Q&A: Laica Learns to “love again” and Embraces a New Era
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SHEVON GREENE ☆
Photo by @foodeatschris
IT TURNS OUT THE HARDEST PART ISN’T FALLING IN LOVE — it’s believing you can. On “love again,” Laica does both. Born in Abu Dhabi, raised in Manila, and now based in California, music has been central to her life from a young age. Her career began with YouTube covers and street performances in Santa Monica, eventually leading to her breakout 2020 EP Forever and 2021’s i’m so fine at being lonely, a pop-driven project chronicling the growing pains of early adulthood.
After a years-long hiatus, Laica returns with “love again,” a soulful single that signals both personal healing and artistic evolution. Now leaning into a more R&B and soul-rooted sound inspired by Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, and SZA, she’s embracing emotional honesty and organic instrumentation with new clarity. Her upcoming self-titled album explores love, vulnerability, and self-discovery—this time through a more mature and grounded lens.
The Luna Collective caught up with Laica to talk about her new music, the role of heritage and identity in her artistry, and what it means to create from a place of truth. Read below to learn more.
Photo by @foodeatschris
LUNA: “love again” marks your return after a hiatus. What inspired this track, and how does it reflect where you are emotionally and artistically now?
LAICA: The title says it all—being able to love again. After my last relationship, I didn’t think I could connect with someone in the same way again. The verses reflect real experiences, like being in a relationship that left me emotionally drained. I was struggling mentally, in a dark place. But the song is about choosing vulnerability anyway and finding the courage to move forward.
LUNA: That vulnerability definitely comes through. There’s something powerful about being honest through songwriting. Your sound has evolved from pop-driven to a more R&B and soul-centered style. How did that transition happen?
LAICA: I’ve always been drawn to R&B and soul—artists like Amy Winehouse, Al Green, and Etta James. My pop sound was fun, but it felt like I was trying to fit into what’s expected. Now I feel like I’m finally at home creatively.
LUNA: It’s great that you’ve been able to explore different directions and find what feels right. You’ve mentioned artists like Frank Ocean, SZA, and Amy Winehouse—how have they shaped your sound and songwriting?
LAICA: Frank Ocean’s use of vocal range really inspires me—he plays with tone and emotion so well. SZA’s sing-rapping is something I love because I can say a lot without having to rap—which I’m not great at, trust me. Amy Winehouse’s use of live instrumentation had a big influence. For this new project, I really focused on working with real instruments for a more organic feel.
LUNA: Your earlier project i’m so fine at being lonely explored loneliness and self-discovery. How do those themes evolve in your new self-titled album?
LAICA: It shifts toward love—entering a new one, embracing confidence, and letting go of past pain. There’s a single called “Silence” that touches on how social media affects your headspace, but I frame it in a love context. I like to sneak other themes into love songs. I’m also working with a new producer, Timothy Vickers, who has a jazz background, which really shaped the R&B direction.
LUNA: You were born in Abu Dhabi, raised in Manila, and you’re now based in California. How have those cultural experiences shaped your identity as an artist?
LAICA: I didn’t get to connect deeply with my Abu Dhabi roots, but my Filipino side is something I grew up with and proudly embraced. I was surrounded by Filipino culture, and I speak Tagalog and some Ilocano. That upbringing helped me stay connected to who I am, even as I grew into my American identity.
Seeing others succeed has helped me push past limiting beliefs I used to place on myself. In my early 20s, I’d get discouraged, thinking, “Maybe it’s harder because I’m Filipina.” But I’ve learned to trust myself more and let go of that mindset.
LUNA: You started by uploading covers on YouTube and busking in Santa Monica. How did those early experiences shape your approach to performance?
LAICA: They taught me that I really love performing. YouTube was scary at first—I was only 14! And busking helped me learn how to capture attention, even for a few seconds. One time, I think Jhené Aiko walked by. I wasn’t even sure it was her until later. It’s those little moments that keep me motivated.
LUNA: Your new album explores love, loss, and vulnerability. What themes or stories can listeners expect?
LAICA: It starts with heartbreak and gradually moves into rediscovering love—real, healthy love. I’ve been lucky to experience that now. I also wanted to include happier songs, not just sad ones. It’s a balance—some celebratory moments, some emotional ones.
LUNA: It’s cool to watch artists grow through different emotional stages in their work.
LAICA: It is! But it’s also a little nerve-wracking, stepping away from what people first knew me for. Still, I’m excited to be myself and find the people who connect with that.
LUNA: Are there any plans for music videos, live shows, or touring?
LAICA: Yes! A music video for “love again” should be out in a few days. I’d love to play a live show—hopefully in LA. I’m still figuring out touring, but fingers crossed!
LUNA: Looking back on your journey from your debut EP Forever to now, what are some pivotal lessons you’ve learned?
LAICA: Setting boundaries was a big one—learning to say no and not just go with the flow. I think I took the pop route early on because I thought that was the only way. Now I’m following a path that actually feels right to me.
LUNA: What message do you hope people take away from your new music?
LAICA: That you can rise again—even after the worst. I’ve been through a lot mentally in the last few years, and there were times I thought I wouldn’t come back to music. But I did. I hope listeners feel that sense of hope and healing.
LUNA: That’s powerful. And finally, what are your goals for the next few years?
LAICA: I’d love to tour—either opening for someone or headlining. An Asia tour would be amazing, especially performing in the Philippines. Festivals, live shows, writing more songs, releasing more music and projects—just really embracing the performance side of being an artist.
Photo by @foodeatschris
