L4 Turns Friendship Into a Growing Music Career
For Barcelona-based indie rock band L4, music started as something simple: a group of friends playing together. The members met at a music school in their neighborhood and have spent most of their lives making music together. About three years ago, they began writing and producing their own songs, turning a longtime friendship into a serious musical project.
L4 is made up of five members: Alba, who handles lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and songwriting; Mark, who plays lead guitar and has taken on much of the band's production; Roger, who plays keyboard and provides background vocals; Mark 2, who plays drums; and Irene, who plays bass. Much of the band's music is produced together, with some of the work taking place in Mark's bedroom.
The band's name reflects where it came from. L4 is named after Barcelona's L4 metro line, the yellow subway line that runs near where the members live. The name also fits the band's decision to perform primarily in English rather than Spanish or Catalan. While the band acknowledges that much of the music culture around them is influenced by Spanish and Latin music, their own influences come largely from the United States and United Kingdom.
That choice has helped L4 stand out in Barcelona, but it has also presented challenges. The members said English-language music is not necessarily unusual globally, but it can make them different within their hometown scene. Rather than allowing that difference to hold them back, L4 has used it as a way to make its way into the local music industry while hoping to eventually bring its music to audiences outside Spain.
One of the band's biggest recent milestones came when L4 performed at a large festival in Spain after winning a contest that earned them the opportunity. Although their set took place early in the festival, when the event was just opening, the members said simply having the chance to perform on such a large stage was an experience they will remember.
Now, L4 is focused on expanding that momentum. The band said it grew significantly during 2025 and is already seeing more opportunities in 2026. Its goals are straightforward: play more shows, reach new audiences and continue building a fan base while working on its second album.
Social media has become an important part of that process. L4 sees platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels as an easy way to reach potential listeners, although the members admit that becoming viral is far from easy. Instead of simply posting announcements about upcoming shows, the band is working to build a recognizable identity by showing its personalities and creating a brand that fans can relate to.
Debut Album The Woods
That personal approach is also at the center of The Woods, L4's debut album. The project began taking shape around 2022, with songs initially written by Alba before being brought to the rest of the group. From there, the band develops the instrumentation, produces the tracks and brings the songs to life together.
L4 describes The Woods as a dreamy project shaped by relationships, heartbreak, hopes and the band's perception of the world. The members believe those themes reflect the emotions many people experience in their 20s, giving the album a relatable quality. Performing those songs live has been particularly rewarding as the band gets to see how audiences respond to the music.
Musically, L4 is still in the process of defining its identity. The members mentioned they are in the early stages of discovering their sound and aim for each album to possess its own unique atmosphere while retaining the band's recognizable traits. Their influences include artists like Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine for vocals, and rock groups like The Backseat Lovers and The Cure for guitar elements. Noah Kahan's folk influence is evident in the band's acoustic songwriting and storytelling. The members of L4 are committed because their motivation isn't purely financial. They noted that having women in the band has naturally introduced diverse perspectives to their music. The members aspire to create music they believe in, without letting external expectations shape their path.
That philosophy becomes especially clear when L4 talks about performing. The band doesn't focus heavily on how many people are in the crowd or whether everyone likes the show. Instead, the members remind each other that they are playing because they love making music. Even if only two people showed up, they said, they would still perform.
The Next Chapter
he next chapter is already underway. L4 is working on its second album, although the band has not announced a title or a firm release date. The members indicated that they may release something as early as April, potentially a single or teaser, while continuing to manage their own schedule.
For an emerging band still finding its identity, L4's advice to other indie musicians is simple: start now, work hard and make sure the people around you share the same passion. The members know there may be no guarantee of an audience or financial success, but they believe loving the process is what makes the work worthwhile.
L4 may still be building its audience, but the band's story is already moving beyond the streets of Barcelona. With new music in progress, a growing social media presence and a desire to reach audiences around the world, the five friends are betting on the same thing that brought them together in the first place: making music they genuinely love.
