Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with Alma Perez of Coatl
- Hawk-IT Interviews
- Jul 2
- 14 min read
Welcome to another edition of Hawk-IT Interviews, Today I have the pleasure of featuring Alma Perez, the powerful and dynamic lead vocalist of the Los Angeles-based band Coatl. Known for blending powerful instrumentation, captivating melodies, and emotionally driven songwriting, Coatl has carved out a distinctive place within the modern metal scene with music that is both intense and deeply expressive.
In this exclusive interview, Alma shares the story behind her musical journey—from her early influences and discovering her passion for music to becoming the voice of Coatl. She reflects on the challenges and milestones that have shaped her career, what inspires her creativity, and how her experiences continue to influence her growth as both an artist and an individual.
We also take a deep dive into Coatl's music, discussing the band's songwriting process, the inspiration behind their lyrics, the stories and emotions woven into their songs, and how each composition comes together from the first idea to the final recording. Alma also offers insight into what it's like performing live, connecting with audiences, balancing creativity with collaboration, and bringing the band's vision to life both on stage and in the studio.
Beyond the music, we get to know Alma on a more personal level as she talks about her interests outside of the band, the people and experiences that have influenced her, and what continues to motivate her as she looks toward the future.
Whether you've followed Coatl from the beginning or are discovering their music for the very first time, this interview provides an honest and in-depth look at the person behind the microphone and the passion that fuels both Alma and Coatl.
Now, let's get into the interview.
Amit Ahuja: Before we talk about Coatl, I'd love to begin with your own story. Could you take us back to your childhood and paint a picture of what life was like growing up? Tell us about your hometown, your family, the community that surrounded you, and some of the experiences that shaped your perspective on the world. Looking back now, what moments from your childhood and teenage years do you feel had the greatest influence on the person you've become—not only as a musician but as a storyteller and creative individual? How have those early experiences continued to influence your values, your worldview, and ultimately your music?
Alma Perez: My early years in Mexico were filled with joy and a sense of freedom. This beautiful, carefree time in my life ended when my mother and I moved to the United States when I was seven years old. The transition to a new country was a cultural and lifestyle shock. I went from a vibrant life surrounded by a large network of family, friends, and pets to the isolation of being an only child in a world dominated by adults. During this time, I relied on my creativity as a tool to process these life changes. This shaped my identity and led me to find my voice and emotional expression through music.
Amit Ahuja: Every musician has a different relationship with music before it becomes a career. What are some of your earliest musical memories? Was there a particular artist, album, concert, or even a family tradition that first sparked your love for music? At what point did you move from simply listening to music to feeling the need to create it yourself? Looking back, what inspired you to believe that music could become more than just a passion—that it could become your life's work?
Alma Perez: While living in Mexico, I was constantly surrounded by music, often listening to the records owned by my teenage aunts and tuning into variety shows that showcased the most popular stars. I would lip-sync to their tracks and replicate their dance moves for an audience of my toys and pets. I asked my mother to sign me up for talent shows and church festivals, where I discovered I loved performing and connecting with a live audience.
My musical identity continued to evolve during my teenage years when I became captivated by Marilyn Manson's unapologetic self-expression and defiance of social norms. I also found deep inspiration in Jaguares, drawn to their soulful guitar work and mystical, emotionally charged lyrics. They drove me to pick up the guitar and bass, begin writing my own material, and eventually form my own band.
Amit Ahuja: Many artists can point to one defining moment when music stopped feeling like a hobby and started feeling like a calling. Was there a specific experience that made you realize you wanted to pursue music professionally? Did that decision come naturally, or were there moments of uncertainty along the way? How did your family, friends, and the people closest to you react when you chose this path, and what challenges or support did you encounter during those early years?
Alma Perez: I wrote my first song when I was 14 years old. Singing and playing the guitar felt like a natural, almost magical experience. I never felt the long hours spent practicing and learning were a drag. I was determined to be a musician! The moment I could perform an entire song from start to finish without making a single mistake, I realized that playing, performing, and recording music was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Amit Ahuja: Heavy music often becomes a voice for people searching for something deeper than entertainment. What initially drew you toward alternative and progressive metal? Beyond the heaviness itself, what was it about the genre's emotional honesty, atmosphere, and willingness to challenge convention that resonated so deeply with you? Looking back, which artists or albums fundamentally changed the way you approached songwriting, performance, and your artistic identity?
