By Phil Lacombe
The Coachella Valley has always been a place where unique voices find their way into the spotlight, and singer-songwriter Lorna Louisa Adams is one of the emerging artists bringing her own heartfelt sound to the desert music scene. With a style rooted in storytelling, emotion, and honest songwriting, Lorna has been captivating audiences through intimate acoustic performances and original music.
From early performances with her ukulele to creating her own collection of songs, including her album House in the Desert, Lorna’s music reflects the experiences, landscapes, and personal moments that shape life in the desert. Her journey as an independent artist represents the creativity and passion that continue to make the Coachella Valley a thriving home for musicians.
We caught up with Lorna to talk about her musical beginnings, her songwriting process, her connection to the desert, and what’s ahead for this rising local talent.
CVW: For those who may be discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe your sound and the story you’re trying to tell through your songs?
Adams: “My music is a blend of Rock & Country. I like to say it’s American. It tells the story of my life experiences as I’ve grown through difficult times. I intended for listeners to not only see into my development as a person but also to allow them to think about their own troubles in life.”
CVW: How did your journey as a musician begin? Was there a specific moment when you realized music was something you wanted to pursue?
Adams: “There were a few different moments in my life where I made the conscious decision to make Music my dream. However, making it a dream and actually putting in the footwork were not in the same moment. A childhood dream is only able to come to reality once you believe that you deserve it. Believing in myself was my first battle. It wasn’t until about November of 2022 I sat down in my backyard and wrote the 1st album. I was around 12 years old when I was idolizing the rockstar career. I studied out of interest not because I had a plan. Working on a project that is bigger than life takes strong support from my community and I am thankful to say I earned real friendships along the way.”
CVW: You’ve been known for your acoustic performances and ukulele playing. What drew you to that instrument, and how has it shaped your songwriting style?
Adams: “The funny thing about the ukulele is that it found me. I wasn’t living the most practical lifestyle at the time and it was suggested to me to help me write songs. It was my only option at the time and it’s very special to me because of the scarcity I was facing during that time. I would say the personality of the ukulele is very uplifting and folky. So those elements have found their way into my lyrics. Sometimes I will pick it up when I’m feeling down and it brings joy to me. Its a very happy little instrument.”
CVW: Your album House in the Desert has a strong connection to place and atmosphere. What inspired the songs on that record, and what does the desert mean to you creatively?
Adams: “The song House in the Desert was written about a drug scene in Palm Desert I got wrapped up in. And this one specific house had so many lost souls going in and out constantly. I was disturbed by the way I saw my surroundings and wrote this song about us. Comparing it to the Fall of the House of Usher. Madness was in that house. For example, sitting side by side next to your enemy because our addictions were more powerful. There were rumors of the home-owner randomly burying items in the back yard. And no one going in or out during the day made the house look abandoned until nightfall and then the ghoulish behavior would begin. So yes, the album has a dark origin story but there is character development throughout the album and the future songs to come.”
CVW: When you sit down to write a song, where do your ideas usually come from, personal experiences, stories you hear, emotions, or something else?
Adams: “Almost every song has an origin story of something that happened in my life that influenced me to write about it. I have a lot of stories and emotions towards them. My music is my diary put to song with the intention to uplift people from their difficulties.”
CVW: The Coachella Valley has a vibrant but sometimes overlooked music community. What has your experience been like being part of the local desert music scene?
Adams: “Music saved my life- literally. So everytime I am out on the scene I truly cherish being a part of something wholesome. The scene could be more poppin’ for sure, but we need to be thankful that we’ve built it back so well after what covid did to it. I know I have intentions of doing as much as I can to bring people together and hype up my other artists. The truth is we already have everything we need as a community. The next step is to step together and realize we got it pretty good out here. Everything we need is just a conversation away. That’s beautiful!”
CVW: What have been some of your most memorable performances or moments as a musician so far?
Adams: “The first show. I got emotional after I was done and realized I finally made it to the other side of changing my life. And told the audience thank you for supporting me.”
CVW: Who are some artists that have influenced you, and how do those influences show up in your own music?
Adams: “I love Rock music. I’m hugely influenced by Guns and Roses. Axle Rose and Christina Aguilera are the powerhouse vocalists I studied to learn how to create my big rock voice. As for writing music… that’s very impossible to say exactly, it could be anyone I listen to. However, I learned the story song style by listening to Johnny Cash when I was young. I was amazed at his ability to tell a story and keep it rhyming. House in the Desert was inspired originally to be like a Johnny Cash song with the dark slow beginning with the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.”
CVW: What’s next for Lorna Louisa Adams? Are there new songs, recordings, collaborations, or performances that fans should be looking forward to?
Adams: “Our next show coming up will be at Agua Caliente on the 10th of August. Dune Room and I are working on a date for October to play with two other local bands who also rock! I don’t want to say who in case there’s a change between now and then. And there is a Songwriters night September 17th at the Dune Room I will be involved in. A Special Thank You to Brad Parker BTW for making that happen. I extend my gratitude. I’m designing more merchandise because fashion is so much fun! I’m hopeful to branch out of town now that my EPK is ready. There are always going to be more songs. “Life could be so easy” (influenced by a Led Zeppelin vocal note style) will be added to the next show. And after that… I think my Dad and I will probably take the song “Spiritual Direction” to the studio. This song was given chords to sound like a White Stripes song. It’s about running from place to place to protect yourself from feeling disliked. It’s that sweet B flat chord that’s giving the magic on that song. And also I’ve decided to go back to school so I can take my talent to the next level with my education at COD.”
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Adams: Lorcalproductions.com (Everything… even the Children’s Books) Band IG: @Lornasband My IG:@Lorcal760
The Coachella Valley continues to produce artists who bring something fresh and authentic to the local music landscape, and Lorna Louisa Adams is a perfect example of that creative spirit. Through her songwriting and performances, she continues to share stories that connect with listeners while carving out her own place in the desert music community.
Keep an eye and ear out for what’s next from Lorna Louisa Adams, and be sure to support local musicians who keep the Coachella Valley’s artistic heartbeat alive.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
