Earlier this year, Lenii released her debut EP, In All Fairness... –which became the No.1 album on the iTunes Ireland chart. Following the success of her EP, the Cork artist returned last month with 'The Kids Are All Rebels' – a track which touches on climate breakdown, Covid-19, police brutality, racism, misogyny and the Trump administration.

Accompanied by Bill on piano, Lenii delivered a wide-ranging set of tracks delving into personal, past relationships and "savage" songs delivered with her trademark sass and frank lyricism. With two unreleased songs, 'White Lie' and 'Killin' It', alongside renditions of her In All Fairness... EP offerings; Lenii simultaneously built excitement for her 2021 plans while showing how successful her 2020 was.

Kicking off her intimate livestream gig with an acoustic version of 'Cereal', the Cork artist's breathy vocals and clapback phrases could be clearly heard without her usual electronic production in the background. "You've got another thing coming," being the song's core mantra, Lenii hits back at a person who swooped into her life post-break up while she was in a vulnerable state and needing support - while they had ulterior motives. Written with Nick Sadler, who also collaborated on Lenii’s previous single, 'Regular 10', 'Cereal' is the second track from In All Fairness.... Moving into the next song, 'I Don't Miss You', Lenii describes the feeling of nostalgia for the relationship itself without wanting to be with the person anymore. The slow, alt-pop jam is a down-tempo and emotionally bare track with the usual clever lyrics from Lenii. Her followers presumably connect with her words and relatable themes.

Next came an unreleased song from the producer, 'Killin' It', which was only written last week ("So be kind!") but won't arrive until 2021. "Make me the villain while the gun's in your hand / Baby I'm killin' it while you're just killin' yourself," Lenii sings. Another "savage" song that takes aim at a specific selfish person in her life, poison of jealousy is placed on centre-stage. Slowing down the pace of the set with a beautiful performance dedicated to Nick Cordero, who sadly passed away from Covid-19 after being hospitalised for three months, Lenii sings 'Live Your Life' in his honour and for his wife, Amanda. Cordero's own version of the song was played while he was in hospital by his wife, making the track even more meaningful. The 41-year-old Broadway star lived next door to Lenii while she resided in LA.

Finishing off with an upcoming new track 'White Lie' after "wholesome chats" with an international audience, Lenii wrote the song a year ago but is poised to release a host of "cheeky" music next year. Joking about a Tones and I comparison as a result of her unique vocal intonations, Lenii's final track sums up her talent as a producer, performer and singer-songwriter for using her unusual voice to her strength. Lenii has set herself up for a trailblazer year in 2021; we can't wait to hear more fiery lyrics and memorable electronic melodies from the Cork star.

Revisit her recent interview with Hot Press here.

Watch Lenii's full Y&E Series performance below:

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The Y&E Series continues to shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020 – with a brilliant selection acts joining Hot Press on Instagram every night for special live-streamed performances.

Watch Graham Mitchell tonight, November 25, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

Up next on the Y&E Series...

Thursday, November 26: Izo

Hotly tipped singer-songwriter Izo has built up a major following busking on the streets of Dublin. She's also established herself as a serious talent through her online content – clocking up thousands of views for her videos of covers and original songs. Take a look at her collaborations with the likes of Jacob Koopman, Cuan Durkin and Allie Sherlock on YouTube.