Encapsulate feelings of unrequited love
“Cruel Lover,” the first single after her debut EP “Trophy Wife In Training,” touches on ARI LEE’s softer side. A departure from her more gritty alt-pop sound, ARI couples organic instrumentals with her usual hard-hitting earworms as she continues to build her sonic identity.
Influenced by both modern pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan, as well as bands like The Beatles and The Killers, “Cruel Lover” is a song to yearn to. ARI’s ability to encapsulate feelings of unrequited love, of being with the wrong person through her sharp lyricism, are highlighted as her velvety vocals float over the track’s production, shaped by her most recent collaborators, Andrea Trevisan and Lev Shurov.
“It’s about falling for someone that you know isn’t good for you, and leaves you in the in-between. It’s horrible and you don’t know why you like it or them. You even question what is wrong with you. But with time it bitterly, but thankfully, ends.” - ARI LEE
With the EP and a number of singles under her belt as the end of the year approaches, ARI LEE has shown her duality through being both bold and unapologetic in her work as well as emotional and deeply layered. Her undeniable storytelling ability – from lyrics to visuals – is the through-line.
Artist bio:
Emerging from Hong Kong and Portugal, ARI LEE is one of the names that's drawing attention in the indie alt-pop soundscape. Fighting men in pearls and heels, and sometimes falling in love with them, the delivery is sharp and infectious. Now based in London, she released her debut EP “Trophy Wife In Training” in September which received spotlight from Spotify Editorial's Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Pop, All New Pop, and more, as well as Future Hits Radio UK's A List. She will be performing at The Lower Third in London on November 25 – tickets on Dice!
