Following her long-awaited comeback in March, after a two-year hiatus, with the exquisite alt-R&B offering ‘How Would It Feel’, which has received rave reviews and acclaim from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, COLORS, Notion and the Joe Budden Podcast, and with her classic track ‘No Love’ being sampled on the new Vince Staples album Ramona Park Broke My Heart, London-based artist, songwriter, and producer LYVES is excited to share her brand new single titled ‘CHANGE’, which she produced alongside Mercury Prize nominated songwriter, musician, and producer Dave Okumu (Adele, Jessie Ware, Amy Winehouse, St. Vincent).

Serving as the title track and lead single off her forthcoming sophomore EP of the same name arriving this summer, ‘Change’ not only sees Lyves letting listeners fully submerge into the new musical universe that she has been creating over the past two years, but the alternative R&B offering, driven by ethereal piano and ominous drum arrangements, also reveals the Italo Australian native at her most vulnerable and most personal, as she reveals her battles with accepting the change that came at the end of an important relationship.

‘Change’ also comes with a beautiful, conceptualised music video that brings the track further to life, and sees Lyves appearing in one of her music videos for the very first time – a gesture that felt very significant to the London-based musician, with ‘Change’ being her most deeply personal track to date. For the visuals, Lyves collaborated with burgeoning director Reece Salvadorai, who has also worked with Dizzee Rascal, Big Zuu and Claudia Valentina, among others, with choreography created by London-based dancer and multi-disciplinary artist Tylor Deyn.

Lyves sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’ve loved music as far back as I can remember - I still recall being about 4 and sifting through my parents' record collection.  I was completely absorbed and as soon as I learnt how to put a record on I listened to every single thing my parents had.  Music made me feel a way that nothing else did  - I was quite a sensitive child and just knew on a deeper level that music was what I wanted to follow in my life.  It gave me hope and it felt magical.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Some of my biggest influences are Bill Withers, Tracy Chapman, Frank Ocean, 2Pac, Enya, Sade, Philip Glass and James Blake.  

I would love to work with Sir and Frank Ocean.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I have an EP dropping this summer which I co-produced with Dave Okumu :)

4. How would you describe your sound?

Raw / truthful / emotive / soulful

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I think performing in front of 60,000 people supporting Coldplay is definitely up there.  That was a special one, I still feel immensely grateful for that experience today.

I guess I feel proud when I’m able to write from a real and truthful place and turn difficult emotions into something beautiful and therapeutic.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I would suggest spending time getting to know yourself and your sound, - what you really like and what moves you.  Also learning to record yourself and produce, even at a very basic level.  It gives you the freedom to get ideas down without having to rely on others or be in a studio recording environment.  It also helps with communicating with collaborators and producers so you’re speaking a similar language.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I love Harvey Causon’s music and am really enjoying Vince Staples’ new album Ramona Park Broke My Heart.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Two albums I’ve loved recently are Cleo Sol’s “Mother” and Bitter by Meshell Ndegeocello. 

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love spending quality time with family and friends.  Being in nature.  Long walks.  Cooking.  Working out.  Learning and expanding my understanding of the world and humanity.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My laptop, sound card and my faithful RODE mic :)