There is an appealing fearlessness to Lala Vale’s songwriting. Rather than searching for comfortable conclusions, the singer-songwriter has increasingly made her home within the complicated spaces between love, guilt, vulnerability and desire, exploring emotions that rarely fit neatly into right or wrong.
Her latest single ‘Just Another Me’ takes that instinct into particularly challenging territory. Serving as the flagship release from her forthcoming album, the smoky alternative-pop ballad examines the internal conflict of loving two people simultaneously, capturing the confusion, remorse and questions of identity that can emerge when emotion refuses to follow logic. Moody guitars, a persistent rhythm and Vale’s distinctive alto give the track a suitably nocturnal quality, balancing intimacy with the broader sweep of alternative rock.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Keyboards were actually the first instrument I learned as a kid, though I hated the structured lessons at first! It wasn't until I stopped taking formal lessons that I truly fell in love with playing by ear. Later on, I completely fell in love with the piano. There’s something so grounding yet boundless about sitting at a piano—it feels like a complete world of emotion right under your fingertips.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in a very musical home. My dad built handmade speakers in the '70s and '80s and played classic rock vinyl records all the time, so that raw sound shaped my childhood. Later on, I fell in love with jazz, soul, and vocal legends like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald. What captivated me most was their honest delivery—they had a rare gift for conveying deep emotion far beyond just the lyrics, conveying a whole story through every authentic nuance in their voices.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember diving into my dad's classic rock vinyl collection—listening to bands like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and The Alan Parsons Project. That vintage, organic production left a lasting imprint not only on how I hear and listen to music today, but also on how I create and make it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
"Feeling Good" (made famous by Nina Simone). The drama, soul, and pure emotional honesty in that track are unmatched. It tells a complete story through both the music and the vocal delivery.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
For me, songwriting is a way to process inner struggles and raw feelings. It usually starts with a phrase paired with a short melody popping into my head. I’ll sit right down at the piano, or if I'm not near one, I immediately record a quick voice memo on my phone to come back to later. Once I'm at the piano, I let that initial mood and melody lead the way rather than overthinking the structure.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately, I've been listening to Daughter and Kovacs. Daughter has this incredible, quiet vulnerability and atmospheric depth, while Kovacs brings such a raw, soulful, and theatrical edge to dark pop. I’m deeply drawn to artists who aren’t afraid to lean into cinematic moody tones and total emotional honesty.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That's a tough question because there are so many incredible artists I admire! But I think the ultimate dream would be opening for the iconic bands I actually grew up on—legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, or Pearl Jam. There's something deeply personal about connecting with the music that originally shaped and inspired me, and sharing a stage with that kind of history would be surreal.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Turning life experiences into something honest and relatable. Music allows you to talk about internal struggles, choices, and raw emotions without filters—and when you pair those words with a melody, it becomes so much easier to say things out loud and truly connect with them. When a listener connects with a song and feels understood, that’s the most rewarding feeling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
That today, musicians are required to know how to do so much more than just make music. Creating and performing are only half the battle now—you're expected to be your own manager, digital marketer, content creator, and campaign strategist all at once. Juggling social media algorithms, administration, and self-promotion can easily take over your day, and the hardest part is protecting the quiet space and energy you need purely for the creative process itself.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never try to rush things. It’s advice that applies to every part of life, but especially to music—good things simply take time to grow. When you stop forcing the process and trust the timing, things eventually fall into place exactly as they should.
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Lala Vale's new single 'Just Another Me' is out now. Check it out in the player below.