A conversation with Ana Lía, Toronto’s Latin-pop powerhouse

When Ana Lía began writing songs, she was just five years old. Although her sound has evolved far beyond the “jingles” she used to perform for her grandparents on Saturday afternoons around the house, a passion to entertain remains a driving force of Lía’s act.

After moving from the Dominican Republic to Toronto to pursue her dreams, she graduated from the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in 2012. Trained in Cante flamenco, she showcased her vocal strengths as the lead singer for the rumba-funk band Santerias, performing at numerous festivals across Ontario and releasing their first EP, “Hurricane,” in 2018.

In late 2019, Ana felt a strong urge to tell her own stories through original solo music. Working with producer Benjamin Barrile, she began releasing her music shortly after, sharing a unique sound inspired by her Dominican roots and Western influences. Her latest single, “El Verano,” exemplifies this fusion, offering a poignant yet rhythmic experience carried by heartfelt lyrics.

Taking her stardom to the next level, Lía has joined the RBCxMusic First Up program, powered by MusiCounts, which supports emerging artists through performance opportunities, mentorship, and financial aid – a key part of RBC’s broader ambition to equip the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future. “The program aims to amplify the voices of musicians across the country, providing them with the resources and platform to grow their careers,” she shared. Enthralled by her soulful performances and ability to captivate audiences, we caught up with Lía for a one-on-one to learn more about one of Toronto’s undeniable talents to watch.

Can you tell me a bit about your start in music?

Ana Lía: My musical journey started when I was about five. I vividly remember writing my first song around that age—well, they were more like jingles. Every Saturday, I’d go to my grandparents’ house and showcase a new song. The lyrics weren’t profound, considering I was just a child, but I loved entertaining my family.

How did your passion for music evolve as you grew older?

Ana Lía: I was always naturally into music, dancing, and acting. I went to theater school at 13 and took singing lessons at 16. When I moved to Canada, I continued my studies at Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Eventually, I started performing within the local Flamenco scene in Toronto and joined a band in 2015. I’ve been writing songs since I was a very young girl, but I never dared to sing them because they were often so specific in their details. I worried that people would recognize themselves in the lyrics, and I felt too vulnerable to expose that part of myself. However, in 2019, I had a change of heart and decided it was time to take the plunge. So, in 2020, I began releasing solo music, embracing my stories and sharing them with the world.

What would you consider to be the major influences shaping your sound?

Ana Lía: Being Dominican, I love incorporating Dominican elements into my music, like using Tambora and Güira. Flamenco is another significant influence, thanks to my early exposure and training. My music blends these with Latin Pop and alternative pop in Spanish. The diversity of my influences allows me to explore various sounds under the umbrella of pop.

Do you think there’s more space for diverse musical genres now compared to before?

Ana Lía: Definitely. More artists today are allowed to explore multiple genres without being boxed into one. This trend is liberating and encourages more creativity and expression.

Can you walk me through your songwriting process?

Ana Lía: My songwriting process varies. Sometimes, a melody comes first, which I record and later develop lyrics for. Other times, I start with lyrics inspired by personal experiences or emotions. Honesty is crucial in my songwriting, ensuring my music remains authentic and relatable.

Let’s talk about your new single, “El Verano.” How did it come to be, and what themes are you exploring in it?

Ana Lía: “El Verano” is a blend of Afrobeat and Bachata, reflecting my Dominican and African heritage. It’s a summer vibe but with sad lyrics about the passing of time and unfulfilled expectations. The song captures the irony of experiencing heartbreak during the sunniest season of the year.

What are your thoughts on performing live? How do you connect with your audience?

Ana Lía: Performing live is my favorite part. I love sharing the stories behind my songs and connecting with the audience on a personal level. Each performance is an opportunity to share my emotions and experiences, making the music more impactful. I’ll be honest, I am a firecracker on stage and give every performance absolutely everything I’ve got.

How do collaborations influence your work?

Ana Lía: Collaborations are both challenging and rewarding. They require meeting in the middle and blending different styles and ideas. One of my favorite collaborations was with fellow Colombian-Canadian artist Flavia Abadia for the song “Gandío.” It was a perfect middle ground that resonated well with audiences.

Are there any future goals or milestones you’d love to hit as an artist?

Ana Lía: I aspire to have my music played on mainstream radio and to tour extensively, especially in Latin America and Spain. Winning a Latin Grammy would be a dream, but more importantly, I want to continue growing as an artist and reach new audiences.

Can you share a bit about your experience with the RBCxMusic’s First Up program and its significance for emerging artists?

Ana Lía: The program is fantastic. It’s diverse and offers invaluable opportunities like learning about music synchronization and connecting with industry leaders. Programs like this accelerate our learning and exposure, which is crucial for emerging artists.

Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

Ana Lía: Maybe it sounds cliche but be honest and true to yourself. Don’t imitate others. Create music that resonates with you, and people will connect with its authenticity. Stay true to your unique voice and vision.

Ana Lía will be performing at Music on the Block, a party hosted by Tricon Residential and Toronto Life. Buy tickets now.