Lucky Iris maybe i'm too much

Lucky Iris Talks New Candid EP ‘Maybe I’m Too Much’

The dynamic pop duo from Leeds, U.K., Lucky Iris, releases maybe i’m too much, the group’s most recent EP.  Lucky Iris is Maeve Florsheim and Jasper Exley, forming their group just before the height of the pandemic in 2020.  POETRY DANS LA RUE has followed Lucky Iris since the release of “Get Ready With Me,” an addicting pop track that can pair with any Reel or TikTok. 

On maybe i’m too much, the group follows a reflective journey with candid lyrics juxtaposed by energetic pop music. Lucky Iris comes into their sound and pushes the limits, especially with tracks like “23” and “blowing kisses.” Recently, the group had their songs featured on BBCR1, Love Island, and BBC Introducing…which mark major career highs for the duo.

We catch up with Lucky Iris to gush over the release of maybe i’m too much and chat about all things behind the scenes.

Lucky Iris maybe i'm too much

Interview ft. Lucky Iris

POETRY DANS LA RUE: It’s so wild to reflect on when we first connected in 2020 for the release of “Get Ready With Me.” I love seeing how you guys have evolved in the past few years!

LUCKY IRIS: “We wrote those first tracks just before the pandemic. The lockdown was pretty quick here in the U.K., so it was a lot of calling between the two of us trying to release the songs. It was nice to have people like you pick up on it early. It reassured us that people were enjoying the music.”

‘maybe i’m too much’ EP

PDLR: So, your EP, maybe i’m too much, is out now! I remember listening to “23” when it came out. I noticed the production and was enamored by how it captivates the listener. Then I dove into the lyrics and the meaning of the track. I felt like this one set the bar!

LUCKY IRIS: “Since lockdown, the production has been self-taught by both of us, and we’ve been able to craft and produce our own music for the first time. We’ve had so much more time to sit with the tracks and sounds to make it feel how we want. I’m glad to hear you picked up on it.

When we first started and made “Get Ready With Me,” we wanted to make music that we wanted to listen to. The kind of music and the soundscapes have changed in a couple of years, but we still like that concept. We’ve grown into this sound, and this is the first time we’ve put our spin on all of it.”

PDLR: That’s awesome, and it shows on the tracks! Did you work with anyone else in the making of this EP?

LUCKY IRIS: “So it’s produced by just us, doing everything ourselves. We sent it off for the final production to be mixed by Richard Wilkinson, who has worked with Adele. Then it went to mastering in Denmark by Antony Ryan, who works with Oh Wonder.

We love writing songs, and we love producing, but it’s nice to have more ears to hear it in different spaces. It also helps to raise the sound quality and elevate the tracks. Our aspiration for this EP was to do what we’re doing but take it to the next level.”

“I think “23” will still resonate when I’m turning 53 because it’s the same retrospective idea of where you are at the time.”

PDLR: Can you provide more insight into the writing process of the EP and discuss what you were pulling from for the material?

LUCKY IRIS: “We were in a better headspace after lockdown and getting back into a normal routine. It was exploring the ways that we’ve grown. So with “23,” it was the idea of where we are now after these last couple of years. It feels like we blinked and woke up in 2023.

Now, I’m in my twenties, and I’m trying to be present, but you have all of these pressures. I realized that some of the things I want have changed since 2020. It comes with getting older in general; the ideas of what I want for my life are changing. The song is about that and how it’s not necessarily a good or bad thing.

I think “23” will still resonate when I’m 52, turning 53, because it’s the same retrospective idea of where you are at that time. You’re always reflecting.”

PDLR: I think the idea you explore on “23” is relatable to many different generations. People could be going through significant life changes and reflecting on where they are at any given time.

LUCKY IRIS: “Out of all the tracks, “23” is quite emotional because it perfectly captures the feeling of us coming out of lockdown and feeling a bit lost. Our entire EP is like this growth period, and “maybe i’m too much” is also a special track because it’s one of the first we wrote as a backdrop to the EP.

I think it started as quite a sad track about taking in all the impressions other people have of us. It has since grown as we’ve changed it into a rather joyful track. It’s about realizing those things don’t matter, and you shouldn’t give time to people who want to change you. The lyrics stayed the same, but the meaning was different. It’s saying, well, ‘maybe I’m too much, but maybe that doesn’t matter at all.’

“oh no (i guess i did it again)” worked similarly because it started as a trivial argument in a pub. It ended with this idea that I won’t allow people to tell me where I belong, and their opinion doesn’t matter. I didn’t necessarily write it expecting those feelings, but it’s very cathartic.”

