By: Staff
Willa’s new album, “smoke signals,” is a stunning showcase of her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
We had a chance to talk with and listen to the new album release “smoke signals“ from the tremendous artist Willa. We were very impressed with the singer's vocal ability right off the bat. We started with the song “brutally honest“ which is perfectly paired with the synth sound the vocals are surrounded by. It really brings the artist's voice forward in the showcase of this song. Once the beats kick in we get a real sense of sincerity from this artist and the lyrics. Delving into raw emotions and sharing them fully with us, these feelings would beget the sensation that “brutally honest” it’s a story about this failed relationship and how Willa is:
“stuck in my mind, stuck in my mind”.
We love how the artist expresses emotion but uses rationale to exit the situation realizing it’s just too toxic. “brutally honest” we believe will become the chant we will see fans singing along to in live shows, creating very loyal fans to this artist. The guitar solo at the end is really exciting and really delivers this song with a strong pop rock feel.
Jumping down to the title track “smoke signals“ we hear a difference in vocal styling. It’s a very exciting method for Willa and will definitely attract listeners with this. Willa possesses a very nice vocal tone and is excellent with the presentation of her vocals. We really liked the lyrics:
“Hangin on the edge of my seat till I’m off it , I don’t understand why you treat me like a project?”.
Excellent use of visual wordplay to make the listener connect with this message
The thing we really like about this artist is what the first track told us, which is the brutal honesty. It really comes across as an authentic feature within this artist’s arsenal of abilities.
Jumping down to “warning labels “we’re here a much softer and sweeter sound with a warm welcoming tone, but the opening lyrics seem to tell a different story. “You sent me a warning… I chose to ignore it.” We loved this!!!! This song breaks down the robbing heart of a no good person who entered Willa’s life. This is a true to life diary with a very powerful message.
Next step we had a chance to listen to “hide&seek”. The acoustic opening guitars are very beautiful and perfectly hold up the vocal dissemination of Willa’s less emotional, but equally as beautiful vocal performance. It’s almost as if Willa is growing in emotion and figuring it out more and allowing her vocals to project that message.
“maybe it’s just me “wrapped up this tremendous collection of songs. Gritty electric guitars are perfectly placed in the mix to allow this song to feel just soft enough to give room to let her voice slowly but surely build with an important message. There’s a sensation that Willa is trying to learn, but still has some trepidation about this person.
This is a terrific album and anyone who gives this a spin will instantly fall for the real and raw emotion and talent of this artist.
We definitely recommend you seek out this album on any major platform; see below for links to take you straight to some of the profiles.
Make sure to playlist, stream and share Willa’s “smoke signals” today.
Wait, there's more!
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist, for:
“The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
How long have you been making music?
I’m from a small town in Northern California & started creating music when I was twelve years old. I remember writing my first song in seventh grade math class called “Head Over Heels” & singing it to my friends on the playground. But I started professionally making & pursuing music when I turned nineteen & I have been in & out of studios, writing, creating & performing ever since. It’s been a whirlwind since I began truly pursuing music.
What emotion do you feel inspires your writing process the most, ie sadness, worry, happiness etc.?
Music is my way of processing my own life. It’s like my own personal therapy where I can dump every thought, emotion & experience into my music. I tend to write from the heart & oftentimes what comes out is a sad, emotional & personal ballad. I think emotions inspired by longing & mourning old loves really brings me inspiration for my tracks - especially the ones on my newest album “smoke signals.” But I’ve lately been in the studio creating very playful tracks as I want to have more fun with my music & I think it allows me to enjoy the process more as well.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project, “smoke signals”?
I wrote these songs over the course of the last year & the album is inspired by events that have taken place over the last two years of my life since I began seriously pursuing music. I remember so many instances of loving & losing in that time & trying to send these subtle smoke signals (if you will) reaching out for help silently to the people I loved - even if it was the people who hurt me. I found imagery & inspiration in my “cigarette drives” as I called them when I developed a smoking habit after a formative heartbreak where I would smoke, drive & write some of the poems that inspired these songs.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
All of these recent songs were created in a studio setting. It was always a dream of mine growing up to work in a studio, so the fact that this has become such a normal part of my life is truly astounding. I feel like I get to live out my dreams everyday even though it is so habitual at this point. I try to stay just as excited now as I was when I first began working in studios. I do write a lot of my music at home at my piano & then later bring it in to be produced. I have created many tracks this way & it feels much more authentic & raw starting alone at my piano. In fact, this is how my track “warning labels” was born & it is one of my favorites on the project.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
Honestly, these songs are so deeply personal. Making music is my greatest joy but it can sometimes feel intimidating sharing such deeply intimate moments of my life with anyone who chooses to listen. I had a clear vision for this project from the start, but since it was my second project, I think the hardest part was being able to be vulnerable on my tracks knowing anyone could listen. This made it oftentimes hard to let it all out on a song. I just hope that listeners can relate to these stories & find themselves in these brutally honest tracks.
Which of your already released songs is the most important to you, or had the most impact on your life or career and can you tell us why?
