LEYA is a duo based in New York, consisting of harpist Marilu Donovan and vocalist/violinist Adam Markiewicz. They began creating music together in 2018, pushing the boundaries of experimental music. Their unique sound combines detuned harp, captivating strings, and operatic vocals to explore complex emotions. After releasing their debut album „The Fool“ in 2018 and honing their sound with „Flood Dream“ in 2020, they collaborated with various artists on the mixtape „Eyeline“ in 2022. Their latest mini-album „I Forget Everything“ reflects a return to simplicity and experimentation, showcasing raw and elusive humanity. In an interview, LEYA discussed their collaborative process, their approach to songwriting, and their intentional use of harp, violin, and vocals in their music. We have experimented with different things and people in the past, but for this record, everything is created solely from the harp, violin, and voice. When we talk about this record, we are going back to basics by only using these three elements. The electronic sounds in response to the imagery in the opening track were created using these instruments because they are all we know how to use. We have been playing these instruments since we were young and have dedicated our lives to honing our craft with them. While we considered using other instruments, it was never a question of not using the harp and violin.
Working without collaborators on this record surprised us by pushing us further than we thought possible. We initially thought about having a producer but ended up doing it ourselves, even though we made mistakes along the way. We learned that you don’t need fancy equipment to unlock your potential; you just need to do the work with what you have.
This record captures a messy moment in our lives, which we have shared with the world. It was not a polished studio production, as you can even hear background noise in some tracks. Instead of putting pressure on ourselves to create a high-fidelity recording, we embraced where we were at the time.
The title „I Forget Everything“ reflects the dream of starting fresh and forgetting the past. It symbolizes the possibility of moving forward without being burdened by past experiences. Music is inherently tied to memory and our perception of time, shaping our experience of the present moment. Whenever you are taken aback by the splendor of something, it is often because it catches you by surprise, correct? When we are in the present moment and consider both the past and the future, the horizon seems to diminish as we delve further into either direction. In any given moment, as we anticipate what comes next, our expectations are sometimes defied. What we believe we know of the past becomes distorted the further away we move from it. This concept is fundamental to functional harmony – when we hear one chord, we anticipate another chord or a set number of options based on our cultural context, history, and life experiences. It is all quite deceptive, and what we think we know may not always be true.
It can be challenging to leave the past behind, as our last project, Eyeline, was released in 2022. We spent a year and a half heavily touring to promote it, especially during the post-pandemic touring frenzy. We realized the need to return to our own artistic voice and tell our story authentically. This EP marks our reentry into that space, though the journey did not unfold as expected. Despite our initial expectations, we found ourselves in a different place by the end of it all.
In the midst of societal chaos, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the atrocities happening globally. We are witnessing events that may alter the course of humanity forever. The current state of the world demands that we question our beliefs and instincts more than ever before.
As artists, we are grappling with our role in this tumultuous world. Our latest work reflects our processing of grief and acknowledgment of the chaos surrounding us. While we typically focus more on feelings rather than explicit content in our music, this release delves into more direct contextual meaning. It is an exploration of emotions and understanding them on a deeper level.
The theme of waiting permeates this record, capturing the sense of inertia and anticipation for what is to come. This state of waiting is a unifying thread that ties our experiences together. It is a reflective and introspective journey into the complexities of human emotions.
One aspect that inspires me about my collaborator is his insatiable curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas. His childlike wonder and excitement bring a fresh perspective to our work, often leading us to unexpected and innovative outcomes. His approach to music is not only enjoyable to be around but also creatively stimulating. Du weißt, die Inspiration, die wir zwischen uns haben müssen, ist nicht nur das Schreiben von Songs; wir sind buchstäblich monatelang zusammen in einem Van, nur wir beide spielen Shows, müssen uns gegenseitig unterhalten. Und ich lasse mich von diesem Gefühl der Aufregung und des Staunens inspirieren.
AM: Eines, was ich wirklich an dir schätze, ist, dass du Musik auf eine unglaublich direkte Weise betrachtest. Ob du mir nun Gleichschwebende Stimmung erklärst oder etwas anderes, du würdest darüber sprechen auf eine Weise, wie ich es nie könnte. Als wir anfingen zusammen zu spielen, saßen wir im Raum und du hast einfach auf der Harfe herumgeklimpert, und ich würde einfach in die Wand schmelzen. Es fühlte sich einfach so gut an, dort zu sein. Ich denke, du bist so ein natürlicher Musiker; du machst es einfach. Wie du gesagt hast, du machst das schon dein ganzes Leben lang. Wenn es darum geht zu schreiben – Marilu kann all diese verrückte klassische Musik spielen, die ich nicht kann – du hast all diese Fähigkeiten, diese Dinge zu tun, und doch nimmst du deine Musik und bringst sie in diese einfache Menschlichkeit. Es geht nicht um Barrieren; es geht um Freundlichkeit. Wenn wir schreiben und ich zu tief in die Details gehe, wirst du sagen: „Nein, das ist einfach so.“ Du bist in der Realität dessen, was es bedeutet, Musik zu spielen, verwurzelt, auf eine Art und Weise, die niemanden, den ich je getroffen habe, ähnelt.
Dieses Interview wurde für Klarheit und Länge bearbeitet und gekürzt.
LEYAs „I Forget Everything“ ist jetzt über NNA Tapes erhältlich.