Alma Perez: Rock and metal are, in my view, two of the few genres that allow and encourage uncensored and honest expression. Listening to Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill was a mind-blowing experience! It gave me the courage to embrace my femininity with a raw, unapologetic energy, refusing to conform to the societal expectations placed on women. Seeing Alanis dominate the charts simply in a t-shirt and jeans with her guitar proved to me that I could be a powerful leader of my own band.
Simultaneously, Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar served as the anthem for my childhood and adolescent rage. The extreme vocals and piercing guitar work provided a sense of healing for all the confusion, loneliness, and anger I felt back then. These influences drove me to create music that captures that same sense of powerful chaos while maintaining a melodic and polished sound.
Amit Ahuja: While every band has a beginning, exceptional ones are driven by a deeper mission. Could you recount the formation of Coatl and the inspiration behind its creation? Reflecting on the band's inception, what was your initial vision, and how has it shifted over time? Additionally, your name, Coatl, holds significant cultural and spiritual weight. Beyond its literal definition, what does it mean to you personally, and how does it encapsulate your heritage and the narratives you share?
Alma Perez: I met Isra Vega, the co-founder of Coatl, in high school. We connected over our similar experiences: being raised in musical environments, navigating the challenges of immigrating to a new country, and enduring the intense cultural shifts that led us to seek solace in songwriting and poetry. During the band's early stages, Isra was studying pre-Hispanic history and traditions. We were both captivated by the rhythmic intensity of the Aztec Danzantes. This inspired us to write songs about our ancestry and heritage, incorporating riffs and rhythms that echoed those traditional dances. Isra selected "Coatl," the word for serpent, as our name. To us, the serpent is a mystical symbol of wisdom, transformation, and divinity, and we wanted our music to capture that spiritual essence.
Amit Ahuja: The intentionality and profundity of your songwriting are hallmark traits of Coatl, often blending mythology and personal emotion to prompt deeper reflection in your audience. Where does your writing process typically originate? Does it begin with a specific emotion, a historical narrative, a melody, or perhaps a philosophical inquiry? How do you manage the balance between your personal stories and providing the necessary space for listeners to form their own connections? Furthermore, how has your approach to storytelling changed since the band's start, and what do you consider to be the signature element of your creative voice?
Alma Perez: Both Isra and I write our own lyrics, while the music is either crafted by me in my home studio or developed all together as a band. A new song might spark from a random beat, a simple riff, or even a phrase. Personally, I often feel as though I "download" my melodies; during the creative process, I "tune in" and allow ideas to manifest. It is an experience where I perceive the notes visually and emotionally before they are even performed. This connection extends to the band as well; we share a telepathic bond, reading each other’s body language and transposing that energy into music as we each contribute our own essence to the song.
My lyrics are mainly about my personal life and spiritual evolution. I tend to be private about my struggles, but my lyrics provide a space where I can be candid and honest. I believe my defining characteristic as an artist is the ability to create music that is heavy and powerful, yet remains melodic, engaging, and fun.
Amit Ahuja: Your artistry frequently treats Indigenous history and spirituality not just as themes, but as vital, ongoing histories that impact the present. When engaging with these significant subjects, do you feel a specific sense of responsibility as a storyteller? How do you navigate the intersection of historical facts, your own artistic perspective, and creative liberty?
Alma Perez: We feel it is important to talk about the injustices of the past because they are still impacting the present and shaping the future. We also feel a responsibility to write about current events and modern day challenges. We use our music, content, graphics and artwork to share our passion. I believe that a a powerful Phrase like “Somos Guerreros del Jaguar” or a visually striking image like the Image of Goddess Kali on our banners and shirts can inspire and empower someone just a strongly as a textbook or lecture can.
Photo Credit: Ruben Figueroa @rfjphotography
Amit Ahuja: One of the defining qualities of Coatl's music is the depth and intention behind your songwriting. Your lyrics often weave together mythology, history, spirituality, cultural identity, and deeply personal emotions in ways that encourage listeners to look beyond the surface. When you're sitting down to write, where does the creative process usually begin? Does it start with an emotion you're trying to process, a historical event or cultural narrative that inspires you, a philosophical question, or perhaps a melody or riff that sparks an idea? How do you balance writing lyrics that are deeply personal while still leaving enough space for listeners to find their own interpretations and connections? Looking back at your journey as a songwriter, how has your creative process evolved since Coatl first began, and what do you feel has become the defining characteristic of your voice as both a lyricist and storyteller?
Alma Perez: For us, the creative process starts with an emotion or a particular situation we are experiencing. Our latest track, "SAML," was written by Isra after watching a TED Talk about the Doctrine of Discovery. Understanding the reality of that mandate and its disturbing consequences triggered a surge of feelings that led us to write our most intense and aggressive song so far. While we hope our audience finds their own meaning and emotional connection within the music, we also want to shed light on the truths of this horrific chapter in history.
Amit Ahuja: Much of your work explores mythology, Indigenous history, spirituality, and cultural identity—not simply as artistic themes, but as living histories that continue to shape people's lives today.
Alma Perez: My lyrics all reference my own spiritual journey. I am a student of religions, the mystical, occult, magical and mythological. My songs about the Tarot, Kabbalah, the occult and paranormal, and Hinduism draw directly from my personal experience. The historical references stem from my studies in the topic.
Amit Ahuja: Art has a remarkable way of changing the person who creates it. Throughout your time writing for Coatl, have there been songs that fundamentally changed the way you think about yourself, your heritage, or even the world around you? Were there moments where researching history or mythology challenged beliefs you once held or inspired you to see familiar stories through an entirely new lens?
Alma Perez: Absolutely! Learning about my cultural roots shaped who I am today and also inspired me to learn about the culture, history and traditions of other global communities. Writing songs about my mystical experiences with deities reinforces my personal beliefs and puts into question societal norms..
Amit Ahuja: Your music often encourages listeners to reflect on who they are and where they come from. I'm curious—has creating Coatl changed the way you understand your own identity?
Alma Perez: Leadership is one of the most significant lessons I have embraced with Coatl. The band has pushed me to acquire diverse skills like video and photo editing, as well as graphic design. My time in Coatl has developed a deep sense of ownership and responsibility for my work.
Amit Ahuja: Songwriting often becomes a form of healing and self-discovery. What role does music play in your own life emotionally? Does writing help you process experiences that are difficult to express otherwise? Have there been songs that fundamentally changed you while you were creating them?
Alma Perez: LOW" served as a tool for healing and processing a challenging chapter of my life. It helped me open up and share my experience with depression and anxiety. Looking back, my internal state from the moment I wrote the song to the emotions I experience when performing it today has definitely shifted.
Amit Ahuja: Looking back at projects like Shakti and your latest material, where do you think you've grown the most as both a songwriter and vocalist? Are there creative risks you've taken recently that you wouldn't have felt confident taking earlier in your career? Conversely, are there aspects of your artistry that have remained constant from the very beginning, regardless of how your music has evolved?
Alma Perez: My vocal abilities have undergone a massive transformation since the start of our musical path.. I used to sing in a lower range and composed melodies that felt predictable and safe. As my experience and confidence strengthened, I explored and discovered how to use various vocal placements to broaden my range. As a songwriter, I have learned how to write for electronic instruments—such as the violin, piano, tablas, sitar, percussion, and beat boxes—as well as drum programming.
Amit Ahuja: Every artist eventually creates one piece of work that changes everything. Has there been one song in Coatl's catalog that made you realize, "This is who we are"? What made that particular song such an important turning point for both you and the band?
Alma Perez: "El Llamado del Jaguar" serves as our anthem, perfectly reflecting the essence of Coatl. It showcases our signature blend of raw, extreme male vocals paired with melodic female leads, tribal rhythms and heavy guitar riffs. It celebrates our history, roots, and cultural heritage.
Amit Ahuja: Have fans ever shared an interpretation of one of your songs that genuinely surprised you? Sometimes listeners discover meanings that even the songwriter never consciously intended. Have there been moments where a fan's perspective changed the way you looked at your own work?
Alma Perez: “Breathe” and “LOW” are songs that have connected us to our audience in a deep and meaningful way. These pieces explore private, painful and emotional periods. It is deeply moving to hear from listeners who found comfort through these songs during their own difficult times.
Amit Ahuja: Artists are constantly evolving, and it's natural to outgrow parts of your earlier work. When you revisit Coatl's earliest material today, what emotions come to mind? Do you hear the musician you were then, or someone entirely different? Is there anything your younger self understood that you hope you've never lost as you've continued to grow?
Alma Perez: When I listen back, that earlier version of my musical self is still very much present. I see myself as a lifelong seeker, and I hope to remain in a state of constant learning, exploration, and discovery. I truly believe there are depths to existence that far exceed the limits of our human perception.
Amit Ahuja: Being an independent artist today requires balancing creativity with countless responsibilities behind the scenes.
