Trailblazing British-Lebanese star and 2023’s BBC Introducing ‘One to Watch’ award winner Laughta shares insight into her career so far, get to know her deeper with this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

I would say that my sound is bouncy, fresh, energetic, authentic and a fusion. 

Tell me something unique about your creative process

My creative process comes from personal experiences, often ones that have ignited my emotions in one way or another, either cutting me deep or making me happy for instance. Once I am able to translate my thoughts and emotions into the beat creation element,I construct my lyrics and record my vocals, using my home studio I personally built during the pandemic. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

I would love people to check out my new song ‘Ain’t The Same’ which has just been been released on MDLBEAST Records. I worked on this song with GG who is a talented Grammy nominated music producer and together we whipped up something special. ‘Ain’t The Same’ is a bubbly, bouncy track but with a bold message from me that relays my unwavering passion for self respect as a woman, not seeking external validation or artificial possessions to define me as a person. The song incorporates some of my Lebanese roots fusing my rapping in English/Arabic.

What inspired you to make that song?

Honestly… I was triggered by a few music videos and social posts I had seen lately from various people who were portraying women as possessions in their music videos, and while they shared content for promotion. It really bothered me because it felt degrading, which lead me to want to write a song that empowers me as a woman. So that was my trigger point. From there I came up with the chanty hook idea and melody and finalised the song idea with GG, drawing in my Arabic roots in the sound selection like the drums etc and I called it ‘Ain’t The Same’ because I did not want to feel like they could paint me with the same brush. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

Music and emotion for me are intertwined. For me to express myself fully and truly, I am always ensuring that there are no barriers and suppressed feelings during my creative process. I have therefore allowed myself to break down in tears, literally gushing from my eyes, while illustrating my thoughts lyrically. This has happened a few times when I have gone through something painful, traumatic whether it be friendships or toxic relationships for instance. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The best experience for me on stage was me performing on stage at the AIM Awards 2023 because straight after my performance, I was announced as the winner of the BBC Introducing One To Watch category and got to take home my first ever award. The show itself was so special because for the first time in London I was lucky enough to have been accompanied by Arab musicians from the Saudi National Orchestra who joined me on stage playing beautiful percussions. This was a huge moment for me and I felt so complete on that stage. 

I’ve not really had bad experiences on stage, it is more me in my mind wanting to ensure I deliver a high quality show, so if I make any minor mistakes, l do kick myself a little. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

At the moment, it is definitely ‘Ain’t The Same’ because of the bounce to it and it really gets me pumping on stage and the people love it! 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

A few actually… Dizzee Rascal – ‘I Luv U’, Missy Elliot – ‘So Addictive’ and more! 

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Laughta is a tag name I had from a young age. All my friends had one and we all had them embroidered on our jackets at one point. I was Laughta because I would really laugh out loud and be heard from far [laughs] and the name just stuck with me… I love being around people who can have a good laugh 🙂

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I would most probably be teaching… 

What’s success to you?

Nice question … I would say being able to do what you love for long periods of time. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

When my dad passed away, I felt a little distanced from the world and was questioning the purpose of life. I then decided to really push forward with love and making music and chasing my dreams because life is too short.  

Where can people keep in touch with you?

You can call me if you have my number [laughs] I’m joking or just shoot me a dm on socials @laughta1 🙂 I usually respond! Also subscribe to my Laughta channel on YouTube and stay in touch that way too.