Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Lessa. Together we discussed self-expression, their single relationship with music growing up, their most recent single “orange and blue”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I am doing great! So happy to be talking about my music with you.
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
Growing up music was very important to me and is the only thing that ever truly brings me to life. The first song I wrote was for my elementary school spring concert.I learned to play guitar and was able to accompany myself when I performed. I was involved in music through middle school and high school. I was always in some type of music class. I began posting covers on instagram my freshman year of high school and grew most of my following during the Pandemic. I recorded my first single “Toxic” my junior year of high school and produced my second single “Canopy” that summer. After I graduated high school I promised myself I would pursue music so I am continuing to record songs and play gigs.
3. Is there a song or album that had a significant impact on you?
I am extremely influenced by Halsey. I love her writing because she says her songs are all poems. Her album Badlands has been extremely influential for me production wise. Halsey’s story has also been motivational for me and inspires me to keep writing and putting out music.
4. You write songs to express what you won’t say out loud. How does music help with your self-expression?
Music helps me process things that happen in my life. Through my songs I am able to explore parts of myself that I might not feel comfortable sharing with the world otherwise. I love writing songs because they mean something different to everyone. They can have secret meanings that only I understand but someone else can take my works and apply them to their own lives. I always say that I am grateful for every experience, even the bad ones, because I am able to create art from them.
5. Your Instagram account features multiple covers. Do you have a favorite cover you’ve posted?
I love the cover I did of “smells like teen spirit” by Nirvana or “Nightmare” by Halsey.
6. 2021 saw the release of your debut single “Toxic.” Could you share more about this single?
I wrote this song when I was a sophomore in high school and instantly fell in love with it. It is about a time in my life when I was discovering myself and my own self worth. This song helped me heal from a time when I had little faith in myself and helped me regain my self worth and love.
7. What are some things that you find toxic?
I don’t like people who are not genuine, I find that extremely toxic. I think this issue is prevalent now especially with social media. My goal as an artist is to be honest and genuine with my listeners.
8. You followed up “Toxic” with Canopy. Do both of these songs have a shared narrative?
The two songs are unique because Toxic is about an event that I actually experienced and Canopy was inspired by my love for reading and fictional characters.
9. You recently released your newest single “orange and blue.” Could you share more about your newest single?
I wrote this song my senior year of high school and performed it many times throughout that year. I wrote this song when I was at a crossroad in my life. I was discovering a side of myself that I had suppressed for so long. I was exploring my true identity as an individual. I was torn between becoming the person I was expected to be and the person I truly was. This song is about that internal battle.
10. What is the significance of the colors orange and blue? What sets these colors apart from others?
The two colors represent the internal battles that we face. Blue is the calm and safe path while orange represents the fire and danger in life. The blue represents the docile person people want you to be while orange is the fire that we all have inside but are afraid to let show.
11. A human gets the chance to see you perform. How would you describe your live performance?
I would say my live performances can be described as intimate and energetic. I sing to my audience and want us to experience the songs together and share in its meaning. I also love to have fun when I perform and will definitely be dancing around the stage.
12. Do you have any upcoming shows?
I am performing at WECB Live’s Battle of the Bands on April 10th on 120 Boylston Street Boston, MA
13. What is next for Lessa?
I am planning to release more singles and perform around Boston.
14. Where can readers listen to your music?
My music is out on all major streaming platforms! You can find the link in my instagram bio.
Music Shelf With Mustard 