Lyra releases a new album on the 12th of April. Lyra has kindly given us a Q & A. If you have not checked out Lyra’s stunning voice we suggest you get on it. The album is self titled. Read the Q & A then check out tour dates and a few tunes below!
Hello Lyra…… Welcome to the DeClunk universe
Please describe your surroundings, what you can hear, smell etc. so that we can all cosy up together.
I can hear my mum banging away in the kitchen while I’m sitting here on the sofa smelling her roast chicken creeping in. Nothing better than mum’s cooking.
When did you first begin singing? Are you from a musical family?
I have always sang, it was the only thing I was passionate about growing up. I wasn’t great at school so this was my way to shine. My mum and sister are fantastic singers so it was tradition for us to get up and do a few songs together at any party we were at. Or a good lock in down the local pub.
Can you remember the first song that you wrote? What was it called and what was it about?
Well, I used to write little jingles for my dad when he used to go away for work. I mean they were just full of “I love you daddy” haha so not my finest work but it definitely started something inside me.
What instruments do you play and which is the one that you enjoy most?
I can play the guitar, drums and a bit of keys but nothing major. Just gets me by when songwriting at home on my own.
You have a new album due on April the 12th. What inspired the songs? Is there a theme running through it?
Life inspired this album. The songs are all about the whirlwind of an adventure I have had to get here. It’s about not being accepted at the start of my career because I didn’t look good enough, my voice was too loud, my dictation was shocking.. the list goes on…
Then a lot of the tracks are about a big breakup that I went through that honestly broke me as a person but put me back together as a better person. It’s about not wanting him to leave, to realising I’m better off he did leave, to having my first one night stand and then finding someone who made me feel lovable again.
Have you favourite artists that are your ‘go to’ sounds when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Sia I would listen to all day everyday because her vocals are like gold. London Grammar is a strong contender because it’s just like melted butter (who doesn’t like melted butter) and Adele because, let’s be honest, there is nothing better than a good cry.
Do you design your own outfits for stage and photoshoots?
So I will come up with the design and I’m lucky to have an amazing woman called Liza who physically brings them to life.
I love fashion and I love being able to have fun with stage outfits.
Where in the world would you most like to play that you have yet to visit?
I would love to play Red Rocks! I have never been and it looks AMAZING. What a beautiful natural surrounding.
If we were to come to your neck of the woods for a weekend where would you take us? You are the Entertainment Committee.
So I would take you to Kinsale where I spend most of my time.
Definitely start with a good coffee and some Turkish eggs at OHK. Then it would be up on the old head of Kinsale walk to blow the cobwebs out of ye. Fresh Irish air right next to the sea overlooking the stunning fishing village. Stop off for a pint of Guinness and oysters in the Bullman (cause it would be rude not to). I mean don’t knock it until you try it, the combo is next level.
Then off to the Kinsale brewery to fill our boots with locally brewed Kinsale IPA before heading down to the Tap tavern next to the fire for a good old fashioned singsong.
artists that you recommend we check out that might not have come to our attention yet?
Tim Chadwick is amazing, I love him, definitely check him out. Denis Chaila is wicked and so unique.
Thank you, Lyra, for taking the time with DeClunk. We look forward to the album and catching you live somewhere soon.
The latest single is Chess.
Speaking about the single LYRA says:
“My dad taught me how to play chess when I was younger. It was a massive mind game and when I grew up it reminded me about a lot of obstacles I had to get through in order to find out who I am… I was constantly being asked “what box do you fit in” and I really struggled with that. We are not built for boxes and life isn’t about ticking off lists. The day I said “enough is enough, I’m not your pawn anymore” is the day I created Chess”.
LYRA – UK TOUR DATES
Sat 4th May Manchester Deaf Institute
Sun 5th May Glasgow King Tuts
Tues 7th May Cardiff Globe
Wed 8th May London Omeara
DeClunk 