Liét - Been Here Before (EP) + 10 Questions

Photo Credit: Fraser Thorne

A voice of relatability, East London’s newcomer Liét drops her highly anticipated EP, ‘Been Here Before’ alongside lead single “Just A Girl” via Graduation Records (Brent Faiyaz, Nemzz, Sekou, Stefflon Don). A breath of fresh air in British music, the multifaceted artist ooze’s confidence and in turn empowers women across the globe with her irresistible sound. Exploring the intricacies of modern-day dating, this 7-track EP marks a new creative era for the singer-songwriter as she bares all through her unrivalled lyricism.

Welcoming the EP with “Bad Thing” a sultry sizzler that explores the temptation of re-asserting  your presence to a fellow love interest whose attention starts wandering elsewhere, Liét’s butter-like vocals sit centre stage in this introductory masterpiece. Swiftly moving into the lead single “Just A Girl”, an up-beat spin that navigates a relationship going sour, Liét airs her frustrations of putting 100% in whilst receiving less than half back - girl, run!. Turning up the heat in raunchy release “Over Me “, the “Till I Saw You (Interlude)” marks the second-half of her irresistible project. Slowing things down Liét recognises her unresolved feelings for an ex lover before walking through the sweet sounds of “Come Find Me” and “Taboo”, a track that examines the risk that comes with wanting to explore a forbidden love. Ending the EP with “Bittersweet”, the songstress questions her self-control in this infectious listen. Continuing to emphasise her lyrical ability, referencing personal experiences and bearing all in these vulnerable tracks,Liét is on a mission to cement her bubbling status as an exciting emerging artist.

When asked about the EP Liét explained, “I wrote this project as a way to express what I was feeling and going through whilst making sense of it all. These records are all personal experiences and ironically recurring cycles that I know a lot of people can relate to and have been in before, so my hope is for my music to speak to them and that they feel seen when they hear it.”

Speaking on the meaning behind the lead single “Just A Girl” Liét stated,  “Nothing is worse than giving your best and receiving the least in a relationship. Good girls just want to be loved without doubts and some guys fumble them for meaningless encounters. They sometimes don’t know what they’ve got until it’s gone,so you have to guard your heart always”.

Liét 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?

There was always music playing in my house growing up, I’d sing and dance at family gatherings with my siblings, so the love for music was always embedded in me. I’d always mimic songs of my favourite artists in my bedroom and learn all the lyrics, riffs and runs and know all the backing vocals too, so I just knew from a young age that it is something I really enjoyed and saw myself pursuing.

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

Brandy is a big influence to me, she’s someone who’s music made me want to become an artist from the first time I was introduced to it. I also really love Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R, they all make insanely great music and I’d love to work with them. There are so many other artists I want to work with from different genres too but those are just a few from my very lengthy list.

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

I have a new EP called Been Here Before that you should definitely check out. It is about the complexities of relationships that I’ve been in before and what that entails, which I believe a lot of people will be able to relate to.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound like a cocktail, it is a mixture of something smooth, sweet but with a kick to it, it lures you in and leaves you wanting more.

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

My proudest moment so far is writing, completing and releasing my EP independently as an artist. So much goes into the process of creating and releasing a project that can easily overwhelm you enough to consider giving up, but reaching the finishing line and receiving so much love on the other side of that from people I’m yet to meet around the world feels so good and validating.

Photo Credit: Fraser Thorne

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

You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else. Find people you love working with and create without limitations and no matter what keep putting one foot in front of the other until you get there. As hard as this industry is, things eventually fall in place if you don’t give up.

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

From the UK, I’m really loving Tendai, KWN and Elmiene at the moment. There’s also NYA and Kemi Ade on the come up who I think you should look out for.

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

Lucky Daye’s album Algorithm is on heavy rotation for me right now. I’m also loving Maeta’s live album When I Hear Your Name and Endless Night, also Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is fire.

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

I love to eat good food and I love power naps, life makes more sense after that.

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

I need water for my vocals, lipgloss or lip balm and food or a light snack.