Lion is not a lion, she is a musician, and one building considerable word of mouth following her debut EP last autumn on Fiction Records and the track ‘Oh No’. Lion is not a lion but she sings like one, in that her voice is all growl and magnificence, a natural full throated thing that you just have to stand back and admire. With a powerful new single just out, called ‘Second Hand’, you want to make sure you catch her at the festivals in the coming months.

But before then, we asked her a bunch of questions, in a hasty manner…

Describe your music.

Emotional pop rock (not emo)

What are your shows like?

I enjoy them. I hope everyone else does too.

What’s your own favourite lyric?

“I’ve got a heavy heart so I can’t walk on water”

What makes you angry about the current music scene?

Nothing really. I don’t like certain things but I wouldn’t say it ever makes me angry.

What do you love about the current music industry?

There’s some wicked punk bands.

What do you want to disrupt?

People destroying the planet!!!!

Who’s the funniest musician around?

Jack Black.

Do you stage dive?

I never have but I really want to!

How well behaved are you on tour?

Depends on the day.

What are you reading at the moment?

A book called ‘The Brain, The Story Of You’ by David Eagleman.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A musician.

How did you get to where you are today?

By not making a plan B.

Was there a song or gig that changed everything for you?

Not that I remember. But I was obsessed with going to gigs. Going to see live music made me just want to get up and do it.

What do you think of the UK in 2018?

That our government sucks.

Who do you think is the future of music?

I can’t get enough of the band Idles they’re amazing. More honest, political music like that would be a wonderful future for music. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Is gender just a construct?

I think we’re all souls and our bodies are just pods we live in. Anyone can be whom they want.

Your best song (by you)?

No idea. Although a song called ‘War Paint’ is one of my favourites.

Last meal you had?

Pho.

Drink of choice?

Old Fashioned.

Favourite place to record music?

It’s more about the people than the place.

Who would you like to play with?

Stevie Nicks.

Hero growing up?

Beyoncé

What are the three greatest records of all time?

In Rainbows – Radiohead

For Emma Forever Ago – Bon Iver

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac

Where would you hold your 100th birthday party?

Hopefully in space.

Are you in love?

Kinda.

What is your worst habit?

Biting my nails.

What was the last thing you really regretted?

Pressing snooze on my alarm.

What makes you cry?

Most things.

Who is your role model?

I have loads!

Are you nice?

I hope so.

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