Meet 17-year-old singer-songwriter Lana Karlay! From writing songs to juggling school and music, Lana is proving that hard work and a whole lot of passion can take you anywhere! We caught up with the rising Aussie star to chat about song writing, inspiration and the story behind her latest release.
HELLO! CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
“I’m Lana Karlay, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Geelong who’s still at school! Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I begged my parents for lessons in voice, violin, piano, bass and guitar, and eventually convinced them to build me a home studio, which I’m always in. Outside music, I love my family, friends, nature, my dogs, and trying new hobbies.”
TAKE US BACK TO THE BEGINNING. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?
“I started violin, piano and singing lessons when I was six. I was always singing, so my parents encouraged it. Since then, music has been everything to me – I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
YOUR SONG FOR THE WEAK FOLLOWS A WHOLE WEEK OF EMOTIONS – WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TELL THE STORY IN THAT “DAY BY DAY” WAY?
“It actually started by accident! We realised we were writing about emotions across different days and decided to lean into it. Teen emotions change so quickly – one day you’re obsessed, the next you’re confused or annoyed – so it felt really real and fun to structure it that way.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC?
“Definitely pop-rock. I grew up on everything from The Rolling Stones and Queen to Lady Gaga and Kylie, so my music is a mix of all those influences. Pop-rock is so back and I love it!”
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS?
“It really depends. Sometimes I start with a melody, sometimes I sit at the piano after something happens in my life. I also write things down in my phone or journal. Every song starts differently, and that’s what I love about it.”
WHICH ARTISTS DO YOU LISTEN TO, OR FEEL INSPIRED BY?
“Ariana Grande, Queen, Blondie, my parents’ music taste, and even some Croatian artists like Grše. I listen to everything depending on my mood.”
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE?
“I’ve had lots of performances, but my first as Lana Karlay was in Year 9 at my school chapel, performing one of my original songs. I was so nervous, but it really pushed me to keep going.”
WHEN YOU’RE NOT MAKING MUSIC, WHAT DOES A DAY OFF LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
“There honestly isn’t much downtime! Between school, rehearsals, filming, lessons and homework, my weekends are usually full of activities or music-related things.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’RE REALLY INTO AT THE MOMENT?
“I’m really into staying up late watching random documentaries – anything from climate change to the Titanic. I always say I’ll go to bed early, but I never do!”
YOU’RE IN YOUR FINAL YEAR OF SCHOOL WHILE ALSO RELEASING MUSIC – HOW DO YOU JUGGLE EVERYTHING WITHOUT GETTING OVERWHELMED?
“I’ve been doing busy schedules since I was really young, so I’m used to it now. Having a full routine actually helps me stay focused and organised rather than feel overwhelmed.”
WE’RE CELEBRATING OUR 14TH BIRTHDAY WITH THIS ISSUE! DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR 14TH BIRTHDAY?
“Yes! I was living in the bush for a school program and my best friend woke me up at midnight in the pouring rain. We played Uno in a tent and shared snacks – it was simple but really special.”
LASTLY, CAN YOU SHARE A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
“I love collecting things – shells, crystals, vinyl, teddy bears… anything collectible, I’m obsessed with it!”
Her Stats
FULL NAME: Lana Karlusic
BIRTHDAY: June 8, 2008
HOMETOWN: Geelong
PETS: Miniature Schnauzers, Chip and Arno
Lana’s Faves
COLOUR: Blue
SWEET TREAT: Ice cream
DRINK: Bubble tea
ANIMAL: Otter
MOVIE: The Book of Life
EMOJI: The blushing face with the big eyes
