INTERVIEW: Alba Luz shares new single “L’Usurpateur”

From the quiet hills of Gardanne in the south of France, Alba Luz has built a world where music breathes, heals and connects. Her art is born as a form of therapy, a liberating echo that helps her reconnect with herself and, in turn, invites others to do the same. With her original musical output, she fuses the vastness of nature with the intimacy of emotion, creating songs that blur the line between sound and spirit.

Her deeply organic artistic process connects her voice to the world around it, resulting in compositions that are full of open space, of pauses that breathe and textures that gently shimmer. It’s as if each note is a fragment of conversation between herself and the natural world, a dialogue shaped by honesty, reflection and renewal, offering her listeners not escape but communion, a shared journey into the self.

That vision finds its most intimate expression thus far in her latest release titled “L’Usurpateur,” translating to The Usurper in English, a minimalist piano-vocal piece that stands as both tribute and testimony. The song, delicate yet devastating, strips music to its most essential elements; eschewing impactful production or orchestral flourishes, it’s just a piano, a voice and an ethereal whistle that drifts through like a ghost of hope.

“L’Usurpateur” takes illness as its central metaphor, portraying it as an intruder, an uninvited presence that occupies the body and refuses to leave, but where such a subject might suggest despair, Alba Luz finds something deeper. Her song is not about defeat, but endurance, offering a meditation on the strength that emerges in silence, on the light that persists when everything else seems to fade. Written as a tribute to her friend Loren, the song also extends its embrace to anyone touched by illness, whether as a patient, a witness or a companion.

Through her clear and enveloping voice, Alba Luz captures the fragile beauty of determination, the quiet heroism of those who continue to live, love and care despite suffering’s weight, resulting in a song of empathy which reminds listeners that healing is not a return to what was lost, but an acceptance of what remains. Opened by the delicate plinks of airy piano notes, the tender flutter of whistled melody ushers in Alba’s elegant voice which glides with hushed grace to cast a spellbinding musical experience.

Flowing with soothing melodic lines and heartfelt aesthetic, it’s an intimate folk-tinged outing that puts her songwriting talent and performance flair on full display. From Gardanne to the wider world, her voice carries the promise that even in the face of darkness, there is still light waiting to be found and sometimes, all it takes to hear it is the courage to listen.

We caught up with Alba Luz to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “L’Usurpateur” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Alba Luz below.

Hey Alba, how’s things?

I’m doing well 😊 I’m in a very intense but also very exciting period artistically. I’m looking forward to this interview. Thank you

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of music dates back to my early childhood, with the nursery rhymes my mother sang to me. Later, when he came home from school in the evenings, my father would play music loudly throughout the house while he cooked and sang. We would sometimes sing together. Music has always been a part of my life, even before I knew I would one day play it.
So, for me, music is associated with simple moments of sharing and joy with my family.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

The artists who inspire me the most are Zaz, Vianney, Lynda Lemay, Céline Dion, Christophe Maé, Grand Corps Malade and Barbara Pravi, for their authenticity, the strength of their lyrics and their ability to convey sincere emotions.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

In life, quite simply. In the emotions I experience, the doubts, the encounters, the silences too. I often write based on what stirs me internally or on reflections that lead me to have.

What was your highlight of 2025?

The release of “L’Usurpateur” (The Usurper). It’s a very personal, audacious track that tells the story of a friend, “Loren,” and sharing it has been both exhilarating and liberating. Seeing that it resonates with others and can bring comfort is a very powerful moment.

What do you love about the French music scene?

Its diversity and its ability to reinvent itself. There’s a real richness of worlds, sensibilities, and a freedom of expression that I find very inspiring. It knows how to draw inspiration from cultures and styles around the world while retaining its own unique touch.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

A quiet moment, a little out of time. Listening with headphones, in the evening, or during a journey. I like the idea that my music accompanies intimate moments.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I think I’ve become more honest. I try less to hide, I’m more comfortable with what I feel and who I am, what I want to say, and how I express it. My music is more aligned with who I am today. I navigate between several styles that call to me depending on each song. For me, each one has its own story and its own world.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Vianney, an artist in whom I see a lot of myself, both for his humor and for his musical sensitivity and his writing. I admire his way of approaching humanity and life, as well as the courage he has to put his career on hold to refocus, find himself and return to what is essential.

How did you find making your new single “L’Usurpateur”?

This song simply came to me. I felt helpless in the face of the health challenges a friend was going through, challenges that so many people face. So, I decided to offer her what I do best: music. Struggling with writer’s block, and wanting my poet friend TomTom to write the lyrics for one of my songs, I asked him to help me with this project. He sent me back a wonderful proposal, which I slightly reworked to fit perfectly with the Hanaka composition I had chosen for this track. It’s a truly marvelous collaboration.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

With The Usurper, I wanted to convey a message of hope and life. Illness is represented as an intruder, an usurper that invades the body, and with which one must learn to live for a time. Despite the pain and discomfort it imposes, the title reminds us that there is always an inner light, a strength, a hope for life to which one can cling, and which remains present, even in the most difficult moments.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Right now, I’m mostly interested in moods and styles rather than any particular artist. I’m navigating between indie, folk, chill, and world music playlists, mixing familiar and lesser-known voices, to immerse myself in different musical textures and fuel my own creativity. But I recently discovered Linh, who really moved me, especially with “Je pense à vous” (I’m thinking of you).

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

That they are not alone. A message of lightness. I want them to feel the heartbeat behind my music, not just the sound they hear. If my music can resonate with what someone is feeling, then it has already fulfilled its mission.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I’ve only given two concerts so far, a third is in the works.
My favourite concert was the one I gave at Agapé on November 7, 2027, which was sold out. It was an intimate venue with a fantastic audience, very attentive and eager to discover my musical world. I was surrounded by exceptional musicians. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

If I were to organise my own festival, the headliners would be Vianney, Amir, and Barbara Pravi, for their powerful and unifying lyrics. I imagine it on a beach, by the water, with the sun setting, in Marseille, my hometown, for a moment that is both intimate and festive.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

The music industry is very competitive, and it takes a lot of work to find your place. For me, that means a real commitment to my project, especially through social media (Instagram). Building a visual identity that reflects who I am, without losing my authenticity, is essential. It’s about having a good support network, trusting yourself, and not giving up, even when it’s difficult. And above all, continuing to make sincere music that deeply moves me, without just trying to please others.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I’ve already released my first single, “L’Usurpateur,” and I’m preparing to release my second, “Prenons le temps,” on February 27, 2026. In the meantime, I’m continuing to create and record new songs. I’m also approaching various venues to book live performances. I’ll be performing at Mon Ptit Colibri on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 8 PM in Aix-en-Provence.

Listen to L’Usurpateur below