I have a few songs that stand out to me. My song “no way” being one of them. This track has definitely gained some traction over the last year & is one of my favorites to perform. It came from a personal story from one of my first ever relationships & the way my fans have reacted to that story & song is so special. One of my newer tracks “warning labels” has such a special place in my heart & has already impacted others. I performed it live for the first time a year ago with no intention of its release but I kept getting questions over time about that song being put into the world & people saying how much they loved it. I wrote that song after a tough day & a tough few months of ignoring red flags in people & the song was just a processing tool for myself at my piano. Little did I know, it would become some of my fan’s favorite songs of mine & one of my favorites to date.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
I wish the industry was more about art than business honestly. I have a degree in business management so I understand the business aspect of this industry but the focus should be now & should have always been on the artists & art. I think it is such a busy & difficult industry to navigate with all of the many voices & ulterior motives, but I think as long as the artists can focus on protecting themselves & staying true to their music, I think it can be a great industry to be a part of.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I have always taken my music & my sound so deeply seriously but I have been experimenting so much more with freedom in my music & playfulness. I think so many of the women in pop music as of lately have so much fun with their art & it translates so well in this world right now. I have been already creating new tracks that feel so playful & fun but still true to who I am as an artist. Although I will always love a good sad ballad.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
I have felt this way many times, even recently. I have gone through a lot in my life - more than most people know. Music has kept me centered & been my biggest love but there are times when even pursuing this path has been more than overwhelming. I have felt as though I wasn’t good enough my whole life. Not good enough to be loved, not good enough to be listened to, not good enough at all. I know it’s a lie I tell myself when I feel knocked down but it’s hard not to internalize. I have found strength in many ways through my support systems & through my own determination to keep pursuing my dreams no matter how difficult it may feel. I have the word “courage” tattooed on my arm in my late grandmother’s handwriting. She wrote that word down in my songwriting journal the day I told her I was making my first album. She told me to have courage in all that I do because it is going to be tough in life, especially in music, but to always move forward & realize that I have the strength to keep going. It stands as a reminder for me everyday & is one of my favorite tattoos.
What advice would you give your younger self?
No dream is too big. I am a dreamer by nature. But like anyone, I have doubts about what is achievable & plausible & logical in my life. But screw logic. Anything is possible in this life if it can be imagined. I have already made so many of my younger self’s dreams come true & I know that my current dreams will one day be realized as long as I keep going & keep dreaming.
What is your favorite song to cover?
I love covering songs by other artists on my piano & I tend to put my own creative spins on their tracks turning them into ballads of sorts. My favorite song that I cover might have to be “All My Loving” by the Beatles but I love singing any Sabrina Carpenter songs or any songs by Adele, Gracie Abrams, Troye Sivan, etc. I have so many favorite artists & learning their songs on piano has been so fun for me. I also performed a cover of “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey at one of my recent shows on piano with my friend playing cello. It was so much fun.
What is your favorite quote?
I love the quote “This too shall pass,” & I feel as though I’ve carried that mantra through the ups & downs in the past few years. I even have that quote on a gold ring I wear as a daily reminder. Not only has it helped me push through the bad knowing that those negative emotions or times won’t last forever but it has also reminded me to stay present in the good moments knowing that one day those moments will pass too.
How do you feel about social media?
I have such a love-hate relationship with social media. I have been so grateful for the many platforms I have available at my fingertips at all times to promote my music & connect with people. However, it often feels so inauthentic. I am guilty of showing only the best parts of my life on my social media platforms even though I wear my heart on my sleeve in my music. It feels strange to be looked at & have people care about your appearance, your sound & who you are, even when they don’t truly know you or have access to you in that way.
What is your favorite method of connecting with fans?
Lately, I have loved my interactions with fans at my shows. Anyone who has seen me perform knows that I love chatting with the audience during my sets. I love telling stories, asking questions, or even playing silly games with my audience at my shows. Making personal connections after I perform is also so validating & beautiful when I get to join the audience & talk one-on-one. I have met so many amazing people & lately feel so much support & love from these shows. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
Wow. This is a crazy question to try & answer & something that would be so insane to be able to do someday. I have always been obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter & it would be such a crazy honor to get to open for one of her shows someday. I also love Holly Humberstone & have recently found an artist I think is so neat & the next big thing called Luvcat. I think it would be so exciting to tour with any one of those artists & can’t wait to see what the future holds for me & my career.
We have experienced that many people perform acts of selflessness each day. Once your artistry has reached far and wide, how will you use that more powerful voice to have a bigger positive impact on our world?
Having a bigger platform comes with a lot of responsibility & when I reach that point, I want to make sure that I use my voice wisely & impactfully. I know that I look up to artists I love & definitely take their statements to heart. I know the effect that those larger voices can have impactfully on audiences & I would want to use my voice to promote love, peace & justice whenever I can. I think the world is in desperate need of more positivity & love in the times we live & it is definitely something that deserves to be spoken about.
What is the most inspirational thing a fan, or anyone, has told or shown you about your music?
I had a young fan once tell me that I was the reason she began writing music. She confessed to me that she felt as though she could never be brave enough to put herself out there in that way musically & emotionally but said that seeing me on stage & hearing my songs inspired her to start writing. I hope she still writes. It blows my mind everyday not only that people actually listen to my music & care, but especially that people might take inspiration from me & my experiences. I love what I do & I hope that my music can continue to grow & inspire.
End Interview
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Willa on Spotify & YouTube.
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