Q&A: Lee Lewis is Setting Hearts Aflame with 'Something Burning'"
A RISING FORCE IN THE INDUSTRY and making waves with his debut EP, Something Burning, Lee Lewis is sure to be on your radar. Released via Bright Antenna Records, this project marks an important milestone in Lewis's journey as a singer-songwriter. Through his music, Lewis fearlessly explores the depths of human emotion, tackling themes of heartbreak, abuse, and self-discovery with unwavering honesty.
With the lead single "FUL," Lewis offers listeners a captivating glimpse into his world, where personal experiences as a young Black queer man intersect with universal struggles and triumphs. Drawing from his own life, Lewis's lyricism is poignant and relatable, inviting audiences to join him on a journey of introspection and healing.
Something Burning is more than just an EP—it's a testament to Lewis's resilience and creativity. From his upbringing in the historically Black neighborhood of Ladera Heights to his training in classical music at the prestigious Colburn School of Performing Arts, every aspect of Lewis's background has shaped his artistry. Collaborating with a diverse community of musicians and creatives, Lewis has crafted a project that transcends genres and boundaries, offering a soulful and authentic expression of his identity.
As Something Burning continues to garner attention and acclaim, Lee Lewis emerges as a voice that demands to be heard—a storyteller, a healer, and an artist on the rise. With his debut EP, Lewis invites listeners to explore the depths of human experience and find solace in the power of music.
LUNA: Your debut EP Something Burning tackles raw themes of heartbreak, abuse, and self-discovery. Can you talk about an experience that inspired you to write these songs?
LL: Over the past 4 years I've been going through major transformations as a person. As I've gotten older I've really been tackling my experiences, both good and bad, and trying to heal and grow from them through the medium of music. It's been a blessing really. Through this, I kind of noticed that I encountered a recurring experience of dating/hooking up with men in the closet, which is just completely bad for me. Some of the songs on my EP like 'Darkest Hours' and "You're Gonna Kill Me' focus a lot on this subject. Hopefully I can leave those experiences in the past from now on!
LUNA: The EP explores experiences unique to young Black queer men navigating relationships. How do you hope your music will resonate with listeners who may share similar experiences
LL: I find that black queer people are often the most isolated and rejected; by the gay/queer community, black community, and society as a whole. So I hope that this project and the music I make going forward, offers some warmth or something filling to black queer people in general. Hopefully they listen to it, hearing an artist that shares their experiences in many ways. Maybe other groups of people take something from it as well, but I hope first and foremost that folks like me feel seen or understood after listening.
LUNA: You mentioned the song "FUL" being the first to gain industry attention. Can you walk us through the story behind that song and the emotions it captures?
LL: FUL is my baby! This was probably the first song to push me into the pop soul space as a singer. I remember being in the studio with Jon Joseph and him having to figuratively hold my hand through the process of singing the song. I initially approached it like a classical song, which was not the right move haha. It challenged me alot, both in writing and singing! Joseph and I wrote this one together at his apartment in 2020 I believe. We spoke about desperation and loneliness in the dating world and that's where the song came from.
LUNA: Your background is in classical music, and you even considered a career in opera. How has that training shaped your approach to singing as a pop artist?
LL: Honestly it took me so long to shed some of the classical rigidity that I used to hold. It took me a while to loosen up as a singer and lean into the imperfection. The voice I have today is much different than the one I had 5 years ago, but I still have some of the "classical twang" as I've been saying. I spent a lot of time fighting the classical background and now I want to lean into it! Runs are different in classical music, vowel shapes...the list goes on and on. If I can combine both classical elements and pop, then I'm doing it well in my opinion!
LUNA: While ‘Something Burning’ features pop elements, you also collaborate with Black and queer creatives for a soulful sound. How do you blend these influences in your music?
LL: I collaborated with a lot of great writers and producers on this project thankfully. The best thing about all of it is that they are all my friends. I think having that relationship with the writers and producers made it a very trusting journey when making the project. I leaned a lot on my friend Sola Fadiran when writing some of these songs, since each of them are based on real experiences. He knew first hand of the stories that accompanied these songs. That made it so much easier writing them with him.
LUNA: You cite artists like Sade, Sam Smith, and Lianne La Havas as inspirations. Are there any specific qualities from their music that you bring into your own work?
LL: Firstly, I have so many artists that I'm inspired by. Sade, Sam, Adele, Lianna, Donny Hathaway, Michael Kiwanuka, Jamie Woon; the list is long! I think what they all have in common is a rawness and vulnerability in their voices. Something that feels undeniably real at all times. That's what I hope to emulate!
LUNA: ‘Something Burning’ feels like a cathartic exploration of past experiences. What are your hopes for listeners as they connect with this project?
LL: Honestly, that we're ever evolving and changing individuals. Just keep pushing in the right direction and be kind to yourself when evaluating past experiences. It's so easy to beat yourself up.
LUNA: You mentioned wanting to exist in both pop and R&B/soul spaces. How do you plan to navigate these different musical landscapes in your career?
LL: As the world of music and genres continue to blur lines, I think it'll be easier for myself and other artists to continue doing that. There are other genres I want to keep adding into my mix as well. I think as long as 'soul' is at the root, then I'm down to try it all.
LUNA: With the release of ‘Something Burning,’ what excites you most about what's next for your music?
LL: I'm just excited that I keep getting better with each song. And willing to take on more risks. It's been fun doing this thing and there's so just so much more to do. Also shows! Beyond excited to get back on the stage.