“Having our songs be on the main radio station we listened to growing up was a huge pinch-me moment.”

PDLR: I’ve had “blowing kisses” in my head for the past few weeks; it’s definitely an earworm! I also saw that you recently had both of your latest singles on BBC Radio 1.

LUCKY IRIS: “We were so excited about that. It’s something we always dreamed about. Having our songs be on the main radio station we listened to growing up was a huge pinch-me moment. It was nice to have validation and achieve a longtime goal. After hearing “oh no (i guess i did it again)” and soaking it all in, they played “blowing kisses” the following week. To have that kind of reassurance meant a lot.”

PDLR: That’s exciting to have traction with the EP coming out!

“We like the juxtaposition of the lyrics being more melancholy and the feeling more energetic.”

PDLR: Any specific influences or something you were listening to while you were making maybe i’m too much?

LUCKY IRIS: “We listened to a lot of hyper-pop music because it brought us a lot of joy and put us in the mindset. We fell in love with more and more artists in that niche, and now we’ve kind of created our version of that. So, there may be some more surprises along the lines of that style to come. Some of the artists we had on rotation were Rina Sawayama, Tove Lo, Caroline Polachek, Charli XCX, and Kim Petras. We like the juxtaposition of the lyrics being more melancholy and the feeling more energetic.”

Upcoming Events for Lucky Iris

PDLR: Do you have any special events or shows coming up?

LUCKY IRIS: “We’re doing an intimate record store show on August 11th when the EP comes out. We’ll play the EP in full live and celebrate with friends. Then we’ve got a tour booked TBA soon, touring most of the U.K. We are eager to get the music out there and perform it for everyone.”

Listen to the brand new EP, ‘maybe i’m too much,’ from Lucky Iris below, and follow them on social media to keep up with their latest news.

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Seye Adelekan

Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz Chats Therapeutic Single “A River”

Seye Adelekan is best known as the bass guitar player with the animated U.K. band Gorillaz. Adelekan, a man of many hats, is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, lyricist, and solo artist. His new single, “A River,” is the first release from his upcoming EP with the same title. Seye’s articulate songwriting, hypnotic vocals, and melancholy lyrics set his music apart from anything he has previously worked on. “A River,” out today, touches the listener immediately with its alluring introduction, emotionally charged vocal performance, and melodic chorus. This incredible song holds an unparalleled spot on our blog, where we chat with Seye Adelekan as he embarks on a remarkable new journey.

Seye Adelekan of Gorillaz
Photo by Dav Stewart

Artist Q&A: Seye Adelekan

PDLR: How has performing live with Gorillaz shaped you as a solo artist?

Seye Adelekan: “The best thing I’ve picked up is the importance of collaboration. No great artist is an island or has all the best ideas or abilities. If you surround yourself with great people who help you do what you do best or add something you cannot, then it all just adds up to a better result.”

PDLR: What is one of your most memorable moments from touring with Gorillaz?

Seye Adelekan: “There have been many, but I would say anytime we go to South Africa, it’s always one for the ages.”

Seye Adelekan
Photo by Dav Stewart

“A River”

PDLR: In “A River,” you describe the need to help someone while also going through your own struggles.  Can you provide more details about the backstory of this track?

Seye Adelekan: “The song originated almost as a stream of consciousness. My friend Charlie had the chords, and we just turned on a microphone, and those words and melody came out! It felt like I was speaking to my slightly younger self, reaching out into the past when I was lost.”

PDLR: Did you work with other artists, producers, and collaborators for the making of “A River?”

Seye Adelekan: “My dear friend Charlie Morton is a long-time co-writer and production partner. Our friend Yves Fernández was also there during the writing process in Iceland, where we did the initial sessions for the upcoming EP. Both top lads and help me to be a better me!”

“Slow down, rest your head. They may be gone, but it’s not the end.”

-A River

Upcoming EP & Overall Sound

PDLR: What is the overall inspiration/theme for your upcoming EP?

Seye Adelekan: “The themes are hope, sobriety, love, and a bit of loss. Loss of an old self. I was also inspired by the Icelandic landscape. It gives a cooler temperature to the songs, I feel.”

PDLR: What do you want your fans/music fans to know about your musical style as a solo artist? 

