‘Come join the juicy express!’: an interview with LYRA

14/11/2024

Ruby Thorpe interviews LYRA ahead of her new single and EP

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Image by Evan Doherty

By Ruby Thorpe

LYRA is an Irish singer-songwriter from Cork who has blown up massively over the past year as she jumped to number one in the Irish charts, going on to sell 50 per cent more records than Beyoncé did on her new album.  Ahead of the release of her new single, ‘The Ending’, we were very lucky to be able to interview her in the middle of her busy schedule; appearing on the Late Late Show, Dancing with the Stars and Ireland’s Celebrity Gogglebox.

You released your debut album this year, eight years after you released your first single. ‘The Ending’ looks at you letting go of the past and moving on, how do you feel you have grown as an artist over your career?

Yes, I have definitely grown as an artist and as a person. When I first started releasing music I didn’t have a big team behind me. I self-funded my EP and I didn’t really know what I was doing if I’m honest. I had to take some time out to mind my Nan when she fell ill, and we also have had two years of Covid in the middle of that, so although it has been eight years it most definitely doesn’t feel like that.

You also work in fashion outside of music and you’ve been known to wear iconic outfits, my personal favourite being your look at Live at The Marquee. What has been your favourite?

That was definitely one of my favourites, not only because of the complex nature of it, but also because I had a cape and two hats to go with that outfit which made it extra fun on stage.

Speaking of Live at The Marquee, what has been your favourite show you’ve ever performed?

It would be Dishaw as it has been a venue. I have always wanted to play, especially being a Cork girl. It was a very pinch myself moment.

I also was not expecting to come out to such a big crowd and finding out the amount of people who came down to my show, really blew me away. Because also of the stage being so big and it’s being my own headline act. I really got to indulge in stage production, which I love to do.

Your lyrics are incredibly empowering, especially in your track ‘Queen’. What is your favourite lyric you’ve written in your songs?

“Some days we sit in silence, her old hand in mine.” I know this sounds so simple when you read it on a page, but for me, the feeling behind that lyric always fills my heart with so much love as it brings me back to sitting with my Nan, holding her hand. It’s like I get to share that moment with her again, even though she has gone.

Obviously you have your iconic ‘Edge of Seventeen’ cover, what artists would you say influence your music most?

Sia, I mean have you heard the pipes on her, wow! Also Adele because she had the art of telling a story through her voice which I find amazing. Stevie Nicks as well, her songwriting is just next level, not to mind the uniqueness of her voice. Sinéad O’Connor also influenced me while I was growing up, helping me have the confidence to sing in my Irish voice.

You’ve opened for so many big names, if you could have any artist open for you, alive or dead, who would it be?

I would love Freddie Mercury to open for me. I mean he is a true icon in everything from songwriting to his vocals to his stage presence to his lyrics. I don’t know how I would follow up his act, but if I could pick any opening it would be him.

You seem to be on fire recently! With releasing an album and an EP, then having a massive tour all in one year, for those who have not found you yet, who do you think would really connect with your music?

I think anyone who loves to hear storytelling in music would enjoy my music as that’s what it is. It’s letting people know what I’ve been through, what I’ve overcome and how my life has been to this point. I feel like there’s something for everyone from big ballads to synth heavy pop tracks to dark, gritty tracks. So come join the juicy express!



LYRA has really had a brilliant year and has an extremely bright future ahead of her. She is currently doing a comprehensive tour of Ireland in the coming months and is looking forward to releasing new music. Check out her newest single ‘The Ending’ and find more information about her here.