Born in San Francisco but raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Rebecca has been singing since childhood and plays multiple instruments. After watching Taylor Swift open for Brad Paisley, she decided “That’s like me. I want to do that.” Rebecca subsequently went on to be nominated five times for the Canadian Folk Music Awards, winning young Performer of the Year in 2015.
Follow Rebecca @rebeccalappamusic
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, Creative, Direct
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started writing and performing when I was 12.
How has this changed your life?
Writing music has given me an outlet to express my emotions in a safe, non-judgemental space.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Alternative, Pop, Catchy
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Seeing Taylor Swift on her first tour in 2008 with Brad Paisley inspired me that I could do this too. I liked writing stories and singing and those two passions came together for me as songwriting and performing.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes I play multiple instruments including singing, piano, guitar, tenor banjo and ukulele.
Tell us about your new single “Blue Lips?”
Taking you into a world of frozen hearts and blinding snow, “Blue Lips” is a uniquely Canadian story about a friends-with-benefits relationship, combining heartache and excitement together like fire and ice. The winter imagery throughout the song brings forward the harsh realities of a situation where one partner is hoping the relationship will turn into more than it is.”
What is the feeling to be nominated five times for the Canadian Folk Music Awards and previous recipient of the Singer-Songwriter of the Year award at the Edmonton Music Awards? That’s amazing!
It was exciting and fulfilling to know that my music was connecting with people in the Canadian music community.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The rewarding part is to write songs and share them with an audience.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Count your blessings and walk your own path.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
The only person you can rely on is yourself.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend describes me as creative, hard working and kind hearted.
What’s next for Rebecca Lappa in 2023?
I will be playing at Canada Music Week and hopefully get into some showcases in the UK and become a certified music therapist and planning a fall tour.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would be to go to Egypt and see the pyramids and spend time in the museums and nerd out over the mythology and history like my six year old self would have liked. I would go with my fiancé as he speaks the language.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice ever given me was from local Blues Musician Bill Bourne and his advice was “Do not let the industry dim your spark.”
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years I see myself touring and writing songs with and for other artists.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
In the car I like to belt out “Legendary” by Halestorm. For Karaoke I would like to sing “Levitating” by Dua Lipa.
What do you think of Social Media?
It is a great place to connect with fans but you need to be smart about how you use it.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me at:
Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Apple / Spotify
Book: The Red Sparrow
Quote: “Without music life would be flat”
Movie: Pride and Prejudice
Tv Series: Brooklyn 99
Favorite Food: Sushi and lasagna
Travel Destination: Egypt
Sports Team: none
Photo Credit: Lorraine Mortensen of Mortensen Photography
