If you follow Triste©, you know Lila Tristram. She is a musician, fiction writer, artist and teacher based in East London. We loved sister EPs Our Friends pt. I & II, released over the course of 2020 via wiaiwya (UK) and Inpartmaint Inc (Japan) and fell definitely in love with her with Black and White Memories Ignited by the Scent of Springtime Explode in Colour released in December 2022: a collaborative project with The Last Dinosaur’s Jamie Cameron. The following home, was recorded, produced and mixed by Lila Tristram herself and released in 2023. After two years hidden in a remote countryside studio, Lila opens a new chapter. She put together a 5-piece band and emerged with an elegiac indie-rock record, described by Annie Needham as “a masterpiece.” The first single from the album, Sounds Like Easter, was premiered here and now we have Baby, the second single, that will be available on all major streaming platforms tomorrow, 24th July 2024, but we have the honour and opportunity to have it on TRISTE© as an exclusive premiere.

What She Says: “All my songs are so sad. I wanted to write a song which would make people want to dance”

With previous support from the likes of 6 Music’s Jon Hillcock, The Guardian’s Pete Paphides and producer Dan Carey, Lila is on track for her biggest year yet. Lauded as the best song on the record by industry professionals, Baby might initially seem like a fun indie-pop song, under the hood of the lyrics lies something profound.

The repeated line “Maybe I’m just lonely / Maybe I am crazy / Baby” juxtaposed against the upbeat music, reveals Lila’s vulnerability. Thematically, the lyrics explore topics of loss, desire and mental health, an expression of the hope, uncertainty and fears that new love can cast. Lila’s sultry vocals and intricate folk guitar rest on a bed of heavy synths and a contagious pop drum beat which makes dancing irresistible. The perfect balance of folk-rock and pop, it is a song which is sure to grab the attention of everyone and that will make many other people fall in love with Lila’s music.
Sonically, the song takes listeners on a fun, catchy and somewhat psychedelic journey, using unexpected electronic melodies and a driving beat, ultimately culminating in an intoxicating surround-sound synth experience that infuses the song momentum and a hint of magic.

The track features Heledd Owen (Prima Queen, Adwaith) on drums, and Tim Gardner (RY X) on synth. It was co-produced by Gus White (Madeline Ashman, Edward Cross) and mastered by Tim Debney (Sufjan Stevens, Thom Yorke).

Baby will be available from tomorrow, 25th July 2024 on all platforms. Look HERE for more information on Lila Tristram.