At just fifteen, Peruvian singer Lucía Lay is carving out a fearless space in the pop rock world with her raw take on teenage life. She blends the energy of teen pop with the edge of pop rock, drawing inspiration from artists like Sabrina Carpenter. In 2025, she released three standout singles and an acclaimed EP, then kicked off 2026 with her boldest statement yet: the bright, guitar-and-synth-driven single ‘Faker‘, her most pop-leaning track so far. With lyrics confronting the pressure to perform a fake identity amid social media’s curated perfection, Lucía Lay proves herself as a young artist who turns vulnerability into strength and self-discovery into anthems.
In the exclusive interview that follows, Lucía Lay explores the making of ‘Faker‘, her creative evolution, and what it means to stay true to herself at such a pivotal age.
When did you first realize your passion for music, and what motivated you to begin writing your own songs at a young age?
I started playing instruments when I was really young, which was my first introduction to music. Later on, I began singing, which I ended up enjoying the most. That’s when I felt inspired to start writing my own songs and experimenting with composition, discovering so many new things along the way.
How has your upbringing in Peru influenced the themes and stories in your music?
Growing up in Peru has shaped the way I see the world and express my emotions. Music has always been a big part of my environment, and that cultural mix influences the feelings and stories I try to tell through my songs, even if it’s not always in an obvious way.
Which artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, have most inspired you, and what aspects of their work resonate with you?
One of the artists who has inspired me the most is Olivia Rodrigo. She’s an incredibly talented singer and songwriter, and her honest, relatable lyrics have really influenced how I write my own songs. I also love the melodies and rhythms in her music.Sabrina Carpenter is another artist I really admire—her songs are fun, upbeat, and enjoyable to listen to. I’m also inspired by Chappell Roan, especially because of her unique sound and strong personal style.
How do you balance high school, friendships, and your music career at age 15?
I try to stay organized and manage my time as best as I can. After school, I usually dedicate at least an hour every day to practicing music or writing songs. The rest of the time I focus on studying, and I mostly hang out with friends on weekends, when I have more free time.
Reflecting on your 2025 releases, including three singles and your EP, which achievement from that year are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of starting to release my music and seeing how much I’ve improved over time. I’m also proud of learning to care less about negative opinions and becoming more confident in myself as an artist.
Why did you select ‘Faker’ as your first single of the year, and in what ways does it differ from your previous releases?
‘Faker’ felt like the right first single of the year because it’s a little different from my previous songs. It’s more pop-driven, and my band and I actually wrote it in December, so releasing it this year felt like the perfect way to start a new chapter.
‘Faker’ stands out as your most pop-driven track, featuring guitars, synths, and vibrant energy. How did you develop this sound?
We developed this sound by listening to a lot of pop music from artists like Sabrina Carpenter. We wanted to experiment, explore new genres, and push ourselves creatively to find something fresh and exciting.
Since ‘Faker’ centers on staying true to yourself, can you share a personal experience that inspired these lyrics?
My songwriting is deeply rooted in relatability. While many of my lyrics come from my own experiences and feelings, I’m also inspired by what people my age are going through. I try to capture the shared struggles, emotions, and everyday moments of teenage life so listeners can feel understood and connected.
As a teenager addressing social media pressure in your music, how do you manage the temptation to present a “perfect” image online?
I make a conscious effort to focus on being authentic rather than perfect on social media. I don’t feel the need to present a flawless image, because real life isn’t like that. By sharing both the good and the hard moments, I hope to build a genuine connection with my audience and remind others that it’s okay not to be perfect.
What is one dream collaboration or ambitious goal you hope to achieve in the future?
My biggest goal is to build a long-term career in music. Creating music is what fulfills me the most, and I hope to eventually support myself entirely through my art. Being able to make a living doing what I truly love would be the greatest achievement for me.
Stream ‘Faker’:
