Interview
Interview
Erin LeCount: “Exposing but in a very good way”
Erin LeCount talks The Great Escape, her connection with nature, and the biggest challenges she’s faced so far.
Erin LeCount’s debut EP, Soft Skin, Restless Bones, has garnered attention for its poignant lyrics, ethereal vocals and cinematic compositions. With a sold-out headline show in 2023, backing from the BBC, and a record deal with Good As Gold – a London label founded by music producer Kurtis McKenzie (known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat and Selena Gomez) – Erin is set for a massive 2024.
Dressed in a feminine black lace top and a gorgeous fur coat she purchased for £15 from a local charity shop in Essex, Erin LeCount is disarmingly sweet and undeniably charismatic – like Tinkerbell. (Which turns out to be an appropriate comparison – more on fairies later.)
Her most recent release ‘White Ferrari x I Know The End’ is a stunning synthwave mashup of the respective Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers tracks. It’s become a fast fan favourite on TikTok, with an intensity and build-up that will make you feel like the main character conquering a second act crisis. Recently unveiled as part of The Great Escape line-up and having just landed back in the UK following a writing trip to LA, Erin LeCount stopped by to discuss music, shows and more.
You’re playing First Fifty and Great Escape – how are you feeling about your upcoming gigs?
Very excited. It’s an honour. I’m on the line-up with some very cool artists.
How did Soft Skin, Restless Bones come to life?
I started creating it when I was about 17, and I’ve been working on the project for the best part of three years. I started making things in my shed, then I found a really lovely team of people who helped me elevate that and make it into a project.
How does it feel having it out in the world now?
Exposing but in a very good way.
Growing up in New Zealand, our public transport is terrible, so I’ve always had the luxury of crying in my car. Now I’m car-less and living in London. It’s been an adjustment having to shed those tears on the tube instead. I love ‘Mind The Gap’ – it’s relatable and it’s the perfect soundtrack for a tube cry. I know it must be like picking a favourite child, but what’s your favourite track on the EP?
I love doing ‘Mind The Gap’ live, but I think my favourite overall is ‘Heaven’.
‘Heaven’ is a beautiful track. It’s got such a stirring, cinematic sound. What does that song mean to you, and what were you thinking when you wrote it?
‘Heaven’, for me, was an unconventional love song about friends, community and women in my life who supported me. And the parallels between that and love and religion. It’s just something I find really cathartic to write about.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue music? Was there anyone in those early days who really helped nurture your passion?
I had a really great music teacher when I was in primary school who came in once a week. He let me use his music club venue every weekend. And I think doing that consistently when I was about nine made me hyper-fixate on music. I couldn’t really imagine doing anything else from that point.
Who are your influences?
Kate Bush, Fiona Apple, Imogen Heap, Sampha, Sylvan Esso. That’s a good list.
A great list. What’s the first gig you remember going to?
I just went to a lot of local festivals. It was very small and community-based, and I saw local artists playing and thought that was like the equivalent of Glastonbury or something.
Let’s talk a little bit about social media. How do you feel TikTok has played a role in your career so far?
I mean, the only reason that I’m with the independent label that I’m with now is because the owner of the label found my social media. So, I kind of owe everything to that. I think it’s just the best tool to make something and share it.
It’s an amazing platform in that sense, allowing talented people to be heard in a way we’ve never seen before.
Yeah, it’s very democratic.
Your content really speaks to my nature-baby soul. I love how much you film outdoors. What does nature mean to you, and how do you connect it with your music?
I think I was born to forage in woodlands, really. It’s grounding. I always got described as ‘being away with the fairies’ when I was younger. So, I feel like nature and forests are a very appropriate place for me to be and to feel and to film.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Good question. I think the biggest challenge has been finding a balance between always wanting to improve, but also recognising how much you have learned and how far you’ve come already, and appreciating that.
You’ve got to celebrate the wins! Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years? I would want to have a few more projects released, to have done a tour, and to do a support slot for an artist I really love… There are dream venues…
Such as?
Dream venues? Well, there’s a really cool digital sphere in Vegas, U2 have just played it. I have this image of all these insane graphics and this really weird electronic, immersive experience. The MSG Sphere is the dream venue. So, I guess the next five years are building up to that! [laughs].
Erin LeCount will be the playing The Great Escape Festival in May. Find tickets here.
