From Madrid to Nashville Juana Everett has captured our hearts with her soft Americana vibe, with a little bit of Spanish flair. You wont regret letting her music wash over you and take you along on her journey as you read on to learn more about her, her music, and her volunteer work with World Central Kitchen.

Where are you based?
That’s hard to say because I’m a bit of a nomad! But I’m currently spending a lot of time between Madrid and Nashville.

What inspired you to start making music?
It came naturally at a very early age. Any musical instrument that I saw someone play would totally capture my attention, and I would want to play it badly. I loved singing, and I spent hours playing with my little toy keyboard. Remember those Casios?

Before coming to LA for music, you lived in Madrid. What influenced your decision to make this big move?
I love Americana and roots music, which is not that popular in Spain, and I wanted to surround myself with the most daring and eclectic artist community that I could think of. I knew LA was the right place for me to really grow and develop my voice as an artist. I was not wrong :)

How would you describe the kind of music you make? Do you have any musical inspirations?
I make contemporary Americana music that is gritty and sassy at times, but always emotional and deeply nostalgic. I like to combine the sounds of Nashville with the rock freedom of the West, and mix in echoes of my Spanish roots.

Congratulations on your new single “Whatever It Takes.” What was the inspiration behind this song?
“Whatever It Takes” is a very intimate song inspired by daily life for me. It reflects upon the challenges of forming a family, the transformation of love, and the power of sticking together through thick and thin. It’s an ode to the beauty of daily family love.

The single is also a duet with Dylan LeBlanc. How did this collaboration come about?
On one of our first pre-production meetings, I mentioned “Coyote” - Le Blanc’s last album - to my producer Alex Muñoz, when he asked me what I’d been listening to. It turned out that he knew Dylan from touring, so later on, we thought of asking him to collaborate on “Whatever It Takes” because we thought his voice would be perfect on it, which it is!

“Whatever It Takes” is the third and final single off your upcoming album “Past Lives In California.” What’s the story behind the creation of this project?
“Past Lives in California” is my personal ode to the Golden State. It’s my most honest collection of songs to date, inspired by the lives I dreamed and lived in California, the myths that crumbled into pieces, and the people who changed my life forever.

Without giving too much away, what are some themes we can expect to hear explored throughout this album? How have you grown within your creative process and as an artist since first starting out?
“Past Lives In California” will take you roaming on the PCH while tasting the ocean salt on your lips. You will face the wind in the desert, drink at forgotten bars, and dive into the poetry and darkness of a few absolute strangers, who might just be you.

My process is becoming more and more intuitive with time. I just try to get out of the way.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
My hopes are high. I hope to inspire empathy, time travel, catharsis, and the deep realization that you could be anyone.

You often volunteer with World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing meals in areas of conflict and natural disaster. Can you tell us a bit about what you do as a volunteer? How did you get involved with this organization?
I learned about this organization, how they provide nourishing warm meals in areas of conflict, offering this very fundamental and human support. Their rapid response in times of crisis is incredible. I feel very inspired by their work. A little contribution to them can go a long way.

Why are organizations like World Central Kitchen important right now? Who are some of the communities they’re helping right now?
These organizations are essential because they can respond fast, which is key in moments of crisis. Work Central Kitchen is currently working to provide meals in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Philippines. It’s a very transparent organization providing a lot of details on its daily operation.

What changes do you hope to see for the future of the music industry regarding representation?
I hope we get to hear more and more diverse voices, because that’s the only way to get the full picture of our humanity. I think artists know that. The industry is always behind, trying to get the memo. Let’s keep making art, and let’s keep supporting artists directly.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before pursuing music?
Define success on your own terms. Aim for that.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I just can’t wait to put this album out! “Past Lives In California” out May 22nd!!

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
Creativity and family keep me grounded. Stay present with your loved ones and your community. That’s truly what we have and need to care for.

What is your motto in life?
I don’t think I have one. But maybe: If it feels right, it probably is!

To learn more about Juana Everett, please check out the links below:
https://wck.org/

Juana Everett - Whatever It Takes