In a recent studio session with KGNU, singer-songwriter Lalo Hart discusses her musical journey, from growing up in Colorado to finding inspiration in Hawaii and the San Juan Islands. She reflects on how playing the ukulele opened the door to songwriting and how her husband’s encouragement helped her pursue music seriously. Hart shares two heartfelt songs, “It’s Just Love” and “Lay Me Down,” both capturing the spectrum of love and emotion that defines her work. (Studio Session: 4/4/25)
Dave McIntyre: We have Lalo Hart here, born in Kentucky, raised in Indiana, and now residing in Colorado. Lalo is a singer-songwriter who was a finalist in the Troubadour Contest at Telluride in 2023.
Lalo Hart: Yes, I was a finalist. It was super fun.
Dave McIntyre: You’ve been in Colorado for quite some time now. How long have you been here?
Lalo Hart: I first came out here when I was 18, and that was about half my life ago. I live up in Evergreen now. It’s gorgeous up there. I did spend some time away in Hawaii and the San Juan Islands, but Colorado feels like home.
Dave McIntyre: Where were you in Hawaii?
Lalo Hart: I moved to Maui, where I met my husband. I believe he was a divine intervention from the universe. I also spent some time in Kauai on the North Shore.
Dave McIntyre: My son lives in Kona.
Lalo Hart: Cool. Do you get out to visit him often?
Dave McIntyre: Once in a while. It’s beautiful out there. Are you mostly playing original tunes these days, or do you include covers as well?
Lalo Hart: Tomorrow night, I’m playing at the Genesee Pub. I’ll be doing originals and a few covers. My passion is definitely songwriting and performing my own music.
Dave McIntyre: Where is the Genesee Pub?
Lalo Hart: It’s in Genesee, one of the exits off of I-70 before Evergreen.
Dave McIntyre: What time is your show?
Lalo Hart: Six to eight. It’s an early show.
Dave McIntyre: What are you going to play for us now?
Lalo Hart: I thought I’d start with a love song. I’ve been writing a lot of love songs lately, trying to make sense of my own heart. I call them ‘Spectrum of the Heart’ songs.
Dave McIntyre: Love songs?
Lalo Hart: Yeah, though someone once told me, ‘You call them love songs, but they’re all so sad.’ And it’s true—they can be sad, but hopefully also uplifting.
Dave McIntyre: That works.
Lalo Hart: This song is called ‘It’s Just Love.’ It’s from my album ‘The World She’s After.’ I wrote it when I was living in the San Juan Islands. My heart was full of love for someone who didn’t love me back, so I went to the ocean and meditated, letting all that love flow out to everyone I’ve ever known. This song came from that moment. (Performs ‘It’s Just Love’)
Dave McIntyre: Very nice.
Lalo Hart: Thank you.
Dave McIntyre: I read somewhere that the ukulele was a big breakthrough for you.
Lalo Hart: Yes, I picked up the ukulele in Hawaii. I never thought I’d be able to play an instrument, but after a little lesson, it felt possible. From there, I started writing little songs, took some lessons, and everything just started to click.
Dave McIntyre: Music can do that to you.
Lalo Hart: Yep.
Dave McIntyre: And you have a couple of daughters, right?
Lalo Hart: Yes, Lili Coy is seven and Ella is five.
Dave McIntyre: I also read that in high school you hit a low point but found music as a way out. Can you tell us about that?
Lalo Hart: Yeah, I struggled a lot with depression in high school. I didn’t realize how much my sister’s support meant to me until later. She encouraged me to dance, sing, and act. When I got married, I finally had the courage to share my songs with my husband. He was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to keep going. That support really made all the difference.
Dave McIntyre: Encouragement is a powerful thing.
Lalo Hart: Absolutely.
Dave McIntyre: You have another song for us?
Lalo Hart: Yes, this one is another love song. It’s one of the most recent ones I wrote in the fall. I just started recording it and will be finishing it up later this month. It’s called ‘Lay Me Down.’ (Performs ‘Lay Me Down’)
Dave McIntyre: Beautiful. I love the simplicity of your sound. Where can people find more of your music?
Lalo Hart: You can find me on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. My website is lalohart.com, and I post all my upcoming gigs there as well.
Dave McIntyre: And you’re playing live tomorrow night at the Genesee Pub, right?
Lalo Hart: Yes, from six to eight. You can follow me on social media for updates too.
Dave McIntyre: Thanks for coming by, Lalo. It was great having you.
Lalo Hart: Thanks for having me. I really appreciate it.
Dave McIntyre: Likewise. Thanks again, Lalo.
