Check our interview with singer/songwriter Luciana Maria who is excited to release her brand new music in the beginning of 2019. Luciana’s music ranges from Pop to R&B to Hip Hop. All three genres can be heard in her previous hit singles “Natural,” “You Do You” and “Whole Crew.” Her own tour “Hello Lulu” and her headliner spot on the main stage of 2018 Portland LGBTQ Pride Festival are just a small handful of accomplishments she has had in her musical career thus far.
Hi Luciana, please tell us a little about you?
Hello! I am a recording artist, songwriter, and producer originally from Portland, OR and now currently in the LA area. When I started to take my career of being a recording artist seriously I was 14, and now I am 20 and haven’t looked back!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, tenacious, and Confident.
What is your musical background?
When I was just seven-years-old my father put me in Opera, Classical Piano, and Italian lessons and I absolutely hated it. I really didn’t like to sing opera at the time, since my vision of an opera singer was a robust lady on the stage with viking horns on her head. I was very interested in the piano portion of it since it was the first instrument that I picked up, and I fell in love. After a couple years of being in school plays and choirs, at the age 14 I began producing my own music and songwriting.
Is your family musical?
Music was always playing in my house as a kid, and I grew up in an environment that really showed me the spectrum of music. My father was in music during his 20’s and actually had his own small record label.
How would you describe your music?
Catchy and sing along in the car music. 🙂
How did you get started?
When I was 14 years old, I was given the best advice ever from one of the producers and engineers, Asaf Folks which was…”If you can do what I am doing, you will be unstoppable.”. What he meant by that was if I knew how to produce on top of singing and songwriting, there would be endless doors that would open. Plus, I would have the tools of producing that no one could take from me and leave me incapable. With that advice in my pocket, I ran with it and here I am today- 20 and unstoppable!
What is your next goal as a musician?
I love collaborations and my goal in this next year is to work with as many other artist that I possibly can!
Tell us about your last hit singles “Natural, You Do You” and “Whole Crew?”
All three are all such unique stories and are special to me in one way or another. “Natural” is a “love hurts” song, that questions acceptance from a significant other. I wrote the song when I was 15 and when I was about 16 recreated the music with one of my really good producer / engineer friends, JR and Donny Baker. It changed the songs feeling and made it really into what I had imagined.
“You Do You” is definitely my favorite song right now that I have released. I love this one because it is a song that appreciates others for who they truly are, and say’s, keep being unique and being “you”.
“Whole Crew” is my version of the Taylor Swift “Shake It off” song. Just simply about haters and not letting what they say about you ruin your day.
Any new music in 2019 you can tell us about?
Yes! I have a few new songs in the pipe line that I can not wait to release! They all have a unique sound and explore the crazy girl in love. I am working with some amazingly talented creatives that have worked with artist such as SZA, Travis Scott, J Lo, Pit Bull and more!
And about your tour “Hello Lulu?”
“Hello Lulu Tour” I created as a tour for people to get to know me better and to help new fans get to know who I am. I created the show for High School audiences and we toured though high schools in Southern California. That tour in particular has a special place in my heart for what it is, and the experiences we had. My dancers and I loved it, it really gave me an opportunity to be closer to fans for the first time and be reachable.
Any advice for upcoming singers?
I think the best piece of advice I would give for anyone entering the business, whether if that is a singer, songwriter, producer, Dj, engineer, is to trust your gut. I know that is really cliché, but every single time I had a gut feeling about something it was spot on. It’s important to trust those inner feelings.
How was the feeling of your headliner spot in the main stage of 2018 Portland LGBTQ Pride Festival?
The BEST!! I LOVE PRIDE! PRIDE is my favorite event to perform at and be apart of since its just a whole different ball game. The dancing is turned up, the performing is next level, the costumes are exquisite. I mean it’s an entertainers paradise!
Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
Everyone! (Lol) I seriously would want to pull a PitBull move and for 2 years collaborate with all the artist I could. If you made me pick only a few, I would have to say… Bazzi, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexah, Bruno Mars, and Halsey!
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
Oh my gosh! Thats a hard question… I think I would have to say (just like every 20 year old) my phone, some sort of small makeup bag, and a water bottle since I am a hydration freak!
What music do you like?
I grew up loving all music so I have a mixed playlist. I really love R&B, Pop, Soul, Classical. Although if I was invited to a Mega Death party I think I would have to pass and would rather go change the air in my tires. 😉
Your favorite song? Why?
My two favorite songs right now are, “Without Me” by Halsey, and “Shallow” from the movie a Star Is Born. Both songs move me in a very emotional way that digs a bit deeper than most songs out right now. What I love about both of these projects is the artist had to push themselves, and dug deep. They set a bar and I love watching them hit it, and even in my opinion hit higher.
Any loves, other than music?
I love fashion and design. Being Italian I have always been drawn to textiles and visual aesthetics. I believe that fashion and design is an extension of ourselves.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
One of the dear souls I wish I could meet before she passed this year was Aretha Franklin. I really was fascinated with her presence. Her voice was commanding and her journey as a female artist at the time was not easy! I really wish I could go grab lunch with her and just visit with her. I think people like Aretha Franklin are gifts to us.
What do you like to watch on tv?
I don’t really have time to watch TV any more. But! When I used to watch TV I was obsessed with Netflix series Green Leaf, and Grace and Frankie. I know those are two old lady series, but my day one fans all know I’m secretly an old lady at heart! (LOL)
What is your favorite healthy food?
Well, I only eat healthy food since I really care about the food I put in my body, plus I’m Italian and I’m hypersensitive to what is in my food, and where is came from. But, if I had to choose, I love huge Lucianto kale salads or simple spinach salads with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food would have to be dark chocolate Gluten Free cookies!
Best advice ever given?
“No one knows your self worth, more than your self”. I think it’s self explanatory, but we put a value on ourselves and that value determines our success.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
YES! Me, my puppy Jojo, my Nonna Giovanna, my Mamma, my Papa. Sunday supper of my dads hand made red sauce and pasta with a glass of red wine and 60 minutes.
Any news you want to share with us?
This Spring/Summer 2019 I am releasing new music and music videos to follow!
What do you think of Social Media?
A beautiful Medusa. I think it’s something that can get very ugly very quick.
I think is it the platform of careers and everything we do in todays day and age and you need it to be successful in this business.
Where we can follow you?
Fans can follow me on all social media, @LuluBeatz or they can visit my website Lulubeatz.com for everything in one place!
Favorite Quote: There are so many I can’t pick just one!
Favorite Movie: A Star Is Born and Crazy Rich Asians
Goal Travel Destination: France!!! 🇫🇷
Sport Team: I honestly don’t have one. Sorry sports fans :/
Celebrity Crush: Lewis Hamilton
