LION has made a powerful debut with his single ‘Not Your Fetish’ (Out May 12). Combining unapologetic lyrics, hard-hitting beats, and dynamic rap, the track is an electrifying force. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video featuring commanding choreography, LION's artistic world shines through. With a mission to challenge toxic narratives and celebrate diverse identities, LION's unique blend of music and dance creates a theatrical and rhythmic experience. We had a chat with Lion to find out more:

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

‘Not Your Fetish’ is about empowerment, owning your identity and asserting your boundaries. So many minorities and marginalised peoples are reduced to two-dimensional stereotypes and generalisations, and it needs to stop. I want this track to make people stop, think, and recognise our full, complex humanity.

Who are some of your influences and why?

Artists like Todrick Hall and Nicki Minaj heavily influence my rap style, flow and theatricality. In terms of production, I’m influenced by amazing electronic producers like Porter Robinson, Zedd and SOPHIE; and I’m also continually inspired the genre-bending sound (and insane choreography) of K-pop!

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

The creative process varies from song to song. For ‘Not Your Fetish’ specifically, one of my friends Amy came up with some iconic lines (Don’t touch what you can’t afford, you can look at me don’t touch). Myself and Benedict (an amazing artist; co-producer and writer) decided to construct the song around these lines. From there we established the flow, the production, and tried several vocal deliveries before we recorded the final take.

What do you think makes a great song?

In my opinion, a song is great when its elements work together to achieve a set artistic intention. We all write for different reasons and have varying aims with our art, so when an artistic vision is realized, that’s a success.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Bring Me the Horizon; I’m obsessed with their futuristic mix of electronic and rock, and the sense of catharsis within their music is something I truly connect with.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

When not working on music, you can usually find me choreographing or dancing. I choreograph all of the dances to my tracks, and I’m always latching onto new songs which give me new choreo ideas!

Who are some local bands we should check out?

Y’all should check out Dirty Versachi, Max Lawrence, LOUV, Dyan Tai, Mo Louie; and of course my label pals on the Tomboi Records roster: Benedict, Parker and Joan and the Giants. We have such an incredible pop scene here, it’s so worth supporting!

Winter or summer and why?

DEFINITELY Summer; I’m not delighted by the heat, but I’m super sensitive to the cold. The way this weather’s going, it’s looking like I’ll have to wear thermals everyday!

What else do you have planned for 2023?

There’s so much planned! We’ll be releasing quite a few songs this year and there’s a live launch coming in the next few months. I also plan to explore so many other musical worlds, play some amazing festivals (maybe even overseas!) and creatively collaborate more often!

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A Quick Chat With LION