Lenii

Lenii says she “[worries] about being basic,” yet she is anything but. The singer, songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist rolled into one makes music with such a modern and unique sound. A Cork, Ireland native, Lenii’s songs have an incredibly distinct feel to them: one of electric dystopia. From her most popular song “Crave U,” a disco-esque number, to “Cereal,” a vindictive song about lost love, the artist’s sound is consistent. Spots on 2-Spotify curated playlists, Dance Paradise and Heart Beats, are emblematic of her unique ability to keep said sound while exploring different styles of music. We recently spoke with Lenii about any and all things in regards to her songwriting process, who she is away from work, and more! 

How did you start making music?

I started singing when I was 18 months old and writing songs when I was maybe 6. So I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t making music. I started producing though when I was 15 because I didn’t like my voice at all and figured I had to do something else if I wanted to have a career in music.

When you're not creating music, what can fans find you doing?

If I’m not making music I’m usually doing something related - like editing a video or making cover art. I’m also obsessed with Friends so if I’m actually taking a break I’ll watch an episode for the 100th time.

What's a secret talent that you have?

I play classical violin - I’m sure my mom wishes that was less of a secret! Also I can dislocate my shoulders but that’s a bit gross lol.

Where is your go-to location when it's time to write?

I actually love going to different places to write (studios, rooms in the house, literally anywhere) because a new environment always gives me fresh ideas and it feels like going to work. 

From where do you draw inspiration for your songs? 

A lot of my songs lately have been about the idea of keeping up appearances - and how unnecessary I think that is. My upcoming EP “In All Fairness…” has this overarching theme of making fun of myself for being so emotional and dramatic. I was inspired to write it because most of us put out this image of our most perfect selves and cover up our vulnerability when we’re all only human and experience the same things, so I wanted to talk about that and hopefully change it a little bit.

What was the last song you listened to?

Billie Eilish’s new song “my future”. It’s just amazing.

If you could pick one person to write a song with, who would you pick?

This might be an obvious answer but I would LOVE to write with Finneas. He's a genius.

Any future projects for fans to get excited about?

I’m super excited for my first EP In All Fairness… to come out in September. I wrote and produced the last song on the EP so it will be the first time I release something I made entirely myself. After that I have about a million songs I’m just dying to put out in the world, music videos and all.