Artist Interview: Lævia
Today we talked with singer-songwriter Lævia to discuss her journey from the legal world to the music scene. Lævia opens up about her creative process, the challenges of balancing her studies with her passion, and what's next for her career.
Tori: What inspired you to transition from a career in law to pursuing music, and what was the most challenging part of this journey?
Lævia: I wanted to make my parents proud and thought the only way to do that was by studying law. But after a couple of years, I realized that my passion for music had never really gone away. It only grew stronger the more I ignored it. So, last year, I decided to give music a real chance and take it seriously. Right now, I'm still focused on my studies, but I'm also pursuing music in my free time. The hardest part is definitely managing my time. I don’t have much free time, and most of it goes into music. But I’m grateful for everything and hopeful that, in the end, it’ll all be worth it.
Tori: Your music seems to be deeply personal. Can you tell us about the themes and emotions that drive your songwriting?
Lævia: I love to tell stories and analyze human emotions. We are all so different, but one thing that connects us is our feelings. Whenever I write a song, I try to tell a story and connect it to a feeling. My goal is to make people feel seen and heard.
Tori: Your debut single, "Cruel to Me," was released in January 2025. What was the creative process like behind this song, and how did you prepare for its release?
Lævia: I wanted to write a song about my struggles with mental health. I wanted to be as vulnerable and honest as possible and to show others that it’s okay to feel the way we do sometimes. After I wrote the song, I sat down with my friends, who are producers, and together we created a magical song that I’m really proud of. I was really nervous about the release since it’s such a personal song. I was so scared of how people might react that I didn’t even promote it much. I just posted a photo and one video edit. But now I realize that was just my anxiety. I truly hope the song helped someone feel understood and heard.
Tori: Your second single, "Stay By My Side," came out just a few months ago. How does this song differ from your debut single, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
Lævia: I would say that my second single is more straightforward. It describes the toxic feeling of attachment you can have toward someone, where, without even realizing it, your whole happiness starts to depend on them. But this kind of attachment does not always feel desperate. That is why I wanted to pair it with an uplifting beat to show how complex these emotions can be. Even toxic feelings can come with highs, and I wanted to reflect that. I wanted to convey to the listeners the complexity of these feelings.
Tori: As a singer-songwriter based in Berlin, how do you think the city's music scene has influenced your style and sound?
Lævia: I think I've been more open to experimenting with different sounds. There are so many talented artists here, and it's so easy to feel inspired and want to try something different. I'm really grateful for that.
Tori: What role do you think your law background plays in your approach to songwriting and music production?
Lævia: I think I'm much more structured now because I don't have the luxury of wasting time. Studying law forces me to manage my time carefully, so when I work on music, I'm very focused. I also feel like I get bursts of creativity whenever I study a lot because my brain needs a creative outlet to balance things out.
Tori: Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you draw inspiration from personal experiences, observations, or fictional stories?
Lævia: I start by choosing a melody. For me, this is the first and most important part of songwriting because the melody is the beginning of the storytelling. It’s crucial for setting the tone. Once I have that, I usually know what kind of story I want to tell, and I start writing the lyrics. Sometimes it takes just 10 minutes to finish a song, and other times I’ll work on it for months. Either way, it’s a fun and sometimes intense process that really helps me process my emotions.
Tori: How do you balance your creative vision with the commercial aspects of the music industry?
Lævia: Honestly, I really don't think about the commercial side of it. I decided to make music because I love writing songs and sharing my stories with others. I want to stay true to that, so I don’t let myself get caught up in the commercial side of the music industry.
Tori: What do you hope listeners connect with on an emotional level in your music?
Lævia: I hope they feel that my music is honest and sincere. I try to be my truest self whenever I’m writing songs, and I hope people see that and consider me a friend sharing her stories. I also hope that people feel understood and seen when they listen to my songs. Unfortunately, we live in a world where most of us feel alone. I hope I can be a friend to those who just want some company during those lonely times.
Tori: Your music career has progressed rapidly since you started writing more regularly in 2024. What are your goals for the next year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lævia: I really want to release more songs and maybe even an EP. I know I’ll have to work really hard to make that happen, but I think it’s important for me to start releasing music more consistently than I do now.
Tori: Can you tell us about your experience working on your debut and second singles? Were there any significant lessons or insights you gained from these projects?
Lævia: Patience is key. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. Sometimes producers can’t fully grasp your vision because they can’t read your mind. It’s important to clearly communicate your needs and be patient with yourself. Nothing gets done overnight. As someone who is impatient and wants things done immediately, learning this was quite a challenge for me.
Tori: How do you see your music evolving in the future, and what themes or styles are you interested in exploring further?
Lævia: I want to explore the darker sides of human emotions. I know it will be challenging, but that’s a goal of mine.
Tori: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are considering a similar career path?
Lævia: Don't be scared of what other people might think. Just go for it. Don't overthink it, and be brave enough to take the first steps. I promise that once you decide to take action and actively work toward your dreams, you'll be so proud of yourself.
Tori: How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks in your music career?
Lævia: It is okay to have setbacks or feel uninspired. That is totally normal and part of every artist’s journey. But it is important not to forget your goal. Keep thinking about your end goal and the kind of musician you want to be. And if you realize that you need to take a break for a while, that is also completely fine.
Tori: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in terms of new music, live performances, or other projects?
Lævia: Get ready for some new songs where I experiment with different styles. I am really excited for the future and can’t wait to explore new sounds and share more of my journey through music.
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