OCULATE UK - DIGITAL COVER 003 - DECEMBER 2024
FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2024
WORDS BY HARRIETT DOLPHIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZZIE LENTHALL
On a crisp winter morning in Shoreditch, London, Legzdina arrived radiating the same bold, unapologetic energy that defines her music and personal style. Against a backdrop of urban creativity, she opened up about her debut EP, Celestial Girl and Her Milky Way, a fearless blend of empowerment, raw emotion, and genre-fluid soundscapes.
With its mix of lush drum’n’bass, cheeky sung-rap, and poetic storytelling, this latest project reflects her journey as an artist determined to forge her own path.
Throughout our conversation, Legzdina explored the personal experiences behind her music, the importance of community-driven initiatives like her open-mic series Say It Back, and her philosophy of using art to inspire others. From her ethereal vocals to her experimental production techniques, she pushes boundaries at every turn, embodying a creative spirit that’s as dynamic as it is honest.
As she steps into an exciting new chapter, including a shot at representing Latvia at Eurovision, Legzdina remains grounded in her belief in individuality and self-expression as tools to connect and create.
Your debut EP, Celestial Girl and Her Milky Way, is a beautiful celebration of empowerment, love, and self-discovery. How did you decide on the themes for this project, and what do they mean to you personally?
The themes became apparent with the songs, and the stories woven into the project are all real experiences of mine. From the seeming battle of trying to be visible in a busy playground that is London’s music scene and not being taken for granted in business, or falling in love with someone taken. Celestial Girl is about defiance, about hammering open windows when doors are shut. Good girls can really finish last, so fuck being good and be great.
"Come Roll With Me" introduces the EP with its lush, liquid drum'n'bass vibe. What inspired this dreamy debut single, and how did working with Slxm Sol, Piers, and Kesi of Rudimental shape the track?
CRWM was written with Slxm Sol, Piers, and me at the Major Toms studio late one night. It was the second song we worked on. The song fell out of us. The best ones do. There’s really no words I can use to describe the creative process; maybe I could liken it to a moonlight kiss — enchanting.
You’ve described "They Want More" as a spell and an anthem for the underdog. Can you share what fueled the raw emotion behind this track and what it felt like performing it with Rudimental?
They Want More is my feelings of frustration, my feelings of not belonging, and my rage. There was a lot of us when we were in the studio, and it was a fun group energy. Performing it with Rudimental was INSANE. The energy was unfathomable. Everyone performing the tune with me, and the singers at the time, Zu, Alexus, and Morgan, singing it with me, was the most fun and empowering. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.
Your music seamlessly blends ethereal vocals with cheeky sung-rap and experimental techniques like yelling and chaotic ad-libs. How do you approach crafting such a unique and multifaceted sound?
I came from opera. I wrote my dissertation on the hip-hop mixtape. At master’s level, I did a module in Arabic music, and I’ve done one-on-one jazz vocal tuition. The unique craft is a lifetime collection of musical experiences and me trying to be as expressive with my voice as an instrument. I’ve had to put away all of my classical habits of being perfect. I want the music to be fun!
"Icing On The Cake" feels like a hazy love letter to fleeting moments. How do you channel such specific emotions into your songwriting, and does each track start with a personal experience?
Usually, all the tracks have a moment of realness that gives the track life. Icing was definitely true in the way that it’s about falling in love. A hazy love that follows on from the night before.
I hope all the ravers can relate to that. We’ve all been there.
Celestial Girl and Her Milky Way moves effortlessly through genres like drum'n'bass and jungle. Do you feel genre-fluidity gives you more freedom to express yourself, or do you see it as part of your identity as an artist?
Genres to me are just tools in your toolbox. I don’t really care if it’s electronic or pop or rap.
Perhaps that’s why I’ve navigated my career consistently bouncing between styles because I see all the different tricks as an opportunity to try something new. I’m unafraid, and maybe that’s why feedback in the past has been questions about where I see myself fitting in. The truth is I have no care to fit in.
I’d rather just create and stand out because the music itself connects to people.
Your poetry readings with James Massiah were the spark that ignited your career. How does your love of poetry continue to influence your songwriting and artistic vision today?
Before I felt confident enough to share music or perform music, poetry was my way in. James was partying with friends of mine. We were all in the same east London kind of circles, and I quickly took to his poetry nights that were so fluid, open, and fun. It was my first real playground in London where I started performing creatively, and I’m glad to have been part of that canon.
Tell us more about your initiative, Say It Back. How did this open-mic series come to life, and what impact do you hope it has on the creative community?
My poetic partner and I started Say It Back because it was something we needed for ourselves as female creatives. There weren’t enough open and welcoming spaces that allowed us to trial new material.
