L.E.

 “I’m not afraid to say what’s on my mind. A lot of artists do all that they can to hide the inner most parts of themselves. I try to do the opposite.”

Up n’ Comin’ NI is excited to introduce this weeks artist L.E., also known as Lee Elliott, a 27 year old musician from Belfast. “I’m a bit of a nerd. I’m obsessed with Lord of the Rings and the Elders Scrolls series of games. I’m even designing my own medieval fantasy world at the moment.”

 

Lee has been passionate about making his own music since the age of 13. “I was 13 when I first picked up the acoustic guitar. My musical style has been changing and adapting to suit my life and circumstances since then.”

 

Lee’s favourite artist and someone he draws a lot of inspiration from for his own music is Aussie trio Chase Atlantic. “They specialise in a blend of trap, RnB and Pop to create something truly unique.”

 

“At the moment I’m enjoying RnB/Pop, but when I first started I was fully acoustic, Lumineers or Sigh No More: Mumford and sons style.”

 

“I write my own lyrics, and the process honestly can’t be pinned down. Some of my best ideas occur to me at the most inopportune times, like when I’m in work or on the bus. That’s when I whip out my phone and voice note whatever came into my head at the time.”

 

 

On the 1st of March, Lee released a track called ‘Cold’, an “RnB/Pop banger featuring a local artist called Asha Dionne.” When asked about the meaning behind his newly released song, Lee says “’Cold’ talks about a relationship that has lost its warmth, something I definitely have experience with.” If you haven’t heard it yet, head over to Spotify right now!

 

When writing music, Lee says that he enjoys collaborations. “I think I much prefer having another brain to bounce off of as I can be quite self-critical of my own work.” This can be an issue for many artists but hang in there. 9/10 times, your music is probably better than you think!

 

“Being from Northern Ireland, one can feel the pressure to fit into certain archetypes, but thankfully I’ve always had people around me that encourage me to be true to myself in all walks of life.”

 

When asked about upcoming gigs, Lee says, “At the moment I have no gigs lined up, but my most recent gig was in the Balmoral Hotel.”  If you’re a booking agent, get booking! 

 

“I have a fond memory of one of my first gigs that I performed in a bar in my home town. I played ‘Wagon Wheel’ by Old Crow Medicine Show and the whole bar was singing along with me. Moments like that make all the stress and self-doubt that comes with being an independent artist worth it.”

 

Lee recently reached a huge milestone in his musical journey. Describing it as his proudest musical achievement so far, Lee says, “Getting ‘Cold’ played on BBC radio recently and hearing the host Gemma Bradley introduce me and talk about the track was so surreal.”

 

So, what’s next for L.E.?

“I see myself with an EP of tracks that I’m truly proud of and that reflect where I am in my life right now. I’d love to gig too, especially within the city of the Belfast.”

Make sure you follow him and keep up to date with all his songs, events and gigs: 

Instagram: l.e.eire

TikTok: l.e.eire

Spotify: L.E.