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Manchester-born Lusaint started to make her name in 2019, when her cover of ‘More Than Friends’ (En Vogue ‘Don’t Let Go’) received a TV sync and was crowned the most Shazam’d song in one day in the UK with over 45,000 Shazams. Since then, her music has racked up over 20 million streams globally, and gained support from BBC 6 Music, Radio X and BBC Introducing.

2023 sees the release of her debut original material – a pop sound inspired by the Motown, jazz and blues records she grew up listening to, with her timeless voice placed front and centre. We talked to Lusaint about what people can expect from the EP, her creative process and dream collaboration partner:

Hey Lusaint, thanks for speaking to us today! You’ve had a really exciting last month, releasing your single ‘Fool For You’ and playing a headline show at The Troubadour. What has the response been like to the new music?

So amazing and so much more than I anticipated! The show was incredible and to sing my songs live in that space was an amazing feeling. Troubadour has been somewhere I’ve wanted to play for a while. It felt so right

You’ve released two singles so far this year, ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Fool For You’, from your upcoming debut EP ‘Self Sabotage’. I love how honest the lyrics are in both songs, and both are so catchy! Can you tell us a bit about your creative process, and what is your favourite part of songwriting? 

I have a writing partner, Bjorn, for most of my songwriting process. I record melodies into my phone and he will pick up on any catchy hooks. Subconsciously a lot of the lyrics are also within those recordings and always have hidden meanings that I make sure I use. Writing is a form of therapy for me; I get so lost in it that sometimes I find it difficult to come away from when I’m in that zone.

The story-telling nature of your songs reminds me of artists like Arlo Parks, Joy Crookes, Amy Winehouse. Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday have had a huge influence. I listen to their songs on repeat every day around my house.

Is there one particular story that ‘Self Sabotage’ is based on? ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Fool For You’ both seem to be about a toxic relationship, is this a theme across the EP? 

Most of this EP is based upon that theme, but the main culprit within these episodes throughout a person’s life is how you navigate through it. Those vicious cycles that you can’t step away from. Going back to a person because you think they are your comfort, when in reality it’s actually quite harmful. Forming bad habits that sabotage your own life. They’re all things that we all do but I think the more you grow, the lessons are gradually learnt!

You started out in music singing covers. How does it feel putting these original songs out into the world?

Quite scary actually! I’ve had songs locked away for so long and I put the covers out originally to test the waters. And the response was just so incredible, so I took the plunge and I’m just so happy I did! It’s a weight off my shoulders and I’m so excited for what’s to come!

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

Lauryn Hill is another icon of mine whose compassion and love for music is like no other. Her storytelling and stage presence is something I watch regularly.

It’s a really exciting time with your EP set to drop in October – what’s summer looking like for you? 

I’m so excited! There’s so much to come including upcoming shows and more news I can share so soon!

What was it like working with producer Blue May? 

It’s been really amazing having someone on board with his expertise and experience. He has really helped transform my EP and bring it to life. I’m feeling very grateful for the team I have around me.