LeRa is a dynamic artist from Slovakia whose music defies genre boundaries and resonates with powerful emotion. Recently, she took some time to chat with us about her inspirations, artistic journey, and thoughts on the music industry. Here’s what she had to say.
Reuel
Hello Lera! I am happy to chat with you. How are you doing?
LeRa
Thank you very much for this opportunity to present my music in your magazine! I’m feeling fantastic, because I just finished moving into the new premises of my recording studio in Bratislava, and again I can devote myself fully to music, create new songs and devote myself to why I was born.
Reuel
I was very happy to discover your music. It’s very energetic and unique! How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
LeRa
My music is like my life. Full of contradictions, emotions, my messages and opinions, full of hope and female power. I like mixing music genres. On my last album Bird’s Eye View, listeners will find rock, hard rock, heavy metal, reggae tone, classic rock ballad, romance, sarcasm, aggression, flirting and fun.
Reuel
Beautiful! You have recently released two new singles. Do you have any plans for bigger releases you would like to tell us about?
LeRa
I currently have two musical projects in progress. I am preparing my next album in Slovak, because I missed my native language in my songs. It will be a calmer, modern, soft rock album. Since I became a mother, I also need to make pleasant and sober music. However, I have to create rough and tough English songs too, because that defines me, I enjoy it and I have the ambition to create world music. Our Slovak market is small and I see myself on big stages, at well-known festivals and in clubs where the best European and world bands take turns. That’s why I’m simultaneously preparing hard rock and metal songs with my band, which I’d like to release before the end of the year.
Reuel
Brilliant. You released your album “Bird’s Eye View” about three years ago. How do you feel your album has aged, and are there any aspects you would change if you could?
LeRa
Many artists cannot listen to their previous work because they are irritated by things they already know and want to change. That is not my case. The songs are exactly as they were created at that time, as I felt it. I consider the “Bird’s Eye View” album to be an interesting project that defines me and I still enjoy listening to it. It’s really good:-) Of course, music is always evolving and my next songs will be different, maybe better, maybe not. That’s the magic of music.
Reuel
Which musicians inspired you when you were growing up?
LeRa
My biggest idol was Michael Jackson for many years. Later I listened to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Figters, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeath, Guano Apes. Currently, I have been listening to System of a down, Arch Enemy, Dymytry, Extreme,… But I’m not inspired by these bands. My songs are mostly created in my head as a strong kick from the muse and it’s usually based on some situation I’m experiencing. So it’s not like I listen to something and write a song based on it. I know that many artists do it this way, but I just like a big kick from the muse.
Reuel
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
LeRa
Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury and Chester Bennington. Unforgettable legends. Of the living, I would definitely like to sing with Serj Tankian and I would like to have a song with Apocalyptica. They have not yet cooperated with a Slovak and that should be corrected 🙂
Reuel
How do you feel about the representation of women in heavy music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?
LeRa
I think that a female singer in a metal or rock band is a great asset. The combination of strong, harsh music and female energy is simply great. Of course, it has to be a good female singer and really good music and band. Rather, I think that more than the gender, the song is important. Does it touch people, does it impress, does it have numbers, do fans want to experience it live. Write a good song, make a quality album, tour, merch. That’s what’s important.
Reuel
Thank you for your time, Lera! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
LeRa
I also thank you from the bottom of my heart. I greet the readers and look forward to meeting you at our concerts!
