Interview: LOU'ANA

Tell us a bit about yourself. Has music always been a dream?
‍Kia ora, Talofa, I’m Lou’ana - musician, artist & witch, Aotearoa born & raised, gafa Samoan, Fijian, Scottish & Irish - I create nu-disco & soul music! Yes, music has always been the dream & love; it’s something I have always gravitated towards since I was little, & I just followed the opportunities that led me to where I am now. Though music is a natural love, I have worked hard to hone my musical artistry & intuition for guidance.

Who have been your music inspirations or people you look up to?
‍Mother Earth & moon Goddess. So much to learn from their wisdom. Nature reminds me to be patient & trust, also gives me grounding & support while I create music.

Disco Witch is your new album (yay!), tell us about it – the inspiration, what you’re hoping people take away from listening to it.
‍Did you know dancing releases endorphins? And have you been on a dance floor where you love the rhythms & songs so much that you leave feeling so joyful? This is my attempt at creating this setting for people. After my first album, I went deeper into shadow work & needed to create music that authentically reflected my experiences, questions, and discoveries. So hope people find something helpful or get a good lil boogie!  

If you can choose, which song is your favourite on the album and why?
‍I love them all for different reasons; it’s too hard to have a favourite. My world is so fun, I love the chorus lyrics, so dreamy. Supernova is super high-energy live; Disco Witch is a journey, so groovy, & I’m proud of my lyric writing in that one.

How do you work through the music-making process – do you work from lived experiences, have lyrics in mind or just get into the studio and see what comes to you?
‍Every song on the Disco Witch album was created differently. I was doing a daily 15min songwriting challenge, Supernova came from that. After extra refining, it went to the studio to be developed into what it is today. Disco Coven lyrics and melody came through first, and chords were added later, then refined in the studio. Heartbeat was written in a songwriting hub and then developed and re-crafted in the studio. Shout out to producer Nathan Judd!

You have a tour coming up. Tell us all about it, what made you decide to go on tour, and what people can expect from the show?
‍I figured with all the years put into creating the record, it would be super special to perform it & share it with Aotearoa. Expect to hear the album come to life. If you are in Whangarei & Auckland, you have a special treat: you will hear violin players covering the soaring strings of the album. Expect to boogie and to step into the realm of Disco Witch. Dressing up is encouraged, sparkles, vintage, whatever feels good. Let’s have some fun.

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
‍Tour is the big thing, I hope to share it with you by seeing you at the show! Please come say hello. As you know, a tour is a big financial risk for all artists, especially independent NZ artists, so the support doesn't go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.

What burger would Disco Witch be if it were on the BF menu, and why?
‍I reckon a vege pinto - a delicious, creative brew of veggies and flavours. Pumpkin is a witch's fave, obvs, and ginger is one of Mother Nature's medicines, haha

What would your ideal BF burger contain?
‍Everything in the vege Pinto :) perfection.

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Sound Check, Vibe Check

What is your go to song to Jam out to in the car? Depends on my mood! But a fave is As by Stevie Wonder

Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Zella day! Love her Sunday in Heaven album.

One thing you can’t perform without? Misty day potion cacao in my coffee!

One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? Khruangbin - how good

Go to BurgerFuel order? V-twin vege - yum. Not a vege, but enjoy it!

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Fire or Backfire?

Pickles in burgers : SO fire

Crocs : backfire lol

Karaoke : backfire for me soz, but please sing your heart out

BurgerFuel Aioli : fire

Acoustic performances : sometimes fire, but mostly a backfire because I love a band!  

NZ Music Month : fire

Festivals : fire with conditions!

Singing in the shower : fire

Pineapple on pizza : fire

Supermarket in bare feet : fire

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Check out LOU'ANA's brand new album, Disco Witch HERE, and stay up to date with everything she get's up to HERE.

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