Drawing in listeners with a soulful edge and making waves in both the live and digital space, Leeds-based artist Lois is set to follow-up her singles ‘Strange Men’ and ‘Strong’ with the release of her debut EP ‘Strange Men’ spearheaded by the track “Running” on May 26th.
Receiving praise from Louder than War, Wonderland, Clout and Notion, as well as being called ‘a fantastically assured slice of alt-pop’ by Clash, Lois’ years of crafting her style and honing in on a musical direction have given her a statement to show the world. With the alt-pop UK scene growing at a rate you can’t ignore it’s clear that Lois deserves a seat at the table.
With soulful keys and complex yet relaxed drums, Lois shows that her songwriting ability equals the bigger artists she’s classed with. Add elegant, glittery vocals with a beautifully harmonised chorus and ethereal backing vocals to the melting pot, alongside a gorgeously emotive saxophone line, and you get a song that stands out from the crowd and gives the listener some optimism. These infectious songs and feelings are there from start to finish with the “Strange Men” EP.
Speaking on the track “Running”, she says, “‘Running’ is about the connection you feel with a loved one after they’ve gone, feeling their presence in the most unexpected ways. I wrote this about processing grief. I lost someone very dear to me a few years ago. Navigating grief for anyone is difficult but as a young person it was extremely hard. I’m writing about trying to feel someone’s presence after they’re gone. Dreaming of them and it being so clear you thought it was real. … For me, it’s being out in the rain because it feels like they’re there with me.”
Lois has established herself through playing at Highest Point Festival, Live at Leeds, Liverpool Sound City and supporting The Lottery Winners at the Manchester Albert Hall. Pair this with radio play from Radio 1 Future Pop with Mollie King, Radio 1 Introducing with Gemma Bradley, BBC Introducing Lancashire with William Wolstenholme and BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Lois has had a fantastic couple of years. Lois is also making waves digitally, previously boasting 47k+ monthly listeners and featuring on Spotify editorial playlists ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘young & free’.
A debut EP from an incredibly promising talent, “Strange Men” is something that should grace any music fan’s ears. With a bright future ahead of her Lois is an artist you need to pay attention to.
