Meet Lila Paloma of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lila Paloma

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you VoyageLA Magazine for having me! I would be delighted to share a bit about my background.

I grew up immersed in music from a very young age. My mom and I would have kitchen dance parties to everything from Afrobeats to Jazz, R&B, Rai, Cuban, and Brazilian rhythms. It was in those moments that I discovered my love for global sounds and rhythm. Although I was born in New York City, I spent most of my childhood in Cape Cod, MA, where my multicultural background played a huge role in shaping my identity.

In 2019, I took a leap and moved to Los Angeles, where I began working with local music producers, which led me to explore EDM and discover my unique voice as an artist. Since then, my sound has evolved into a fusion of pop inspired by early 2000s R&B, blended with Afropop and Caribbean influences. This mix brings a nostalgic yet fresh sound. It’s a unique, infectious vibe that mirrors my roots and reflects my passion for creating music that uplifts and empowers.

Currently, I’m working on my first EP, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth journey, but it’s been an incredibly fulfilling one. As an independent artist, so much goes on behind the scenes that people don’t always see. Beyond the creative process, being independent means managing every part of my business—from funding studio time, production, and marketing to distributing my music. Without the backing of a big label, this all moves a little slower, but it’s a learning process that’s truly rewarding.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this journey is owning 100% of my music. This independence gives me complete creative freedom and allows my work to reflect a deep level of integrity. While I may not have a big label funding my projects, I’ve embraced the steady, organic growth of building something genuine.

There’s a unique magic in bringing my ideas to life, knowing that they come from a raw and authentic place. The process of finding my voice has also been deeply spiritual—sharing the most vulnerable parts of myself through my music has been both powerful and healing. I’m creating music that feels 100% true to who I am, and while it takes time, the reward is immense. Just this summer, I released “More Than You Know”, an Afropop anthem that reflects exactly where I am as an artist.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart as an artist is my versatility and dedication as a songwriter. My daily passion for crafting lyrics and melodies that can adapt across genres has been a lifelong journey, beginning when I was just seven years old. Back then, I’d create songs from the few piano chords I knew, and those moments of discovery still inspire me today. Now, as I write and record my original music in LA, I often have these ‘aha’ moments, reflecting on how my childhood dreams have evolved into my path as an adult. This journey has been beautiful and deeply fulfilling, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.

I’m thrilled to be releasing my Afropop EP in the coming months—a project that captures my growth as an artist. The songs reflect the vibrant sounds and rhythms of the early 2000s with a modern Afropop twist, and each track draws from the musicians who inspired me growing up.

“Wild Woman”, a collaboration with my talented friends Droovyy and The Falln1, is a standout single from the EP which embodies the spirit of confidence I aim to convey in my music.

To promote “Wild Woman”, I’ll be co-hosting a workshop with choreographer Feliciano Ortiz in San Francisco on November 16th. Together, we’re crafting choreography that accents the song’s energy. I am very excited to connect with the Bay Area creative community! I want this event to be a space where we can all explore our creative, powerful, feminine and embodied selves while discussing the inspirations behind the song. It’s about more than music; it’s about building community. I can’t wait to meet everyone and share this journey!

What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement for the upcoming release of my Afropop EP and my dance workshop in San Francisco for my single “Wild Woman.” I also plan to bring the ‘Wild Woman’ dance workshop to Los Angeles in mid-December, and I’m exploring the possibility of performing at South by Southwest this March. I genuinely look forward to connecting with new audiences and sharing my creative passion through these opportunities.

Keep an eye out for the dates of the LA workshop—I would love to dance with you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my interview.

I hope you can join me at one of my events so we can connect in person!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilapxloma/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilapxloma/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilaPxloma
• Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lilapaloma/more-than-you-know-2?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZN8hTbeWSavKZ5YMJEGOF5gXe1HZg8n1w4AhD8wPYacz13ZbX_-DLd4CU_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Image Credits
Kevin Badami
Andrea Saucerman
Daniel Barrero
Ethan Cohen