Electro-clash bite. Post-disco pulse. East London energy with Latin American and Italian roots running through the circuitry.
With Sunglasses, Guildhall-trained producer, writer and co-founder of Peace Dragon Records, Lelia turns social armour into dance-floor language. Vocoders forward, bass locked, confrontation wrapped in gloss.
As the second cut from her debut EP Performance, the track sharpens her alt-pop architecture ahead of the darker arc of Dark Disco in 2026.
All those legendary disco tracks always had a centre point that could translate just as well if you’re sweaty, dancing or making out.
“Have you ever put sunglasses on so you don’t have to talk to anyone?“. What personal moment sparked that concept?
Like most people, especially women, existing in public can be both glorious and deeply uncomfortable. I noticed myself wearing my sunglasses on days where I felt more inward and less open. It slowly became almost a mantra in my life; wearing sunglasses as armour. They have become this somewhat glamorous way of taking back my power.
Vocoder refrains, heavy synth bass, funk-disco breakdown, what was the core sonic vision behind this track?
I was listening to ALOT of disco at the time of making Sunglasses. I think my obsession with it really shines in this song. I wanted to keep this idea of confrontation in a playful setting, I feel like it allows me to be more direct in ways.
As the launchpad for your debut EP Performance, how does this single define the world you’re building ahead of Dark Disco?
This single is like the pre’s; it’s bright, excited, and candid.
With early traction on Smash Hit, what shifted in your confidence or creative direction this time around?
I’ve given myself more permission to play. Pressure and the unknown are feelings I’m starting to embrace day by day, its thrilling
How did you design the vocoder layers and synth bass so they hit hard in clubs without losing clarity on streaming platforms?
I think I was wanting to create something distinct. All those legendary disco tracks always had a centre point that could translate just as well if you’re sweaty, dancing or making out. For me its more about creating something that hits hard and clearly on streaming, but making sure those sonic centrepieces are strong enough to not be lost in a live / club setting.
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