Poetry is the backbone of any lyrical music, and I want to go back to more poetry salons in 2025 after a break, so watch this space.
Your EP and initiatives like Say It Back reflect a strong sense of community. Why is fostering spaces for women and female-identifying creatives so central to your vision?
I am trying to create the world I need. My art communicates female-centered themes and values because that’s how I identify, but it’s not meant solely for women. It’s by women for everyone. That’s how Say It Back was created - as a space to champion girl power, female empowerment, and women supporting women.
But it’s also a space to express anything else that falls through the cracks. Community is very important. Taking time off Say It Back to focus on music, my poetry partner Affly Johnson and I are working on setting a date for 2025.
Inner magic and the belief that we can create our dreams are central to your philosophy. What advice would you give to young artists looking to harness their own magic and embrace their individuality?
If you love something, don’t give up on it. Nothing in life is easy, especially things worth fighting for. You have to keep killing your ego and focus on your craft. Keep going forward with love, and your music will connect to people. Be unafraid to cut out people dragging you down.
Money isn’t everything, but you need to stop glorifying the idea of the broken artist creating genius material. You must be healthy to have longevity. No rush, no rest. Love yourself.
Your music and personal style radiate individuality. How do you stay true to yourself while navigating the pressures of the music industry?
Take no shit. Not all advice is good advice. People will often point out why something isn’t working but offer no solutions. The music industry is going through a major season of change, and it comes with complexities.
Be expansive, lead with your heart. Music is delicate. The UK market mirrors the US, but global territories can provide respite when you feel up against local algorithms.
Your bold personal aesthetic merges street style with high fashion. How do you approach fashion as a form of artistic expression, and does it inspire your music?
I’m just a girl!
Just a complex being who lives on the street and exists as an art installation piece all at the same time! How I dress has more to do with the moon phase and my hormonal cycle. I love leather and buckles, but also pearls and bows.
Lady by day, freak by night. As above, so below. The contrast makes everything more exciting.
As someone who blends ethereal vocals with experimental production, do you feel like pushing boundaries is an essential part of your artistry?
Absolutely. I’m a queer immigrant woman who came to this country to chase her musical dreams. There are no half-measures when it comes to risk. Pushing my own boundaries and voice is important. There’s discipline needed to improve, and I hope to continue being courageous with getting uncomfortable. Using less processing in my vocal mix is what’s currently on my mind.
The collaborative energy in your work, from Rudimental to Sara Landry, is incredible. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from these creative partnerships?
Creative collaborations are so important to any artist’s growth. Working with new people sheds light on your own art and where you want to take it. I’ve been blessed with my collaborators and have had the best time creating crazy tracks like Pressure.
It’s also a great way to grow an audience when you have a titan giving you some of their light and attention.
From Gwen Stefani to Greentea Peng, your influences are as diverse as your sound. What’s a defining moment or track from an artist you admire that’s shaped your creative journey?
I think you could never single one song out. It would be impossible and hard to know which was actually most significant in shaping my journey.
How do you feel about stepping into this next era of your career? What excites you most about what’s ahead?
I’m taking part in the pre-selection competition for the Latvian contestant at Eurovision in February. I’m doing it with my good friends Julijs and Andis, who are a band called Bel Tempo from Latvia. I’m excited to go on TV with a song I wrote in a very heartbroken place called The Water. It’s more neo-soul and Sault-like.
I’m excited to share this experience with other Latvians.
If you could describe your individuality in one word, what would it be and why?
Honest. My individuality is not formed by me trying to be anything. There is no forced nature in my individuality as an artist. My behaviors are not for the likes; they are for the love of the art.
Your sound feels fearless and unapologetic. What advice would you give to listeners about embracing their quirks and imperfections as strengths?
There is no one else like you out there in the entire world. Instead of comparing, cherish what you have. The media narrative benefits from our vulnerabilities, so by embracing them and focusing on the things that build our lives, we liberate ourselves from mind control.
Shine bright. Pray. Find the things that drive you and enjoy your life because it’s all we have. You’re your own biggest competition, and the stage is big enough for all of us. Erykah Badu said that in London 2018, and I’ve carried it with me.
Looking back on your journey, what’s one moment where you felt most connected to your true self as an artist? How did it influence your work moving forward?
No, I don’t think there’s one particular part that makes me feel connected to myself.
It could be writing a poem on a train or getting on the mic in a session. The feeling of connectedness takes practice and the capacity to drown out the noise. Sometimes I have to live life to make my next portfolio of work, but I can’t wait to see how I grow into my next artistic shape.
The metamorphosis is beginning.
Special Thanks to: Legzdina and Sophie Brocklehurst
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