Following a standout headline show in Los Angeles, rising R&B artist Lee Lewis returns with HOWL, a six track EP that blends vintage soul, contemporary R&B, trip hop and cinematic pop into his most personal project yet.
Rooted in vulnerability, HOWL explores love, identity and healing through the lens of Lewis’ experience as a Black queer artist. His classically trained vocals and signature falsetto glide across rich, expansive production, creating a collection that feels both intimate and cinematic.
Opening track “Forever & You” sets the tone with understated instrumentation that allows Lewis’ voice to take centre stage, while standout single “Your Love (What I’m Dying For)” pairs soulful guitars with sparse percussion to deliver one of the EP’s most emotionally resonant moments.
Lewis also puts his own stamp on Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater“, transforming the pop classic into a sleek, soulful reimagining inspired by a relationship he describes as both magnetic and destructive. Elsewhere, the deeply personal “White Flag” and reflective “The Long Way” continue the EP’s themes of emotional reckoning before closer “Bitter” brings the journey to a hopeful conclusion.
Raised in Los Angeles’ Ladera Heights, Lewis’ musical foundation spans gospel, jazz, classical training and vintage soul, with influences ranging from Sam Cooke and Jill Scott to Portishead and Amy Winehouse. That broad palette shines throughout HOWL, which was created alongside co-writer Bijou Choder and producer youthxl (Roméo Testa).
Already earning praise from publications including The New York Times, Wonderlandand Clash, Lee Lewis continues to establish himself as one of R&B’s most compelling emerging voices. HOWL is a confident statement of artistic growth and a strong introduction to an artist finding his own sound.
Lee Lewis sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I’ve got a bit of an interesting musical upbringingI’d say. On one hand I grew up on much of black music (soul, r&b, jazz, blues, the music of my culture and people), and on the other hand I thoroughlystudied classical voice from a young age. At home I’d listen to Sade, Maxwell, Prince, Ella, Luther, and so many more due to my family, and during the day in school or when practicing I was copying French classical singer Gerard Souzay, Bryn Terfel, and many other baritones. I fell in love withboth and for different reasons. One was given to me at birth, and the other I developed as I aged.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My favorite question! I’ll start with the OG’s like Sade, Maxwell, Seal and Erykah Badu. These are the ones I grew up, so It’d be so amazingto work with them in some capacity. It’s a dream of mine to open for Seal on tour. As for newer acts, I’d say Lianne La Havas, Nick Hakim, Michael Kiwanuka, and Sampha. Jai Paul is a dream collaborator as well!
3.Tell us about your latest EP release, HOWL.
Ah yes. HOWL is my new baby. Love this project so much! This is my second release, and my best yet. It covers my growth in my late twenties. It’s me going from being a puppy to a dog. It’s me learning to use my voice after years of not having it. The ‘HOWL’ is primal, and raw. It’s a cry for help in a bad relationship, but also a howl of freedom. It’s bad experiences turned into good ones.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Let’s say Cinematic R&B/Soul! I think it all points back to my background in music. The mix of R&B/Soul and Classical music. I think those combined have thrown me into that Cinematic Soul bucket. With that said, that’s how I’d describe it right now, but likely to change in the future. As long as there’s soul in the music. That’s all that matters to me.
5. What’s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Honestly, my most recent headline show at The Echo in LA. It was my biggest and longest show to date and we nearly sold it out. It happened two days before HOWL was released. I built out a proper story arch and presentation for this show, including two “Acts”, a costume change, and some beautiful singing. Amazing way to celebrate my project coming out!