‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music. Up next is California born, Auckland raised electronic pop artist Alma Leta, who has recently relocated to Wellington.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Hello I’m Alma Leta! I’m 24 and was born in California, raised in NZ. I’m from Kaipara Flats north of Auckland and moved to Welly almost a year ago. I feel like my musical side has had the most room to flourish here! At this stage I write electronic pop songs. I want to explore and combine other genres in my work too eventually and hone in on raw instruments. I guess I’m still finding my feet with all this and refining my sound. I’ve been writing songs since I was 7 (mind you they were silly then) and properly got into it when I was 20 while I was living back over in the states for a bit.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I have approximately 4 songs on the way, freshly baked and ready to pop out the oven! Then 2 others that are still in the works. I am very excited to share them!
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
The best way to keep up to date on new music is through my Instagram and my Facebook page. All of my released music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify and Soundcloud.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Lana Del Rey’s first album.
All Florence and the Machine.
Oh and all of The National.
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
George Turner and anyone else who’s keen!
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
Yet to play anywhere! There’s definitely a myriad of places I would be honoured to perform at. I’m currently living in a big old warehouse and it might just be a great place to have a small intimate debut show.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
I feel like I’m a writer first and singer second. Words nibble me all day. While I’m driving, at work, while I’m trying to sleep! I wish melodies flirted with me as much. It’s frustrating having all these lyrics and not always a song to burst them to life. They kinda sit in my journals like kids waiting for their mum to get them from school. Clumsy poems sorta. That’s why working with Nik Brinkman is so thrilling because it’s like he has this secret garden of music in him that he’s kind enough to share with me! We make a good team.
Where/when is your next gig?
As far as gigging goes – nothing planned at this stage! I think I’d like to solidify my repertoire first before I dove into performing live. Singing in front of a crowd feels good to me though. Like ribbons coming from my chest. And sun out my belly. I do have so much to learn though. I’m so excited to see where music carries me.