Emerging British artist Lelia makes a bold first impression with her debut single ‘Smash Hit’, an unapologetic statement that blends the raw energy of post-disco with the pulsing undercurrent of electro-clash. Driven by a deep synth bass line, sharp percussion, and seductive vocals, ‘Smash Hit’ plunges listeners into a soundscape that is both intimate and rebellious.
At just 22, Lelia arrives from East London with a background as eclectic as her music. With Latin American and Italian roots, she brings a vibrant cultural fusion into her sound. A recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music’s Electronic Music course, she now co-runs Peace Dragon Records while remaining deeply immersed in the capital’s underground nightlife.
“I kept seeing it in people around me, and in my own experiences, how much we suppress our wants and desires. ‘Smash Hit’ was my way of doing the opposite, of expressing what I actually find sexy,” Lelia shares.
The track stands out not only for its fierce sonic identity but also for its visual counterpart. Directed by Imi Laurence, the music video, out this Friday, unfolds as a surreal, feverish fantasy. Beginning in a bedroom scene where Lelia wakes surrounded by ten men, the film quickly descends into an intense, dreamlike club world where sensuality and chaos intertwine.
‘Smash Hit’ also marks the beginning of Lelia’s rollout for her upcoming EP ‘Performative’, with tracks ‘Sunglasses’ and ‘Makeup’ set to follow in early 2026. Her full-length album ‘Dark Disco’ is expected later that year, delving into themes of sexuality, dance culture, and existential exploration.
Balancing a confrontational edge with stylish restraint, Lelia introduces herself as a fearless new voice unafraid to challenge norms, inviting listeners into her seductive, genre-blurring world.
