LESS Connects with Us to Discuss New Single "Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)" and the Emotional Journey Behind It
- STAFF
- 10 hours ago
- 6 min read
By: Staff
“Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” is a mesmerizing anthem of vulnerability, raw emotion, and unparalleled depth.
In a music landscape often dominated by overproduction and emotional distance, one artist has emerged, bringing raw honesty and depth to the forefront. With their latest track, “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello),” LESS has crafted something unforgettable, an anthem of vulnerability and self-expression that cuts straight to the heart. Captivating from the very first note, the song blends analog warmth with profound emotional depth, woven together by a voice that feels as though it’s speaking directly to your soul.
We connected with LESS, the artist behind this hauntingly beautiful song, to delve into the layers of meaning embedded in their music. From their nomadic childhood to their ever-evolving sound, their journey has been nothing short of transformative. “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” isn’t just a song; it’s an invitation into a deeply personal universe, one where emotions are laid bare and each lyric holds the weight of lived experience. What moments of pain or revelation brought this track to life?
As we unpacked LESS’s creative process, we explored the delicate balance between sharing personal truths and protecting one's inner world. Their lyrics are raw, yet undeniably powerful, empowering in their embrace of vulnerability, even amid hardship. From confronting family conflict and sexual identity to navigating the isolation of the pandemic, each song paints a piece of the artist’s emotional landscape. But how much of their story will they reveal? How much remains hidden, left for the listener to interpret?
Dive into the full conversation to discover the person behind the music and get a glimpse of what’s next in this artist’s ever-evolving journey.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello LESS, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We were truly captivated by “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)”. The vocal opening had such musical precision, and your delivery was full of authentic emotion; it really cuts through and immediately leaves a lasting impression. Then, the analog feel of the musical arrangement brings everything together so beautifully. Has this particular style or genre always been a part of your musical identity from the start, or did it evolve over time through experimentation and influence from other genres?
A. This style came out of a lot of experimentation in the studio. I come from a background in guitar and vocal composition, while my producers come from classic rock, so at first it wasn’t easy to blend our different sensibilities. But with time, experience, and a lot of hard work, it’s turned into a really effective, and constantly evolving, mix.
Q. What is “Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)” about, and what emotions or experiences served as the inspiration for this song? Also, the title has such a distinct phrasing, what led you to choose this specific title, and what does it symbolize in the context of the song?
A. Well, you’re asking me to describe all these emotions, but honestly, it was a phase of complete apathy. I couldn’t feel anything, I couldn’t even break the silence.
So the title just sums up that need to feel something again, even when I couldn’t.
Q. You’ve described your childhood as nomadic, with a lot of moving around. How do you feel that constant change has influenced your creative process?
A. I think that’s one of the main reasons I started writing in the first place, being far from home and never really feeling like I belonged anywhere. Not long after, I started hearing melodies that naturally came along with the words.
Q. You’ve mentioned that music was a “shelter” for you during your adolescence. Can you recall a specific moment when songwriting helped you process a significant challenge or event during your younger years?
A. The first time I truly fell in love, even though I already knew that relationship was going nowhere. I started writing when I was around 14, but it wasn’t until I turned 17 that my songs really started to take shape. That’s when I experienced my first real heartbreak, which inspired the first two songs on the album, Hole and Why Do You Lie?.
Q. The pandemic pushed many artists into isolation, but also sparked new creativity. What was one of the most unexpected things you discovered about yourself or your artistry during this time?
A. I found out that while many people were stuck or feeling sorry for themselves, I just kept writing and making music. Then, by chance, what I created during lockdown led me to meet the people who are now my producers.
Q. You’ve worked closely with producers like Lorenzo Santi and Federico Maremmi at Kapow Vintage Studio. How has your relationship with them influenced your sound and approach to music?
A. Completely. It changed everything: from the way I write, to how I sing and compose.
Q. During your teenage years, you came to terms with your sexual orientation amidst some family conflicts. How did music help you navigate those feelings and experiences?
A. Music was the only space where I felt I could express myself without any filters. Apart from family issues, though, I always felt at peace with whatever I was feeling.
Q. Do you find that your most vulnerable moments often lead to your strongest songs? Do you tend to share your most intimate feelings, or do you prefer to keep certain parts of your story veiled, letting the listener interpret it in their own way?
A. My most powerful songs definitely come from moments of deep vulnerability when I completely open up. It’s the only way I know how to understand myself, by looking at myself from the outside.
I’ve never thought about hiding anything, it would be like trying to hide in my own home. Pointless.
Q. Are most of your songs rooted in your personal life and experiences, or do you sometimes explore fictional worlds? What’s your relationship with the characters and stories in your music, do you typically see yourself as part of the “cast” in the themes you explore?
A. The stories always come from real life, the people and situations aren’t random or made up. So yes, I’m definitely part of the “cast”, but I never get too specific in my lyrics because I want to keep the emotions universal.
Q. As you’ve evolved as an artist, there seems to be a shift in your lyrical style. How do you look back on your earlier work compared to your newer material like “I Need All Your Love” and “Asking for a Change”?
A. My writing and composition style have evolved so much that I’d probably do those songs differently today, even though I still love what they mean to me.
Q. Your ability to blend personal introspection with universal themes is striking. What do you hope listeners take away from your songs, especially those going through similar experiences?
A. Thank you, that means a lot. I just hope each listener can take away their own interpretation. If that happens, it means I’ve managed to communicate something real.
Q. There’s a sense of rawness in how you expose your emotions through your music. Does being vulnerable in this way empower you, or does it come with its own set of challenges?
A. The challenge is exactly that: learning to accept vulnerability. It’s not easy, but it’s essential.
Q. Do you have any plans to take your music to local stages, or maybe even hit the road?
A. We’re still in the planning phase, but we’ll keep everyone updated through our social channels.
By the way: do you have any suggestions in your area?
Q. What do you hope people remember most about you after hearing your music and reading this interview?
A. It might sound simple, but I just hope to spark enough curiosity for people to keep listening, and not stop.
Q. Lastly, thank you for sharing such intimate details with us! What's next? Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects and what your fans should be excited about? We’d love for them to hear the news directly from you!
A. After Instead of Making Love, the next single Hell Ya will be out soon. It gives a little taste of what’s coming next, the full album will follow shortly after.
LESS, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
