Meet Layla Rose Bugeja

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Layla Rose Bugeja. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Layla Rose, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I was both fortunately and unfortunately blessed with having found my purpose at a very young age, so young that I don’t even remember how old I was. Music has always been my purpose, deeply woven into the fabric of who I am. Growing up, the melodies and rhythms were never just background noise — they were the heartbeat of my childhood. My dad, a musician himself, was my first mentor and the one who showed me how music could tell stories, evoke emotions, and bridge worlds. I remember watching him play, and feeling the power of every note. It was in those moments that I understood music wasn’t just something you did; it was something you lived. For me, it became a language of connection, a way to express what words couldn’t capture, and ultimately, a purpose that guides me through every chapter of my life. It’s a passion I’ve inherited and embraced, and it continues to shape everything I do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a country singer/songwriter from Gibraltar, a small British Overseas Territory in the Mediterranean, where diverse cultures and influences have shaped part of my sound. Now, I’m living in Nashville, immersing myself in the city’s rich country music scene while pursuing my studies at Middle Tennessee State University. As a country artist, my music blends the storytelling roots of the genre with a unique mix of my own experiences and influences. I perform at writers rounds and shows across Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area, sharing my songs with audiences who are as passionate about country music as I am. Every performance and songwriting session is an opportunity to grow and stay true to the heart of what makes country music so powerful — the ability to connect, tell stories, and evoke emotion. I recently released a single titled When You’re Wasted, which perfectly encapsulates my upbeat, story filled sound. I am constantly working on new projects and am excited to share some soon.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe the most important skills/ qualities that were and are still the most impactful on my journey include, but are not limited to: independence, social skills, and passion. I mentioned independence because when I first moved to Nashville, I was forced to be independent and had to work up the courage to go out and network alone. I would advise anyone starting out as a musician, especially in Nashville, to not miss out on opportunities just because you don’t want to do them alone. It is extremely important to get out there and get to know fellow musicians, even if it is a little scary doing it alone. This directly ties in to my next mentioned quality – social skills. Having good social skills is of great importance when you’re trying to get your foot in the door. I don’t think I would have survived my first year in Nashville if I wasn’t a people person because networking is probably the most important part of being a up and coming musician. Lastly, I had to address passion. Passion is the driving force of life and I know I’d be miserable with my life if I wasn’t following my passion. If you’re a musician, it is likely that music is your passion, so follow it, make the music you love and work as hard as you can to live off of it, if that’s what you’re wanting to do.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back and spend a day or two in nature to disconnect from the constant noise of the world. Whether it’s a hike through the woods with my friends, a walk along the beach, or simply sitting in a peaceful park, nature has a way of grounding me and allowing me the space I need to process whatever is weighing on me. The stillness of the natural world helps clear my mind, and in that calm, I often find the clarity I need to regain perspective. Even if I don’t have all the answers right away, time spent in nature never fails to help me realign and find a sense of peace — it’s like the world slows down long enough for me to catch up with myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laylarose.info
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylarosemusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laylarosemusictn
• Other: Spotify:
  

Image Credits

All pictures taken by Abigail Gornicki