Lella Fadda
Like father… like daughter. The daughter of the famous and talented photographer Khaled Fadda is an aspiring singer, composer, musician, songwriter and actress. Meet the young Lella Fadda, although still a student but her artistic aspirations are beyond her years and they come as a priority in her life. The young gifted lady is on her way to become an all time star and we meet with her to tell you all about it.
Who is Lella Fadda?
As I do a lot of artistic things, from singing to writing to playing music to acting, I should have an ideal answer to this, but I don’t know the answer. I’m a part of millions of things and different feelings written on a paper that might be attractive to some and unattractive to others. I’m everything and I’m nothing at all, at the same time.
Where did your love for singing come from?
I started singing a long time ago, from an age I can’t even remember. Since my childhood, I knew I wanted to be a singer and nothing else. I didn’t understand my colleagues and teachers who used to ask each year on the first day of school ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ I always answered ‘I want to be a singer’ and try to not look at their reaction. I started posting song covers on YouTube and SoundCloud when I was 13. They all did a great job of reaching out to people just because I don’t try to copy the artist. I make sure I be myself even if the song isn’t mine.
How long have you been writing songs?
I got through a lot of failed attempts writing songs at the age of 15, not having any structure or identity. I met someone when I was 17 that definitely changed my life; believed in me as an artist, taught me the structure of writing, gave me tips, and read my very bad lyrics at the beginning. And after I learned everything, I decided to create my own structure. Some of my songs have no chorus and some with two chords, but still interesting.
What do you think are the things that make you unique?
I think I am unique because I just say what people really want to say, not afraid of being judged by others. I have a song called “Betshoufny Ezay” on my debut EP that actually describes what goes through my mind when I meet someone new and how we view ourselves in general. No one talks about this when it’s literally the first thing you wonder about when you first meet someone new. The thing is I just post snippets on Instagram of my original work and people are already relating to them without the songs being actually out yet which I guess makes me different in a way that we’ll know later.
What inspires you?
Literally EVERYTHING, but mainly my life’s events. All the songs I’ve written are real stories of mine sung to people who do exist. Sometimes, I get inspired by guitar riffs I create; I’d be like “Oh this feels like pain/weird love” for example and I start writing and singing my soul out.
Who are some of your favourite singers ?
I don’t have a favourite. I listen to everything and see what I like about each song. I love Michelle Gurevich; she’s a lyrical genius. I like the music production, visuals, and awesome/ weird vocals of Sevdaliza. I love Radiohead, Deftones, Oscar and the Wolf, Tame Impala, Nirvana, Stromae, Abdel Halim Hafez, Fairuz, and many more.
What are your plans for your future projects?
My debut EP is coming out by the end of June. I’m working on it with the talented musician, producer, and my life saviour Elian. It contains four Arabic songs; Ghariba, Hekayet Abl El Noum, Negm Fe Samaty, Betshoufny Ezay. Also, I’m currently recording singles and features in Arabic and English to come out after the EP with interesting visuals.
How do you balance between your university and singing?
I don’t balance; I just try to pass my courses at university and actually still manage to learn something out of it as I’m really interested in marketing. But, my artistic career is my priority though.
Who is your inspiration as a singer?
I seriously don’t know and I hate it when someone tells me I sound like someone else. I just try to be my own inspiration when it comes to vocals because I know I have that similar thing I do in every song of mine that makes people listening say “it’s Lella singing.”
What song is the closest to your heart? And why?
It’s been two years now and this song is still saving my life, “Save Me” by XXXTENTACION. It may describe how I feel 90% of the time. “Save me, before I fall. Save me, I don’t wanna be all alone.” I fear oblivion; I fear ending up alone and this song makes me feel safe. That it’s not only me who felt this way before.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I hate being free, so I don’t have leisure time. I always have a schedule for a month. And unfortunately, I don’t get to spend a lot of time with my friends, but I hope it pays off soon.
Who is the actor/actress you wish to work with one day?
We have a lot of Egyptian actors that are so good. It surprises me every time I think about it. I really like Asser Yassin, Nelly Karim, and Maged El Kedwany. I’d love to work with all of them one day.