Alma Perez: Fans often see the concerts, music videos, and releases, but rarely the work happening behind them. What has been the biggest challenge in building Coatl independently, and how do you protect your artistic vision while navigating the realities of the music industry? The primary challenge we face is financing the band. Operating as independent musicians means we lack the financial support typical of a label or external sponsors. We self-fund every aspect of our work. To manage costs, we are always looking for creative ways to do as much in house as we can before outsourcing.
Amit Ahuja: People often assume musicians are constantly inspired, but creativity can be unpredictable. What do you do when inspiration simply isn't there? Have you developed routines or rituals that help reconnect you with your creativity, or have you learned that stepping away from music can sometimes be just as important as creating it?
Alma Perez: When I encounter a creative block or feel uninspired, I shift my focus and attention to a different area.Social media can be a source of inspiration, but also excessive doomscrolling is draining. I feel that when I am too engaged doomscrolling it drains me. I consciously step away from social media and instead explore new music, revisit classic albums, read spiritual literature, or engage with podcasts. Additionally, meditation and visiting temples are essential practices that help me clear mental blockages and restore my creative flow.
Amit Ahuja: Many listeners describe music as either an escape or a catalyst for change. When someone finishes listening to one of your records, what kind of conversation do you hope continues after the music stops? Do you hope your songs provide answers, or do you intentionally leave space for listeners to ask their own questions about themselves and the world around them?
Alma Perez: My hope is that our music serves as a spark for curiosity, encouraging listeners to investigate unfamiliar subjects we explore in our lyrics. We introduce a theme with the intention of raising consciousness, and we hope it empowers and resonates with those who need it most. Ultimately, we want our audience to take these topics and build their own conversations around them.
Amit Ahuja: As you look toward the future, where do you see Coatl heading both musically and personally? Are there themes, sounds, or creative territories you've always wanted to explore but haven't yet had the opportunity to pursue? If someone discovers Coatl twenty years from now, what do you hope they say about your music, your message, and the legacy you've left behind?
Alma Perez: My goal is for them to feel motivated to pursue their own creative paths, discovering their personal truths and finding joy in the process.
Amit Ahuja: If you could collaborate with any artist—living or deceased, regardless of genre—who would it be? Why that artist? What kind of music do you imagine the two of you creating together, and what do you think you could learn from that collaboration?
Alma Perez: I would love to collaborate with Marilyn Manson. We did a cover of “The Love Song” (one of his tracks) it would be great to hear his opinion of it.
Amit Ahuja: Your music often feels cinematic and incredibly immersive. Outside of music, what forms of art have had the greatest influence on your imagination? Whether it's literature, film, philosophy, visual art, or nature itself, are there creators whose work consistently inspires the worlds you build through Coatl?
Alma Perez: I love the surrealistic movement, with artists such as Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Leonora Carrington serving as significant inspirations in my own art. I am also deeply drawn to the imagery of the Rider-Waite tarot deck; each reading allows me to uncover new layers of symbolism and hidden mysteries within the cards. Additionally, as a dedicated Star Wars fan, we paid homage to the original films in our "Annunaki" music video, and I often wear space buns onstage as a tribute to Princess Leia.
Amit Ahuja: Beyond the stage, who is Alma Perez? When the rehearsals end and the lights go down, what keeps you grounded? What brings you peace, inspires you outside of music, and reminds you why you continue creating? How do those quieter moments shape the person behind the artist?
Alma Perez: My source of joy, grounding, and stability comes from my dogs. I love spending time at home cleaning, cooking and caring for my fur babies. To maintain my inner peace and stimulate my creative energy, I also prioritize regular meditation and physical exercise.
Amit Ahuja: Finally, here's a question you probably don't get asked very often: What question do you wish interviewers asked you more often—but rarely ever do? And since no one usually asks it, how would you answer that question today?
Alma Perez: Yes, I do offer private Tarot readings LOL!
Amit Ahuja: As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with your fans and our readers? For anyone chasing a dream, searching for their identity, overcoming obstacles, or simply trying to find their place in the world, what words of encouragement or perspective feel most important for you to share right now?
Alma Perez: Don’t stop learning, seeking and evolving. Our time is finite, use it wisely.
Amit Ahuja: Thank You, Alma Perez, for sharing your story with us today!
Please check out Alma Perez and her band, Coatl. To learn more about Alma, the band, their music, upcoming releases, and to stay connected, visit the links below:
Coatl Linktree:
Alma Perez Instagram:
**Photographs utilized by Hawk-IT Media are credited to the following photographers: Ruben Figueroa @rfjphotography and Elena Serrano. **
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