Seye Adelekan: “My music sounds nothing like the people you would have seen me perform with in the past. I think that’s a good thing, and I hope my fans have an open mind to getting something sometimes melancholy, sometimes sweet, not super upbeat, but always melodic. The tracks bounce instead of bop, haha; if you like Bahamas, John Mayer, Ryan Adams, or Bon Iver, there is probably something in there for you.”


“A River” is out now on all streaming platforms. Check out the music video below, and follow Seye on social media for more upcoming news.

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New Music Friday

New Music Friday: Flames of Fall

Things have never been hotter in the music industry, and we are here to keep you in the loop! New Music Friday is back with a collaborative fall playlist. POETRY DANS LA RUE curates Flames of Fall; highly anticipated tracks from The 1975, Noah Kahan, and Blink-182 mixed with undiscovered tracks from around the world to spice up your music taste.

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene worldwide. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

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New Music Friday Fall Playlist

New Music Friday: Fall Playlist

// “Harlot” by FABER //-Rock

FABER brings the heat and the vengeance on her latest single, “Harlot.” The single is bold and full of fury, yet comes out on top with the ‘take that’ type of comeback. The London rocker spices up her game with crystal-clear lyrics detailing an awry relationship. “Harlot” showcases FABER’s ability to draw her audience in and make them genuinely feel her story.

// “Central London” by Jodie Mellor //-Pop

Self-proclaimed “professional bedroom singer” Jodie Mellor gushes about love on her latest single, “Central London.” The Bristol-based singer-songwriter conveys her message of overcoming personal anxieties to show her love for her partner. Mellor sings, “I would drive through central London for you,” in a reassuring proclamation of her feelings. “Central London” may expose Mellor’s anxieties, but it also highlights her vocal and lyrical talents. The song paints the perfect picture of a selfless type of love.

// “All My Love” by Noah Kahan //-Folk

New England folk singer-songwriter Noah Kahan releases his third studio album today. “All My Love” is the third track on Stick Season, following his two lyrically flawless singles. Keeping the folky, fall feeling of longing and isolation, Kahan writes better than ever: “I’m sayin’ too much, but you know how it gets out here. No winter coat could keep out all the cold of your atmosphere.” “All My Love” is a respectful, mature break-up song for the season of change.

// “Necromancing” by Justin Kerecz //-Rock

We are very much here for Justin Kerecz’s latest chilling single, “Necromancing,” a Tom Petty-inspired track for the spooky season. Petty-esque guitars and a chorus of “oooo oooo” add just enough heartland sounds to this autumn tune. Also drawing influences from Butch Walker, Ghost, and Warren Zevon, “Necromancing” is the perfect eerie addition to your Halloween playlist.

// “At the Pool” by Lioba //-Pop

Germany-native artist Lioba released her latest single, “At the Pool,” defining her new alternative pop sound. “At the Pool” explores a melancholic Lorde-type concept of transforming bubblegum pop into intoxicating synthy waves. Lioba demonstrates magnetic allure on this track, weaving through airy vocals to a deeper range on the outro.


Check out all of these songs and more on our New Music Friday Fall Playlists

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new music emerging now

New Music Emerging Now July 2022

New Music Friday is jam-packed with album drops, new singles, and endless playlists. Finding it difficult to keep up with your favorite artists? This week, we play catch-up for you, sifting through noteworthy LPs and emerging tracks over the past few months. Scroll through to discover new artists and check out our weekly New Music Emerging Now July 2022 playlists for more curated content!

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

new music emerging now july 2022

New Music Emerging Now July 2022: ALBUMS

// Leap by James Bay //-Singer-songwriter

British singer-songwriter James Bay dropped his third album, Leap, and is soaring to the top of the UK charts (competing for #1 with Monsieur Styles). For those unfamiliar with Bay, he brings intricate and poetic lyrics together with big guitar sounds and powerful raspy vocals. An artist who simply lights the place on fire when performing live, Bay’s third album is flawlessly laced with all of his signature songwriting melodies and lyrics. Leap brings massive tunes such as “Brilliant Still,” “Silent Love,” “One Life,” “Right Now,” and “Give Me the Reason.”

Fans of Springsteen, Petty, Dylan, Clapton, and Marvin Gaye keep your ears peeled for hints of the most influential songs of their time. “Give Me the Reason” focuses on Bay’s dramatic vocal range, drawing you in from the first track of the album. “One Life” is a tear-inducing ‘pour your heart out’ wedding song, while “Silent Love” embraces vulnerability in moments of uncertainty in a new relationship. Bay uses a lustrous falsetto in “Right Now” to induce longing romantic glances, and “Brilliant Still” is a charming reminder of everlasting admiration.

