LYRA released her new single Freak on 31st January, which she co-wrote with Bill Maybury and Kingdoms, and last year, she released her self-titled debut album that reached #1 in the Irish Album Charts. At the end of 2024, LYRA embarked on her LOVE LYRA Tour, and she has performed her music on Dancing With the Stars Ireland and supported artists including Westlife and P!nk. On the TV talent competition The Big Deal, LYRA was a judge alongside Boy George, Aston Merrygold, Deirdre O’Kane and Jedward, and she filmed for Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland with Roz. Chatting with LYRA, she talks about her new single release Freak, having her self-titled debut album reach #1 in the Irish Album Charts and being a judge on The Big Deal.

How has it been seeing the response to your new single Freak, which was released on 31st January?

The response has been amazing. I’m really happy that people are enjoying this other side to me. Having Freak added to so many iconic playlists was such a special moment for me during the release.

Can you tell us about the song and what do you hope listeners take from it?

This song is a side to me that maybe I don’t show it very often. I was sick to death of writing about my ex-boyfriend so from now on it’s all about me, my sexuality as a woman, the wild side to me, the fun side, the freak side.

I hope listeners realise it’s okay to let your guard down and leave that freak you have inside out. I know society has us all scared to death to be different but this track is all about being that inner freak.

What was it like co-writing with Bill Maybury and Kingdoms and where did the inspiration come from for the lyrics?

I loved writing with the boys. It was really good fun. I mean, sometimes I was a bit mortified because the lyrics were so sexy. But I knew exactly what I wanted to write about, my notes were full of lyrics and I knew how it sonically should sound so collaborating with the boys really made this come to life in the best possible way.

How long have you been working on Freak and what was it like hearing the completed song for the first time?

Believe it or not, Freak was written pretty much in one writing session. We didn’t have a middle 8 at first so I wrote one sitting in the park drinking a flask of Barry’s Tea and the day I returned to re-vocal the track I added it in.

So, ya, it was two studio days to get it down.

Then we moved onto the production, which is very similar to the first day we were at the track with just a few tweaks here and there. The day I signed off on Freak I think I listened to it about 67 times!!!!!! So I was delighted to have it done.

You released your self-titled debut album last year, what was it like to record and do you have a favourite song on the tracklist?

This album was the most amazing album to record. Your first album always holds a special place in your heart and I know this one will for me. I learnt so much about myself as an artist, as a songwriter and as somebody who is heavily involved in the production of all my songs.

Yes, I made some mistakes along the way which I have learnt from, but that’s the joy in getting ready to create album number two.

I think Queen is my favourite track of the album simply because she’s a bad ass bitch. Also because I remember writing the middle 8 on the train to London while everyone was going to Ascot or Cheltenham or something fancy hence all the designer references in that section. It still makes me laugh to this day.

How did you feel releasing your debut album and how was it having it reach #1 in the Irish Album Charts?

I will never be able to put down in words the feeling of that moment. It was like I finally had been accepted by the music industry. And the moment I realised I’m not on my own on this journey.

How would you describe your sound and who do you think will enjoy listening to your music?

I would say my sound is emotive, sassy, pop with an element of dance. I think anyone who likes a good story will like my music or anyone who has been heartbroken, or feels like dancing. I mean, the list goes on, hahaha.

What was it like performing on your LOVE LYRA Tour at the end of last year?

The lovely retreat was amazing, a full new wardrobe of custom-made costumes, a full new stage design and lighting plan, it’s always so exciting to share this experience with my fans.

You have performed your music on shows such as Dancing With the Stars Ireland, and supported artists including P!nk, Westlife, Blondie and Sting, can you tell us about this?

I mean, it’s always amazing to support such iconic artists. It’s so eye-opening to see what goes on behind massive shows like this and to see how much work goes into creating a tour at this large scale.

I also do have to say the catering on the Westlife tour was amazing, even though I did have to get all my costumes expanded by the end of the run.

Also, being able to perform on such a big stage as P!nk was such an experience and really taught me how fit you do have to be in order to really work stages of this size.

How did you find the experience being a judge on The Big Deal alongside Boy George, Aston Merrygold, Deirdre O’Kane and Jedward?

It was definitely something a bit out of my comfort zone but I did enjoy trying to give positive feedback to new aspiring performers.

I also got to make friends with Boy George, which I mean doesn’t happen every day of your life, haha.

What was The Big Deal like to be part of and what did you enjoy most about your time as a judge on a TV talent competition?

I think, for me, it was being able to be that positive voice of feedback. This world can be full of negativity and very cutthroat so I feel like being a positive mentor was something I really enjoyed.

What was it like filming for Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland with Roz?

Sure we had a gas craic. She knew everyone on the telly and I didn’t have a clue.

Where does your love of music come from and how did you get into it?

I have always loved music from a very young age. My mum and my sister and my brother are amazing singers and it’s something I grew up with my entire childhood.

There are so many amazing singers in the world that I knew I had to bring something else to the table. So I decided to try songwriting. My nan was extremely worried about me going into the music industry and never having money for the rest of my life (she wasn’t all wrong) so I decided the only way to show her I wasn’t just going down to the pub singing covers every night for a free drink was to write a song about her. That’s where it all started for me.

Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to?

Ooo that’s hard. Mine are Sia, Beyoncé, London Grammar, Fleetwood Mac.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Normally babysitting my sister’s kids, which I am obsessed with. I love them to death and it’s soooo nice to be able to spend some time with them as they grow up. My family means everything to me. If I’m not babysitting, I’m normally watching some form of true crime murder documentary.

What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any music plans coming up that you can share?

I’m hoping this year is the year people find out a little bit more about me as an artist and a person. I want to show the world this new found love I have for myself and how we should all celebrate ourselves and one another. Life is too short so let’s live it to the max.

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