Podcast Summary: takin' a walk - "Lana Love: Heartbeats, Harmonies and the Journey Within"

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of "takin' a walk", host Buzz Knight engages in a heartfelt conversation with the multifaceted artist Lana Love. Known for her genre-blending sound and deeply personal songwriting, Lana offers listeners an intimate look into her musical journey, creative processes, and advocacy within the music industry.

Early Connection to Music

Buzz Knight opens the discussion by exploring the pivotal moment Lana realized her deep connection to music.

• Lana Love [06:59]:
  "I think I was always naturally drawn to melody... That was really the first moment that I knew that music was going to be a big part of my life."

From a young age, Lana was immersed in music, with fond memories of tinkering on a family piano and being influenced by her mother's love for Phantom of the Opera. This early exposure cemented her passion for melody and storytelling through music.

Influences and Mentors

Lana credits several key figures who have shaped her artistic path, most notably John Legend.

• Lana Love [07:54]:
  "John Legend really did as a young child... he's been really instrumental in my progress and has inspired me in many different ways."

Meeting John Legend twice—once while working at an event in Harlem and later when he invited her to be part of his team on The Voice—provided Lana with invaluable mentorship. Legend's grounded approach to the music industry taught Lana the importance of staying present and focusing on craft over the chaos often associated with fame.

Additionally, Lana discusses the role of her parents in her journey:

• Lana Love [09:57]:
  "My parents were not in the industry... I really had to find it on my own."

Despite not having industry insiders at home, the independence fostered by her family dynamics strengthened her resolve and self-reliance in pursuing her music career.

Advocacy and Copyright Work

Lana's personal experiences with copyright issues propelled her into advocacy:

• Lana Love [11:08]:
  "I had a major copyright issue that would have changed my life financially... I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could and to teach one."

Facing a significant copyright challenge early in her career, Lana realized the common pitfalls many artists encounter. Determined to prevent others from facing similar struggles, she dedicated herself to educating fellow musicians about copyright laws and protections, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of music.

Breakthrough with "American Love"

2021 marked a turning point for Lana with the release of her song "American Love".

• Lana Love [13:18]:
  "I wanted my music to be real when what I was living felt really fake."

"American Love" showcases Lana's commitment to authenticity, featuring live instruments recorded in analog to capture a genuine, grassroots sound. The song blends elements of folk and hard rock, embodying the diverse musical influences from her upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia.

PBS Tribute to Frank Feta

Lana had the honor of headlining a one-hour solo live PBS special at the Redlands Bowl Amphitheater, paying tribute to her late mentor, Frank Feta.

• Lana Love [15:08]:
  "He was the first person I ever truly loved... It was just such a wonderful experience."

This tribute allowed Lana to honor Feta's legacy by performing a diverse range of genres, from opera to rock, highlighting the profound impact he had on her life and career.

Recent Projects and Collaborations

Lana continues to push creative boundaries with recent collaborations and upcoming releases:

• Lana Love [16:09]:
  "I have an EP coming out on August 22nd called Sorry I'm Human. I'm really, really excited for y'all to hear that."

Her collaboration with Ghostface Killah on the track "Lost Boys with a Z" stands out as a significant milestone, showcasing her ability to blend different styles and work organically with other artists.

Musical Diversity and Creativity

Lana's versatility across genres stems from her extensive background in musical theater, where she honed her ability to navigate various musical styles.

• Lana Love [19:57]:
  "I had to constantly bounce back and forth between all these different genres... I'm just mixing them all into who I am now."

This diverse foundation allows Lana to infuse her music with elements from opera, jazz, pop, and rock, creating a unique and dynamic sound that's distinctly her own.

Vulnerability and Themes in Music

Vulnerability is a cornerstone of Lana's songwriting and performances, as she strives to connect deeply with her audience.

• Lana Love [21:13]:
  "I always try to get to the truth of what I'm feeling and write from a place that I've already had the answer to the question that I'm asking."

Her latest EP, Sorry I'm Human, delves into themes of healing and self-acceptance, using music as a therapeutic outlet both for herself and her listeners.

• Lana Love [21:54]:
  "I'm just trying to connect with people."

Future Aspirations and Growth

Looking ahead, Lana embraces continuous learning and openness to new experiences, whether in music or other creative fields.

• Lana Love [29:55]:
  "I'm just staying open in that ocean of possibility to what comes in and I'm staying positive and staying on the growth path."

Her willingness to explore acting and other facets of the entertainment industry reflects her broad creative interests and desire for personal and professional growth.

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with Lana expressing profound gratitude for her journey and the support she's received.

• Lana Love [31:27]:
  "I've been given so much and I have so much love to give back."

Buzz Knight wraps up the conversation by congratulating Lana on her achievements and expressing excitement for her future endeavors, leaving listeners inspired by her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Notable Quotes

• Lana Love [07:54]:
  "John Legend really did as a young child... he's been really instrumental in my progress and has inspired me in many different ways."

• Lana Love [11:08]:
  "I had a major copyright issue that would have changed my life financially... I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could and to teach one."

• Lana Love [21:54]:
  "I'm just trying to connect with people."

• Lana Love [29:55]:
  "I'm just staying open in that ocean of possibility to what comes in and I'm staying positive and staying on the growth path."

Conclusion

This episode of "takin' a walk" offers a comprehensive glimpse into Lana Love's artistic journey, underscored by her commitment to authenticity, continuous growth, and advocacy for fellow artists. Through her music and personal stories, Lana exemplifies the profound impact of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of the music industry.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of Lana Love's discussions with Buzz Knight, highlighting her achievements, challenges, and the heartfelt narratives that define her as an artist.