uber Eats orders, I really just cherish all of it. They’ve helped my music grow in ways I genuinely couldn’t have imagined, and I’m so grateful to have them on this journey with me.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
My sound is definitely a mix between my Mum and Dads music taste alongside my own. If I was to relate it to artists, it would be Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Definitely touring and hearing people sing my lyrics back to me. Even when my friends or family do it, I get emotional because it’s crazy knowing something I wrote actually connected with someone. If I heard a whole crowd doing that, it would be absolutely insane. That would definitely be my “ I really made it” moment.
We love your new single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’, what more can you tell us about it?
The night that I wrote ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ I had just finished watching 10 Things I Hate About You which is one of my absolute favourite movies. I was inspired by the scene where Kat realised the truth about her relationship, but definitely still loved Pat. I thought that this feeling is so relatable so I decided to write a song about it. ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ is about losing and loving someone that doesn’t love you back or doesn’t love you as much.
What else do you have planned for the near future
Hopefully more touring around VIC and performing my own music. Performing is honestly one of my favourite things ever, so getting to do it more would be a dream, especially with my own music.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My biggest fan is definitely one of my good friends Isaac. He is honestly one of the most supportive friends/ fans, he knows every one of my songs, shares all my music and is just the best person ever. I’m so incredibly grateful for his ongoing support, he means the world to me.
