15 September 2017 was a great day for musical releases. One of our favourites, which we only came across recently, was “Lover To A Liar” by Espa. Since its released, it’s managed to gain over 16,000 Spotify streams and over 19,000 plays on SoundCloud.
Espa is definitely a strong singer and performer, one who is gaining in popularity and more than deserves to go viral. Her recently released song is stunning in every way; her vocals on the track are extremely powerful which works perfectly with the mainstream pop sound the track has.
She’s been working with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and record producer, Linda Perry. She’s mostly known for being the lead singer of band 4 Non Blondes (known for the song “What’s Up?”). To work with someone so established really shows that Espa is on her way to success.
We were lucky enough to get the chance to interview Espa on her new song, working with Linda Perry, and what she hopes the future will bring.
Hi Espa, we hope you are good today. What have you been up to lately?
It’s been crazy over here, moving house, releasing a new single and spending days deliberating what to buy in the current Asos sale!
We never know what to buy from the Asos sale! You recently released new track “Lover To A Liar”. What does the song mean to you?
“Lover to a Liar” is me letting off steam on a variety of levels, firstly it’s a real-life story about a real-life person who went from a lover to a liar, which was a bit shitty; so, I had to write a sass-finger-snap tune about that. It’s also my first step in the musical direction that I’ve wanted to go in since I was about 4 years old. I like to call it ‘Proper Pop’.
What was it like working with Linda Perry?
Linda is a true inspiration to me, I grew up listening to (and learning choreography) to her tunes. She really pulls out the deepest part of your soul in writing sessions. Linda isn’t interested in who you say you are, or who you want people to think you are; she wants to witness the most vulnerable and broken parts of your spirit; hence, why she writes tunes like Christina [Aguilera]’s “Beautiful”.
It’s your first release of 2017, how does this song differ from your previous releases?
It’s way more fearless and bold, in terms of the sound of the track and the way I am singing. I’m letting it all out!
What has the reaction been like to the song? It already has thousands of streams on Spotify and tonnes of plays on SoundCloud.
It’s been fabulous to witness something I worked on in a tiny studio with three people for many months; take flight and be out of my hands. I absolutely love to read and hear the reactions of people when they listen to it for the first time; it usually involves some kind of scrunched up ‘YAS’ face and a few swear words. Which is what I was going for!
What inspired you when it came to this song?
Initially, Lady Gaga and Metallica’s duet performances at the Grammy’s. And then, my own life experience came through to be the main inspiration once I’d chosen the vibe of the track.
In the past you’ve received quite a bit of support from BBC Radio 1, what was that like?
It’s life-affirming, makes me think i’ve chosen the right job.
What can we expect from you in the next few months?
More music! I have a new single up my sleeve… I don’t know if I can say what it’s called, but it’s called “History” and it’s one of my favourite things I’ve ever written. With songwriting genius, Mike Kintish.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
To tour the world, collaborate with all kinds of artists from many disciplines, and win a Grammy.
If you could collaborate with someone, who would it be?
Vivienne Westwood (and Bruno Mars for music).
What five songs are you currently obsessed with?
OOOHHHHH god…. here we go,
1) “Versace on the floor” by Bruno Mars (basically the whole of 24k Magic though)
2) “Loyalty” by Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna
3) “The Cure” by Lady Gaga
4) “Purple Rain” by Prince (always)
5) “She Burns” by Foy Vance
And, finally, have you got a message for your fans?
All the thank-you’s in the world, and keep listening to what makes you feel good, not what you’re told to listen to.
Thank you Espa for taking the time to answer our questions, we love your responses and, if you haven’t already guessed, we’re obsessed with “Lover To A Liar”. We’re also very excited about your forthcoming single “History”.
We encourage all you readers to take a listen to “Lover To A Liar” and we urge you to download it, stream it, add it your playlists. We can’t get enough of it.