L E A is a genre spanning artist that cannot be tied down to one title. Whether you consider her pop punk, alt pop, Nu Punk or whatever she’s getting you to listen. She will be releasing her latest EP, Happy Never Ending, in February and is building a buzz around the release. BareBones got our hands on a copy and have been listening to it heavily to bring you the deets. Take a stroll with us below as we go over the EP and then continue on to see our interview with L E A.
Happy Never Ending is the upcoming release from talented artist L E A. BareBones Ent got the chance to get our hands on it early and check out what we thought.
The EP kicks off with “F U LOL”. This one of those songs that anyone can relate to, because we have all been there at some point. You really can’t go wrong with a very relatable song, and it’s a great way to hook someone on checking out an album. The song has a kind of 2000’s pop punk feel, while still fitting in with the modern scene. This song is followed up by “I Guess I Like You Anyway” which keeps it’s foot on the pedal. I love the writing on this one, and that bridge is just, chef’s kiss. These two songs are a nice one-two punch to start the EP.
The midway point of Happy Never Ending, brings us to “Like Yesterday”. This song has a little different feel then some of the earlier songs. L E A brings it down a little bit for this song and slows things down. This song is placed perfectly on the EP in between the much more up-tempo songs. This EP has you moving and jamming so to have a slower song in there to allow you to breathe and be in your feels is wonderful.
Immediately after “Like Yesterday” is the first song I heard from L E A and knew I had to work with her. “FTS (Sick Of This) is such an anthem. This is such a great single and does an awesome job of showcasing L E A. As easily as I can see this being a song you are screaming a long to in your room; I can see this song going so hard live. It flows wonderfully into the last song on the EP.
The title track, “Happy Never Ending” is a great way to close out the EP and leave you itching for more. This song features Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens which is a really cool thing to see. L E A and Kellin’s voices complement each other very well. This is another song I can an audience really getting into live and having a blast with. Hope to be in one of those crowds!
I really enjoy Happy Never Ending, The EP plays around in the pop punk and alt pop world, not fully committing itself to a single genre. This is just so fun to listen to, while listening to songs that you can relate to. People aren’t going to be able to wait to plug this into their ears and soak it in.
Happy Never Ending, releases February 24, 2023. You can pre-save it at any of these places!
Track Listing:
- F U LOL
- I Guess I Like You Anyway
- Like Yesterday
- FTS (Sick Of This) (Ft. Bemo Rouge)
- Happy Never Ending (Ft. Kellin Quinn)
Favorite Tracks:
- FTS (Sick Of This)
- Happy Never Ending
- F U LOL
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
BBE: How would you best describe your music to new listeners?
L E A: Pop Punk or Alternative Pop– think of a mix between the warped tour emo scene from 2010 with a mix of scene/techno elements, all modernized. Today it’s often classified as nu-punk/nu-rock, bringing elements of rock, pop, and hip hop together.
BBE: What do you feel it is about your music that helps you to stand out?
L E A: I think it’s somewhat unique that people are quick to call my music pop punk, but knowing it leans more mainstream and pop than it does punk. That and maybe my hair and style. Blue & green is very consistent in my branding and Y2K vibes.
BBE: Is this always the type of music that you wanted to make?
L E A: Totally. I feel like after all this time and working with so many producers, I’ve found my sound and I’m excited to keep developing that. I got a little lost, or maybe “experimental”, on the way, but compared to the music I grew up on and how I want to portray myself as a person and an artist, this feels right for me.
BBE: You recently released a new song “FTS (Sick Of This).” How did this song come together?
L E A: It was after I had a writing session with Mike Grubbs (PKA Wakey!Wakey! from One Tree Hill) and we wrote “F U LOL”. I loved how that came together and I had another idea for a song, which was being very open about an artist’s financial struggles and making it in the industry. We hopped on another zoom and FTS came together so fast!
BBE: We personally love the song. How have other fans reacted to it?
L E A: Thank you!! The response has been great! I’ve received a lot of messages about how I’m really finding my sound and that this one really resonates lyrically with people. And of course my favorite feedback on the tune was when Emmyn (Games We Play) said in passing “This is your best one yet. Keep doing that.” That’s stuck with me.
BBE: When it comes to releasing something new we all have to try out new ways to market and promote it. What new things did you do to help promote the song?
L E A: I always tell myself I could be doing more online, but somehow people are still recognizing my cool lil videos I put together, so that’s rewarding. Otherwise, I’m playing live shows, meeting people online and IRL every day, and having a good time. I’m a walking, living, breathing billboard for myself and my music.
BBE: Is this a single or part of a larger release?
L E A: My second EP, Happy Never Ending, will be released on February 24th! “FTS (Sick of This)” is the 4th track of the 5 song EP.
BBE: Is there any information you can give us on that?
L E A: “Happy Never Ending” is a 5 song EP with 3 singles already released, a never before heard power ballad, and the title track featuring Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens.
BBE: For new musicians looking to do what you are doing. What advice would you offer them?
L E A: Keep pushing at it. Be patient with your growth and take a lot of time to find the sound that feels most authentic to YOU. Going viral is super fun and rewarding, but not the only way to be successful as an artist. I think people often forget that.
BBE: What is the best way for fans to keep up to date and connect with you?
L E A: Follow me anywhere @lolitslea (Insta/Twitter/TikTok) or spin my tunes under L E A.
BBE: Anything else you would like to add?
L E A: Thank you for this opportunity to chat and rock on!
