“To be honest, I didn't have any clear goals. I was living unintentionally and in wanderlust, curious to see what the world had to offer me and what I had to offer it. It wasn't until about the beginning of this year that I found my "why”.
“I went through a devastating heartbreak and it forced me to face myself. I spent a lot of time soul searching, facing truths about myself, and understanding what I am doing on this earth.”
“Truth is, life is short. I knew deep down it was time to stop running from my purpose in life. I want to do my part in trying to make this world a better place before I go.”
“The gift that God temporarily gave me to share with this world is my voice; and I intend to use it to heal and connect.”
“I have many mentors who help me navigate through life, but when it comes to music,…..”
“…the artists who have had the biggest impact on my life were the divas and the greats, like Michael Jackson, Whitney, Mariah, Céline Dion, Beyoncé,…”
“Aretha Franklin, Martina McBride, Ella Fitzgerald, Cecilia Bartoli, Loso, Bird Thongchai, and the list goes on.”
“I am also inspired by our Lao history, and the diasporas Laotians have experienced, like all the intricacies of American life and culture in the US.”
“Although, there are many people who've inspired me to be the artist that I am, I can honestly say when it comes to bringing Laotian American music to the mainstream,…”
“I am a pioneer, whacking down weeds on this unbeaten path, paving the way for other artists who will use me as shoulders to stand on, in order to reach their wildest dreams. My name is Vilayphanh Luangrath, better known as Lina V.”
Learn more about Lina V music.
“The most difficult decision I had to make was taking a leap of faith and leaving everything I knew and was comfortable with in Rockford, IL, to chase my passion for music in LA. I moved to LA with $200 and couch surfed for almost a year before saving enough money to get my own spot, which is my first home that I’ve been living in for 10 years so far.”
“It was difficult because it was something that no one in my family has ever done before. I never want to disappoint my parents or family, but intuitively, I know I'm on the right path.”
“I was born in Chonburi, Thailand in a refugee camp, but grew up in Rockford, IL. I am a singer, songwriter, and an aspiring entrepreneur. I am driven by the sacrifice my family had to make during the Laotian diaspora, in order for us to survive. I am also driven by purpose, love, and positive change.”
“I love Lao people. I love that Lao people will give you the clothes off their backs, break their last bread (or share their last batch of sticky rice) with you, and invite you to every gathering. Even when we don't have a lot, we somehow live in abundance. I love how we love unconditionally.”
“
Hosting a kickback is one way I carry our culture forward. I bring the same fun and easy going vibes that our people bring to the table. Random, but I also have plans on starting a hot sauce business, so stay tuned!”
“No matter what creation you put out into this world, ask yourself why you're doing it, and will you be happy with its impact on the world. Create with intent because the power you have has the ability to move mountains.”
“ My vision is to keep refining my skills in music. I want to produce my own executive producer and cover a wide range of human experiences and perspectives in multiple cultures, languages, and genres. ”
“I plan to travel and tour, and within 5 years have multiple label and contract deals to consider. One thing LA has shown me is there are so many ways I can go with music.”
