Bio - Lia Patra

LIA PATRA

(Arizona, USA)

My story begins in the Midwest. In the northern quadrant of Iowa, I was in the choir and local theatre troupe. I have always had a love for the stage and performing. Music has been a constant. In the womb, my mom had classical music playing. Growing up in a filipino home, gatherings and celebration always had food, music and sometimes karaoke. From an early age, I was formerly trained in violin and a bit of piano. Throughout the years, I tried clarinet in band class then picked up the acoustic guitar which resonated the most with me.

Around the age of 16 years old, I began to write songs. It was the creative outlet that sparked a new approach to music and healed me when I needed it most. I would become engrossed and almost obsessed with learning how to play and sing effortlessly. It was meditation and my safe place.

Thankfully, my family is supportive of my artistic endeavors. At the time, music would be a sideline passion, not the main focus to turn into a career. Through college (graduated from DePaul University in 2013–Go Blue Demons!) and after, I was oscillating between healthcare jobs to make ends meet. I didn’t feel fulfilled and my music took a backseat.

In 2017, I moved to Scottsdale, AZ to become a yoga teacher. I completed two 200 hour teacher trainings in 2017 and 2020. I have met some incredible people through the yoga community and continue to teach today. Yoga is one of the best life hacks and I recommend it to literally everyone.

As a dancer, I was trained from the young age of 5. Ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, modern, and pointe. Movement and music are my modes of expression and I’m forever grateful to have the skills to share my message through them. My choreography is in heels, chair or shuffle (because EDM of course). Jazzy burlesque and sexy is my usual vibe.

Today, I’m producing my own music, choreographing my own dances and continuing to work towards my dreams. Becoming a full time artist is my goal, but I had to be honest about why this is the path for me.

For a long time, I appeased the people around me and assumed that if I did all the right things—eventually happiness and contentment would find me. I’ve been through heartbreaks, toxicity, and have been utterly lost and had to start over. I’ve been plagued with self-doubt and low self-esteem. The dark side of growing up and being human. Some of the same themes that many of us go through.

I see it as a blessing to have the ability to use technology and social media of today to not rely on major labels to be seen. However, my stance on AI will always remain—organic human-made music has soul. My hope is that we do not forget how to be human to one another.

My mission is to empower the people, create connection, bring the community together. Have you feel seen and heard. I hope to be the beacon in the darkness for those who are lost. Being a woman especially, breaking free from shame and fear to be your true self.