Vanessa Lezama is a talented Venezuelan-born artist now making waves in Melbourne, Australia. After fleeing the challenges in her homeland, she embraced her passion for music as a guiding light. Since her arrival in Australia, Vanessa Lezama has fully immersed herself in the local music scene, releasing original tracks that have amassed over 180,000 streams on Spotify. Her distinctive sound and talent have caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to performances at prominent events and valuable mentorship from top Australian artists, all of which have greatly contributed to Vanessa Lezama’s growth as an artist.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Vanessa Lezama artfully infuses her cultural heritage into her music, creating a captivating blend of Pop and R&B with a unique Latin flair. Her journey is a testament to music’s ability to transcend boundaries, and her enchanting melodies are poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Ahead of her upcoming performance at eXposure, here is my chat with Vanessa Lezama for a look into her music career.
What initially inspired you to start making music?
I’ve been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. My earliest inspiration to pursue it came from watching High School Musical and Justin Bieber’s documentary, Never Say Never, both of which ignited my dream of becoming an artist. However, my journey into songwriting and creating original music truly began when I was 12. At the time, I was taking singing lessons at a vocal school, which later introduced a songwriting program. I eagerly enrolled and, through that program, co-wrote my first song, Stuck. My singing coach saw potential in the track and suggested creating a music video for it. That experience was a turning point for me—it was the moment I truly felt like an artist and realised that music was more than just a passion; it was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
Was there a specific moment that inspired you to expand your musical skills beyond singing, or did it develop naturally over time?
For me, needing to expand my musical skills beyond just singing came naturally over time, especially as I started performing more upbeat songs. Whether it’s covers or originals, most of the music I love to sing has a high-energy feel, so I quickly realised that just standing still on stage wouldn’t cut it—I had to learn how to move and engage with the audience. A big moment that pushed me to focus on this was my performance at Futuration at The Palms at Crown. I was performing an upbeat song that involved dancers, and I had to incorporate choreography into my performance. It wasn’t my first time having choreography in a performance, but it was the first time I had to focus on dancing alongside other people while also interacting with both them and the audience. I also had to be extra mindful of my timing—something that comes naturally to dancers, but as a singer, I’m not used to actively counting beats in my head while performing. At first, it was a challenge—I was so used to just focusing on my vocals, but now I had to think about stage presence, movement, and making sure everything felt and looked natural and energetic. That experience taught me a lot about performance as a whole. It’s not just about sounding good—it’s about delivering a full experience for the audience. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about how I move on stage, making sure my energy matches the vibe of the song. Whether it’s through subtle movements or incorporating more dance elements, I’ve learned that stage presence is just as important as the vocals when it comes to putting on a great show.
Who are some of the key artists or genres that have shaped your sound and musical style over the years?
Over the years, several key artists have played a significant role in shaping my sound, including Justin Bieber, Tate McRae, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Camila Cabello, and Doja Cat, among others. When I first started writing music, I was heavily influenced by mainstream pop artists like Justin Bieber and Doja Cat. However, as my artistry has evolved, I’ve become more intentional about incorporating my Latin heritage into both the sound and storytelling of my music. Latin artists such as Camila Cabello and Karol G have been instrumental in inspiring me to embrace my culture and weave it into my music and performances. Currently, I am channelling a more mature pop and R&B sound reminiscent of the 2000s, drawing inspiration from the signature collaborations of Nelly Furtado and Timbaland. At the same time, I admire how contemporary artists like Tate McRae are reviving and reinterpreting this style, and I’m excited to carve out my own space within this musical direction.
Can you share a specific performance or milestone that you felt truly marked a turning point in your musical journey?
One of the biggest turning points in my musical journey was performing at Futuration at The Palms at Crown. Performing at such a well-known venue, where so many incredible artists have taken the stage, felt both exciting and surreal. The energy of the crowd, the professionalism of the production, and the sheer scale of the event pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It made me realise how much I love being on stage and connecting with an audience, not just through my voice but through the emotions behind my music. The whole experience also taught me a lot. Preparing for the performance pushed me to refine my vocals, work on my stage presence, and really tap into the feeling of the song. I also got to see firsthand how much effort goes into a live production—working with sound engineers, organisers, a live band, lighting, and a full team behind the scenes. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the industry and a clearer vision of where I want to go as an artist. That experience made me more confident in my craft and more certain than ever that music is what I love to do.
How do you handle moments when you feel creatively stuck or unsure about your next step in the industry?
Creative blocks and moments of uncertainty are always tough, but I’ve learned to navigate them with the right mindset and support system. One of the biggest things that helps me is having great mentors and coaches who guide me through these challenges. Their experience, advice, and fresh perspectives often help me see things in a new light, whether it’s about my sound, my songwriting, or my overall direction as an artist. A huge part of my creative process involves songwriting and when I feel stuck, especially co-writing with my mentors. Collaborating with them helps me break through creative barriers. They challenge me to push my songwriting further—whether it’s refining lyrics, exploring different melodies, or experimenting with new sounds. Sometimes, just bouncing ideas off of them is enough to spark something new. Working with people who have more experience in the industry also helps me gain insight into storytelling, song structure, and the little details that make a song truly stand out. My passion for music is another driving force. When I feel creatively drained, I remind myself why I started in the first place. Revisiting the artists who inspire me, watching live performances, or even just listening to my favourite songs helps reignite that spark. At the same time, I believe in staying disciplined. Creativity doesn’t always come naturally, and sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to keep at it, even when it feels difficult. I’ve learnt that being an artist is all about showing up consistently, putting in the work, and trusting that things will fall into place. Some of my best ideas have come from moments when I least expected them. By surrounding myself with the right people, staying passionate, and maintaining discipline, I’ve learned how to push through creative blocks and continue growing as an artist.
How do you see your sound or musical direction evolving in 2025, and what do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
In 2025, I see my sound evolving into a more refined and mature blend of pop and R&B, with strong influences from the 2000s era—drawing inspiration from artists like Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, and Tate McRae. I want to further develop my signature style by incorporating both mainstream and Latin elements, blending catchy melodies with rhythmic, dynamic production that reflects who I am as an artist. One of my biggest goals is to hopefully release my first EP. I’ve been working on my songwriting and refining my sound, and I hope to have a solid body of work ready soon that truly represents my artistry. This project will be a milestone for me—something that not only showcases my growth but also introduces listeners to the type of artist I want to be. Alongside that, I would love to have some new original songs ready to showcase at eXposure, which will be an incredible opportunity to perform my own music live. Performing is a huge part of who I am as an artist, and getting to share my original work in a live setting is always exciting. Beyond these projects, I want to continue working on my artistry and establishing myself in the Melbourne/Australian music scene—whether that’s through more performances, collaborations, or growing my audience. Overall, I think 2025 is the year for me to learn and grow as much as I can from my incredible mentors and fellow artists.
Don’t miss out on the incredible sounds of Vanessa Lezama – tune in now on Spotify. For more Australian music interviews, check out another recent interview with here.
