Lí-Lí Octave releases live album

Lí-Lí Octave is a Caribbean neo soul artist with a four-octave vocal range who’s become a celebrated figure with a decorated musical journey to date. Born to Dominican parents with ties to Barbados and Montserrat, Lí-Lí Octave’s music is as vibrant and diverse as her heritage. Growing up surrounded by the rich sounds of the Caribbean, she’s blended these influences into her unique musical style, which she calls Caribbean neo soul, a fusion of soul, R&B and the rhythmic pulses of her island roots. Today, she stands tall as the reigning “Caribbean Neo Soul Queen.”

Lí-Lí’s journey began at just four years old, when she delivered a stunning rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” marking her first public performance and igniting her passion for music. From there, she embraced every opportunity to perform, developing her talents at church services, graduations and events across the Caribbean.

Her career gained international momentum in recent years, with Lí-Lí making waves on iconic stages around the globe. In January 2023, she headlined the Bequia Music Festival’s opening night, setting the tone for the entire event with her captivating voice and magnetic stage presence. Her performance in Geneva, Switzerland in June this year further showcased her versatility, as she was commissioned to create a song for the International Trade Center’s 60th Anniversary. Lí-Lí also made her mark in the world of gospel music, performing alongside the Total Praise Mass Choirat the Caribbean Gospel Fest in Guadeloupe, where her vocal abilities earned her praise from national media outlets.

With her studio music, she released her debut single “What Do We Do” in 2021, which she’s followed up with multiple well-received singles and remixes. Now she brings us her latest release with the live version of her album, Play on Venus. This album represents a deeply personal exploration of the female experience, inviting listeners into a world of lyrical storytelling that touches on themes of love, empowerment and womanhood.

Tracks on the album touch on everything from the intimate connections of love to the empowering moments where one feels capable of conquering the world. Lí-Lí captures the tension many experience when caught in compromising situations or struggling to control their thoughts and emotions.

Performed live at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024, Play on Venus features ten live recordings that capture Lí-Lí Octave’s breathtaking performances and compelling energy. From the laid back bass tones of “Wait (For Your Love)” the record opens with shimmering vibes capped by Lí-Lí’s soulful vocals as the dreamy arrangement flows with delicate piano and slick guitar flourishes, peppered by lively drum dashes.

With songs like “You Scared,” her poignant lyricism and alluring vocal ability shine while the groove of the instrumentation provides the perfect backing for her exquisite sound. “Work of Art” sees her deliver a charming sound of enthralling vocal display as the elegant instrumentation wraps around her voice.

Final track “Top of the World” jumps with funky energy and bright brass bursts as infectious rhythms drive her rich vocalisations to serve up a gripping and instantly catchy jam to perfectly conclude her sensational live album. From start to finish, Play on Venus (Live at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024) sees Lí-Lí Octave and her band deliver an incredible journey of superb songwriting and musicianship all led by the astonishing voice of this talented artist on the rise.

Listen to Play on Venus (Live at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024) below