A Chat with LEMY (09.09.25)
Finding herself at the “…intersection of indie-rock, synth-pop, and shoegaze…”, singer-songwriter LEMY releases music to expand your horizons and take you to that realm where only music makes sense. We speak with LEMY about her new album, НА ВЕСЬ МИР, her future plans, what music means to her, and more.
OSR: What drew you to music? What made you choose to pursue a career in music?
LEMY: My mum introduced me to music at a very young age, and I think that planted the initial seed. But the real turning point came after visiting London in 2017 – something about that city and its music scene just clicked with me. I started writing songs more seriously after that trip, mostly just me and my guitar in my Moscow flat. It wasn’t really a conscious career decision at first, more like I couldn’t stop creating.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
LEMY: Music became my saviour, honestly. It’s how I process emotions and make sense of difficult periods. When I’m writing, it feels like the most honest conversation I can have with myself and then share with others. It’s both deeply personal and universal at the same time.
OSR: You recently released your first Russian-language EP, НА ВЕСЬ МИР. What can you tell us about it? Is there a particular theme or backstory to the release?
LEMY: The album is about love and devotion, really. Understanding values like family and relationships, whether romantic or platonic. I wanted every song to have a hint of light and rebirth after pain. The whole collection moves through different emotional territories, from playfulness in ‘Там где ты’ to the collaboration with НОРА НОРА on the title track that closes with faith in goodness.
OSR: Why did you opt to release a Russian-language EP? Why not keep to an English-language release, or combine both Russian and English-language lyrics?
LEMY: It was incredibly pleasant composing in Russian and arranging lines into verses and choruses. My native tongue removes barriers between thought and expression – ideas flow without translation interference. Russian carries different emotional weight than English, and for this collection of songs, it felt essential to access that depth.
OSR: Your music is rather genre-diverse, reaching from grunge to alternative pop in your discography. Would you say НА ВЕСЬ МИР is a solid representation of where you are as a musician at the moment?
LEMY: Absolutely. This album allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in certain ways. Working with my producer, we experimented extensively with genres, instruments, and musical motifs. It’s playful and groove-oriented, designed for summer travels and adventures, but it also represents my willingness to take artistic risks.
OSR: What do you hope people take from НА ВЕСЬ МИР and your music in general?
LEMY: I want some tracks to make you dance and others to make you cry – whatever each person needs at that moment. The meaning centres on the idea that love could be enough for the whole world, as the title track suggests. I hope people find their own stories within the songs.
OSR: What advice do you have for individuals entering the music industry?
LEMY: Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone frequently. Collaborate with people who understand your vision but aren’t afraid to challenge it. Most importantly, focus on making something authentic rather than chasing trends or trying to please everyone.
OSR: What is your greatest achievement, both professionally and personally?
LEMY: Personally, learning how music can be a healing process. Professionally, probably the fact that my music has found audiences internationally despite being quite personal and sometimes experimental. Recent recognition, like winning first prize for ‘Boy’ at the UK International Music Competition, feels validating.
OSR: What can we expect from LEMY in the future? Any tours or upcoming releases planned?
LEMY: We’re working on several new singles, possibly another EP. I’m particularly excited about some experimental tracks we’re developing that push into even bolder territory. As for tours, I’m always eager to perform live – there’s nothing quite like that direct connection with an audience.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
LEMY: Trust your creative instincts, even when they lead you somewhere unfamiliar. Art happens when you’re willing to be vulnerable and honest, not when you’re trying to be perfect or commercially appealing.
Many thanks to LEMY for speaking with us. Find out more about LEMY on her official website, YouTube and Spotify.
