Q&A: Luella Speaks to the Outcasts in “Como Se Eu Não Soubesse”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY STARLY LOU RIGGS ☆
Photo By André Santana
LUELLA IS HERE FOR ALL THE BIG FEELINGS—In singing about the vastness of love and stark philosophical reflection, Luella is fierce and unforgiving. Most of her songs run the gambit of dancy pop, performing in an array of stunning attire that would make Lady Gaga proud. Originally from Rio, Luella still often felt called to write her tracks in English. Now, with her latest release, Luella is defying expectations and has popped off with the hauntingly beautiful “Como Se Eu Não Soubesse” (“As If I Didn’t Know”).
Conceptually driven, Luella weaves dreamscapes akin to Alice in Wonderland, albeit with her own unique flavor. Appearing in wigs and fantastical costumes—often a little goth or twisted—her image saturates the sound, bringing forth something truly unique and full of heart. Seemingly abstract, yet utterly intentional, these characters and ideas follow through to her custom art as well, each piece intentionally curated.
Luna had the pleasure of touching base with Luella about language, her process and how “Como Se Eu Não Soubesse” came to be.
Photo By André Santana
LUNA: How old were you when you started writing music?
LUELLA: I was actually a late bloomer. I wrote my first song at sixteen, but I used to hide them in a box and never look back. They felt too private. So, I guess my career as Luella really began when I was about 23 or 24, when I finally decided to open that box again.
LUNA: You’re influenced by a lot of American indie and European synthwave sounds. What role do you see those genres playing in your own sound?
LUELLA: I’ve always loved the dreamy, cinematic side of sound. I’m a little rebellious about it, too. I like to put sounds where they don’t belong—make a noise do something it shouldn’t. In my upcoming single “Como Se Eu Não Soubesse,” there’s a keyboard sound that’s actually a surdo drum pitched way up and turned into a melody. I live for that kind of sonic disobedience.
LUNA: You’ve collaborated with U.S. artist Ambi Alles and played in the U.S. I know there can be some romanticization of the U.S. and Europe as places to sort of “make it” in music, but I also think there’s some really incredible music being made in Brazil that maybe isn’t getting the recognition it deserves. Do you feel like you, as a Brazilian artist, have had to feed into international scenes to be seen?
LUELLA: Not really. I know amazing artists both abroad and here in Brazil who don’t get the recognition they deserve—people who are truly brilliant. The difference is infrastructure; those places have systems that support artists in ways we don’t always have here.
That said, there is still some romanticization—many people here tend to look outward first. But I think that’s slowly fading. There’s something powerful happening in Brazilian music right now, especially in rock. It feels like a new wave of self-awareness, a new confidence in our own voices.
LUNA: This track, “Como Se Eu Não Soubesse,” feels very dark and dreamy, and it reminds me a little bit of Marina Sena. How did this track come together? Can you talk a little bit about the production process?
LUELLA: Honestly, it started as defiance. I was tired of people asking, “Why don’t you sing in Portuguese?” My answer was always: because the songs come to me in the language they choose. This one came in Portuguese, effortlessly. It’s about surrender, about stepping into a new era of yourself.
It actually came right after a talk with my producer, Azulllllll. As soon as he left the studio, the song just… appeared. Melodies, lyrics, everything. Like a download. Later, we sat and shaped it, but that first moment was pure instinct. Every song on this new EP has its own birth story. This one just happened to fall from the sky fully formed.
LUNA: Your style is impeccable! How important is image, style and clothing for you in your music and your performance?
LUELLA: Thank you so much! I tend to think of visuals as extensions of the music. Each song has a mood that has to be translated visually, or the concept gets lost in the air.
Whether I’m creating videos or stage outfits, I focus on that translation. I’ve worked on my outfits with drag artists many times. They’re incredible collaborators when it comes to embodying concepts. But usually I arrive with sketches, drawings. I’m a visual artist too, so everything starts as an image in my mind. I try to use every tool I have.
LUNA: From black lace and blue hair in “Ready?” to being an entire mermaid in “A Bad Start,” your videos depict a lot of thought and character. What is your process like in getting into these characters?
LUELLA: I wish I had a real process to share, but honestly, it’s instinct. For example, when I wrote “A Bad Start,” I kept thinking “ocean, danger, something lurking.” And then the mermaid appeared in my head, uninvited and perfect.
It’s almost like the song chooses the character, not me. I just listen and follow. Maybe that’s disappointing as an answer, but it’s the truth. Some things just come as they are.
LUNA: Who do you feel your music is for?
LUELLA: For the outcasts. For the people who feel like they don’t belong anywhere. For the ones who are told they feel too much or too big; who are sensitive in a world that glorifies numbness.
My music is for anyone who refuses to apologize for having emotions. We’re told that hiding your feelings is strength, but to me, that’s the weakest thing you can do. Strength is feeling everything and still standing.
LUNA: If you could play a show with any artist in the world, who would it be?
LUELLA: That’s cruel! Right now, I'd probably pick between St. Vincent, Caroline Polachek, Jacob Collier and Clarence Clarity.
LUNA: Do you have any tours or big shows coming up?
LUELLA: I’ve just moved to São Paulo, so right now I’m grounding myself here. I’m starting with a string of local shows, but a mini-tour is definitely on the horizon. Honestly, I want to play as much as possible, in as many places as possible. My songs aren’t meant to stay still. They like to travel.
