LESS releases new single “Hellya”

Born in Naples and raised in the small town of Arzano, the artist known as Less has become one of Italy’s most arresting new acts, whose music carries the echo of movement, identity and self-discovery. The daughter of two leather workers, she grew up in a world shaped by impermanence, learning to adapt to change while clinging to her creative spark. When her family relocated to Florence in search of new beginnings, Less faced personal loss and transformation with the death of her grandmother, a defining figure in her life and the dawning realisation of her own sexual identity. At 14, she came out, a revelation that brought tension at home but also ignited a deep need for expression.

That tension between belonging and independence, pain and growth would become the bedrock of her artistic vision. Songwriting quickly became her escape, a space to process what she couldn’t yet say aloud and by the time the pandemic arrived, isolation turned into opportunity. While the world around her slowed to a halt, Less began building her own home studio, teaching herself how to record, produce and take control of her creative voice. That self-sufficiency became her compass, a reminder that her music could exist on her own terms.

Her path soon crossed with producers Lorenzo Santi and Federico Maremmi, both part of Florence’s Kapow Vintage Studio, where they worked alongside renowned engineer Marco Lega. Now based in Florence, Less crafts music dripping in feeling, offering a blend of psych rock textures, indie pop appeal and emotion. Last year, she made her debut with “I Need All Your Love,” a shimmering introduction to her voice and vision, followed by “Up and Down,” both lifted from her forthcoming debut album LOVELESS.

Now, her brand new single titled “Hellya,” marks the next phase in Less’s artistic journey with a rock-infused, emotionally charged outburst born from frustration and the desperate need to break free. It’s a song that hits like a lightning bolt launched from a moment of emotional indifference, ultimately frmaing the idea that fear, longing and the question of whether love or life should ever mean surrendering freedom. “Hellya” takes that storm of emotion and turns it into sound; with her producers, Less wrapped her words in a gritty, rock-driven arrangement, a deliberate departure from her earlier releases to give the new song the sonic impact to match its context.

Set up by the twang of low-slung guitar chords and laid back taps of drums, intricate lead notes roll above to form a grungey scene as Less’ expressive voice glides above the pulse of bass and mellow groove of the arrangement. Peppered with warm organ textures and intricate piano plinks, the track surges to an anthemic indie rock soundscape where impassioned vocals ring out above the swell of instrumentation to deliver a truly cathartic listening experience.

Crunchy, melodic and relatable all at once, “Hellya” sees Less lay down another stellar dose of her poignant songwriting, this time packaged in a more potent sonic cocktail. Making a strong start to 2026, Less is ready to take that energy beyond Italy, bringing her music to stages across Europe and with more material on the way, we can’t wait to see what she’s got in store next.

Listen to Hellya below

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