// GRAB THE VINYL OR STREAM HERE // ALBUM INFLUENCES PLAYLIST //

// Beatopia by beabadoobee //-Alternative

Alternative indie artist beabadoobee drops her dreamlike sophomore album Beatopia today. Standout contrasting singles “Talk” and “See You Soon” eerily creep into your mind and leave lasting earworms. “Talk” sings sweet guitars alongside 90’s-esque pop punk lyrics, while “See You Soon” echos cosmic sounds and purified vocal wonders.

Deeper cuts include “Perfect Pair” and “You’re Here That’s the Thing,” both tunes evoking sounds of a Parisian-style jazz café. “Ripples” is more downtempo, accompanied by peaceful strings, paired with sincere lyrics and pure vocals.

// GRAB THE VINYL OR STREAM HERE //

// TALK TALK by The Faim //-Alternative

Aussie natives The Faim dropped their sophomore album TALK TALK last Friday, and we are head over heels! While the entirety of the album is meshed with soaring rhythms and vocals, standout tracks include “Life in a Cinema,” “Flowers,” “Me Because of You,” and “Jealous Love.”

“Flowers” whispers of ‘listen to me’ vocals in the intro, leading to a massive build-up bridge and jump-inducing anthemic chorus. “Me Because of You” merges retro pop with funky guitars and a soaring chorus with a full vocal range on display. “Jealous Love” builds quintessential Young the Giant-type drums in an outpour of heartfelt lyrics. To round off the album, “ERA” feels like a wistful yet hopeful coda to a cohesive soundtrack for The Faim.

// STREAM HERE //

// The Ground Beneath Me by Out of Service //-Indie Rock

Indie rock band Out of Service of Philly put out emo blended, guitar-heavy, The Ground Beneath Me this June. Out of Service combines the qualities of emo, rock, indie, and grudge, developing a sound that music fans have searched for over recent years. The Ground Beneath Me includes guest vocals from Taking Back Sunday (John Nolan), All Get Out (Nathan Hussey), and Emery.

From start to finish, the album includes nods to all your favorite emo bands of the early 2000s. Hawthorne Heights-style guitar tones resound in “A Moment Trapped in Time” ft. Emery, followed by a Brand New reminiscent “Offshore” vocal. “Offshore” starts off with hushed vocals, a slow build to the bridge, and a full-on rock-out chorus. “What You See” ft. John Nolan gives the album depth, culminating in a thundering outro of classic TBS vocals.

Out of Service generates emo music in a realm where *new* bands of this caliber are few and far between.

// GRAB THE VINYL OR STREAM HERE //

New Music Emerging Now July 2022: TRACKS

// “California” by Justin Kerecz //-Folk/Singer-songwriter

Philly area singer-songwriter Justin Kerecz launched an ‘easy feelin’ track entitled “California” this past week. “California” paints a perfect Western escape with a blend of folky vocals, bluesy guitars, and nods to timeless Gram Parsons tunes. Kerecz creates the right amount of twang, nostalgia, and endearment to wind you down a back road on summer nights.

// “17” by Cartel //-Alternative

After nearly a decade hiatus, Georgia pop-punk band Cartel is back with a new nostalgic single, “17.” “17” possesses distinctive elements of fan-favorite tracks “Honestly” and “Say Anything (Else),” staying true to the early 2000’s draw of the band. Moreover, the single is polished and reflective, with mature vocals, signature guitars, and pensive lyrics. Will Pugh’s voice echoes the likes of Jimmy Eat World in soft songs like “555.” Cartel joins Dashboard Confessional and Andrew McMahon on their Hello Gone Days tour August 16-27.

// “Dolly” by Fiona McHugh //-Singer-songwriter

Poetic Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Fiona McHugh debuted Just Passing Through (EP) this past May. “Dolly” showcases elegant lyricism sprinkled with the vocal angst and conviction of an Alanis Morissette or Fiona Apple song. McHugh’s voice is undeniably unique. We will keep an eye on her upcoming endeavors.

// “Saturday Morning Cartoons” by Wilmah //-Pop

New York’s duo of Matt Conolly and William O’Connor, Wilmah, released the hopeful pop track “Saturday Morning Cartoons” this week. “Saturday Morning” combines dance-inducing instrumentation and production with eager lyrics and a captivatingly catchy chorus. Wilmah continues to have an effortless ability to produce and generate invigorating pop songs for the times.


Check out all of these songs and more on our New Music Emerging Now playlists below

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