Scottish Chinese rising star LVRA kicked off 2021 with the arresting single “DEAD”,picking up plaudits from Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley as well as highlights in DIY, Dork, The Line of Best Fit and Gigwise. The track, along with its equally striking video, signalled a transition from the honeyed R&B influences of her 2020 debut EP LVCID towards a darker, bolder and more visceral sound.
Born in Edinburgh to Chinese parents, 19-year-old singer and producer Rachel Lu started making music as a teenager, writing angsty songs at the piano in her parents’ home. Settling under the moniker LVRA (pronounced loo-rah), Lu began producing her own songs towards the end of 2017. Channelling her love of R&B, experimental electronic and trap music, LVRA presents a raw and honest reflection of her experiences of adolescent love and the people around her.
Now the experimental electro pop artist shares her new single “Gets Me Going”, the first cut from her forthcoming sophomore EP to be announced later this year. Set against the backdrop of city-living, the angular production of “Gets Me Going” combines elements of hyper-pop and breakbeat with Lu’s characteristically esoteric sample choices. The resulting frenetic instrumental compliments the hedonistic lyrical themes as Lu’s pines for the crowded basement parties that have inspired a shift in her sound.
Commenting on the release, the artist offers, “I love those sweaty basement clubs where you can completely absorb yourself in music surrounded by your friends. I’ve been inspired by a lot of harder, darker electronic music experienced in those places; where the bass frequencies evoke an animalistic reaction and you can allow the music to control your mind and body. Gets Me Going is kind of an ode to that music and those spaces, the thrill of that high and the confidence you feel when surrounded by people who share that energy.”
Adding, “I feel like the hardest pill to swallow is that we’ve never really had this choice to escape true ignorance. As people we feel in control of who we are and what we do, but in reality are bound by our animal instincts and life experiences.”
With her new single, LVRA departs from her more melodic oriented sound to deliver a dark and powerfully energetic direction. Fierce rhythmic beats underpin a punching synth arrangement as her vocals offer a haunting touch above on this 6am Berghain vibe.
Listen to Gets Me Going below
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