NEW ERA, NEW MUSIC, NEW SEASON OF LIFE
Genesis → Songwriting/Creative Process → ‘Together’ → What’s to Come
After some time away from releasing music, Lea Love returns to your music platforms with new music that artistically reflects this new season of her life. I sat down with Lea Love to learn about the genesis of her music journey, songwriting/producing process, and what’s to come next. I can truly say I left our conversation feeling inspired by her and excited for what she has in store for her listeners in 2026.
GENESIS/BACKGROUND
For those of you who are late to the party, Lea Love is an R&B vocalist with an Island Reggae sound born and raised in the city of the ‘O’- Oceanside, California. (shoutout to all my Oceanside fam). Coming from Japanese, Hawaiian, & Samoan descent but growing up listening to the iconic R&B stars of the 90’s & 2000’s, it was almost written in the stars that Lea would have the sound she does. Like most, Lea developed her love for music at an early age.
She pinpoints the exact moment her family realized she had a gift, “You know, I remember being super young and the first song that I sang out loud to my parents in the back seat was ‘I’ll Make Love to You’ by Boyz II Men. They were looking at each other like ‘well she can sing but should she be singing this song.” The moment she realized this was more than a hobby and interest, she was entirely invested in herself and her passion alongside with the support of her family. She took every opportunity to sing in high school at pep rallies & football games and even released a song, deep dive search pending to find that one lol.
THE PASSION
After graduating high school, she spent some time dancing for Taupou Samoa and Lokelani’s Rhythm of the Islands traveling to perform ‘ori Tahiti and siva Sāmoa but she was still pursuing her dream. At this point in time she was still very much an R&B and Pop singer but was always going to all Island Reggae concerts and loved it, the environment, the sound, etc. It was at these same shows that she realized she wanted to shift to Island Reggae music and from there she began networking and connecting with the right people. Soon enough she began opening up for Island Reggae artists that we know, love, and listen to on the daily.
From there she got into the studio working with producers to create original music and build her discography. In the studio, she began working with talented & well-rounded musician, Swells OC, where they cultivated a musical friendship that would eventually transform into being husband and wife 10+ years later (ok like how cute AND they had the wedding of the century).
THE SONGWRITING/PRODUCING PROCESS
Being the storyteller that she is, many of her songs come from her authentic, lived experiences that were recorded through journaling. “I think I really had to go through things in life to be inspired. Especially when I was first starting out.” The process of creating and producing is a lot more tedious than most think and truly requires patience, expertise, and passion– along with the right people in your corner. “There’s so many layers and elements to creating.” Like most artists, she consistently works with the same producers that have become friends in this crazy industry. The path to creating a record you feel good about isn’t always linear. She described that some days she’ll go into the studio and record the final vocals and other days are “re-tracking” days. Even after getting the vocals there’s still more to do– mixing, artwork, marketing, etc. This truly is such a process and it’s not for everyone, only those who have a passion for this art and are prepared to give everything it takes and then some and Lea Love truly embodies that.
‘TOGETHER’
After spending some time enjoying their newly wed season, Lea Love & Swells OC released ‘Together’, a remake of The Intruders original hit. If you’re from Oceanside, you know what the Strand is but for Lea & Swells. It’s the birthplace of the idea to create their own version of ‘Together’. Nothing like a beach cruise with a loved one to inspire you to create your own version of a song about being with your special person & people. From here they moved on to recording & producing, eventually bringing the final version of ‘Together’ to our music platforms for our listening pleasure.
INSERT TOGETHER ARTWORK
FIGHTING FOR YOUR PASSION & STAYING TRUE TO IT
In any case, choosing to forego the ‘traditional’ route of life that generations before us have set, can be a path full of uncertainty, self-doubt, and oftentimes lack of support from those around you. But for Lea Love, not only does she have the talent and heart for her artistry, she has the self confidence, family support, and grit to continue to make music that makes you feel good in an industry that has its tough times more often than not. While eventually, yes, Lea wants to be both a mother & a wife, for this season of her life, she’s being a singer & a wife and chasing her dreams whole heartedly, full speed ahead. And even when it’s time to enter that chapter of her life, as for her and her husband, she says they “will always make music.”
WHAT’S TO COME
Lea alludes to a project she’s eager to release in 2026 that is different from her previous music and represents this new era of her artistry & new version of herself. The music will speak for itself and showcase all Lea has to offer and I cannot wait!
If you’re like me and excited for her new music coming out in 2026, you don’t have to wait too long because her Christmas original song, “Can’t Wait Until Christmas” releases December 5, 2025! Get in the Holiday spirit and catch her performing at the annual ‘Snowside’ Holiday Celebration in Oceanside, CA December 6!
It was truly an honor getting to share space with such a talented artist and I left our time together feeling inspired by not only her journey but the true passion she has for her art.
FOR FUN | GET TO KNOW LEA LOVE
- What’s your music Mt. Rushmore?
Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Amy Winehouse
- Dream collab
Pop/R&B: Bruno Mars
Island: Aaradhna
- 3 songs that captures who Lea Love is
Rude Boy- Rihanna
What a Girl Wants- Christina Aguilera
You Give Good Love- Whitney Houston
- Go to studio must-have snack
Salt & Vinegar Chips
- Song to describe 2025
Man I Need- Olivia Dean
- Dream festival line up (5-6 artists)
Amy Winehouse (headlining)
Aaradhna
Anuhea
Olivia Dean
Lea Love
- If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be?
Daydream – Mariah Carey
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Prayer in the green room with her family & a moment alone for a self pep talk
- Any shows coming up soon?
‘Snowside’ Holiday Performance Dec. 6, 2025! Oceanside, CA
- Any new music coming out?
‘Can’t Wait Until Christmas’ releasing this December 5, 2025! Future project releasing in 2026 😉
