Biography
Born and bred in Hackney, East London, and the youngest child of Trinidadian / Italian descent, Lea Lea (pronounced “Lee Lee”) grew up surrounded by music. Her mother was an opera singer, her sister a professional vocalist, and her brother a drummer and keyboard player.
By the age of 17 she found herself writing songs for artists at Def Jam and RCA, as well as performing on the same bills as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Roots Manuva and Amy Winehouse, as she honed her own sound. Being selected as “An Artist To Watch” by BBC Introducing, Lea Lea found the inspiration she was looking for working with renowned producer and drummer for Bonobo; Jack Baker and writing partner Kim Garrett on her debut self-titled album.
By the age of 17 she found herself writing songs for artists at Def Jam and RCA, as well as performing on the same bills as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Roots Manuva and Amy Winehouse, as she honed her own sound. Being selected as “An Artist To Watch” by BBC Introducing, Lea Lea found the inspiration she was looking for working with renowned producer and drummer for Bonobo; Jack Baker and writing partner Kim Garrett on her debut self-titled album.
For her newest single ‘Drum of Death’ which is set to be released on January 22nd and then her upcoming EP, Die Pretty Vol. 1 which is to follow shortly she wanted to take things back to basics, get her band in a studio, crack open some tequila and record everything live. Produced again by the mighty Jack Baker (Bonobo, Alice Russell), they set out to create a raw sounding Psychedelic Rock Pop EP. Embellished with thunderous beats and bold vocals that climax into a Robert Palmer like wail and explosive riffs.
Where darkness meets the light is the philosophy of not only Lea Lea’s music but her record label Gothic Luau. Boozing, globe trotting and song writing with her label partner in crime, Kim Garrett – together they write about what matters… well…what matters to them anyway. This is where the inspiration for ‘Die Pretty’ was born, through a mentality of seizing the moment but also still giving a shit. Sometimes that’s world affairs, other times just drinking and living in the now.
When she’s not running her own record label and releasing her own music she’s been busy touring with the Dance/Pop-punk band “Chk Chk Chk” (!!!),worked on the upcoming Crystal Fighters album, composed a film score for the award winning film “Little Soldier” directed by Stella Corradi (Film London) and starring Zawe Ashton and also wrote Nu:Tone’s album hit ‘Tides’ (Hospital Records) as well as writing for a host of high profile but currently super secret artists.
Her work has garnered attention from the likes of Noisey, MTVIggy, OkayPlayer, Wild Magazine, XLR8R, Red Bull Music Academy and worked with an array of producers/artists (Andreya Triana, Is Tropical, Horace Andy, Goth-Trad) plus received great radio support by BBC radio 6, BBC 1Xtra, KISS, KCRW and many more.
With an array of musical projects underway and a drive to widen her scope of creativity, make sure to give Lea Lea your full attention.
