Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Summer.
Lana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I started at age four in my church’s children’s choir. From there, performing became something I couldn’t get enough of. I joined every talent show my elementary school offered, and that’s really where my love for being on stage began.
In middle school, I got involved in chorus, drama club, and a performing arts group called “Star House”, which helped me discover just how much storytelling through music meant to me. By high school, choir and theatre had become my second home. They really solidified my passion for the arts and made me realize this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.
After graduating in 2017, I attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), first at their New York campus where I completed my conservatory certification, then in Los Angeles where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2020.
Since then, I’ve been carving my own path as an independent artist, blending my musical theatre roots with my love for alternative R&B. My work now is all about exploring that intersection – creating sounds that feel expressive, emotional, and authentic to who I am as both a performer and a storyteller.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but honestly, I don’t think any artist’s journey ever is. I graduated right at the start of the pandemic, which pretty much put a pause- and sometimes a full stop – on the performance opportunities I was chasing. That time was really difficult; things felt so uncertain, and I definitely had moments of self-doubt about where I was headed and how to pivot.
And of course, like most artists, I’ve faced a lot of rejection- which has discouraged me. Regardless, I could not imagine myself doing anything else, and I’ve kept pushing forward. Every setback has taught me something, and my passion for performing always finds a way to pull me back in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer and actor with a background in musical theatre, and that’s really where my foundation as a performer was built. Over time, I’ve found my own lane as an independent artist, leaning into a sound that blends alternative R&B and neo-soul.
Because of my theatre training, I naturally bring a dramatic and emotional element into my music. Storytelling is a huge part of how I create. I want people to really feel something when they listen, whether it’s nostalgia, healing, or just being seen in some way.
I create what moves me, and I just hope the people who connect with that sound find me. I don’t mind being a little niche; I care more about reaching someone deeply than reaching everyone at once.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Some of my most influential mentors have been my teachers and professors- both in high school and college. They really helped shape not just my craft, but also how I carry myself as an artist.
When it comes to networking, what’s worked best for me is staying connected with the incredibly talented people I’ve met through school and different shows. Those relationships mean a lot. I think sometimes people get caught up in trying to network “up,” but I’ve found that building with people who are on your same path is just as valuable. You get to grow together, learn from each other, and create something special side by side.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://linktr.ee/LanaSummerMusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanasummermusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/lanasummermusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lanasummermusic
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/pSNi5oKRG7vExkjKrO
Image Credits
Yorie Oppong
