Ever since she dropped her first album, Lira touched the souls of many South Africans with her beautiful voice and emotional music. The songstress has just released her sixth studio album ‘Born Free’ and is a coach on popular reality show The Voice South Africa. I sat down with the singer and discussed her brand new album, how she stays relevant and what the future holds for her.
I’m so excited about your new album. Talk to me a bit about the pre-production that went into this album?
I spent months working on the album from my home studio. I used my voice to produce a lot of the instrumentation but also used my guitar in some songs. A lot of these elements were retained for the final production and this makes this album unique from all my other albums. It was my most enjoyable creative process.
You chose ‘Let There Be Light’ as the first single off the record. What is it about that song that makes it the perfect introduction to the new album?
I think it sets the tone for the album and gives a sense of what people can expect. It’s epic, anthemic, inspirational and modern. It is an evolved Lira sound!
What inspired ‘Let There Be Light’?
I believe that when we allow ourselves to be who we are and when we do what we love, we are like a light that shines and allows others to shine their own light. There is something beautiful and contagious about people who are happy and doing what they love.
Your new album is called ‘Born Free’. What prompted you to call your new album that?
It’s my belief that we are all Born Free, irrespective of what year we are born. For me, it’s not a political thing at all. It is a constant state of being and expression. The right to express your uniqueness.
This is your sixth studio album. How do you keep things fresh with each album?
I try to stay current and relevant. I’m always mindful of connecting to my audience on a human level. This album is the next level of that creative expression and with the feedback I’ve received so far, it feel like its a message that has come at the right time.
Your music is filled with emotion and meaning. What factors are most important to you when creating new music?
Connecting with my audience and inspiring them with new perceptions is important for me. Life can be really challenging and I think music is supposed to inspire and even relieve the burden of ordinary life. Its supposed to give you an escape. However, with my music, I want it to offer much more than an escape. I want it to encourage my audience and make them feel good.
What does the next few months hold for Lira?
I’m going on tour. I look forward to taking the Lira Born Free live experience around the world.
Feel free to comment, share or tweet @ElBroide
