May 2, 2025 |
Kelly Lee Owens couldn’t have come up with a better name for her latest album, Dreamstate, released in October last year. Rooted in an ethereal style of techno that is weaved with sprinkles of dream pop and ambient, her tracks are a reflection of her far-reaching imagination. Named ‘Daydreamer of the Year’ in high school, Owens’ style of music is coded by a philosophy that treats a wandering mind as capital for rebelling against systems that undervalue creativity. It’s an idea that resonated with many, with Dreamstate attaining much critical acclaim since its release.
Embarking on a 13-date tour across the UK and Europe in March, Lee Owens has been flying the flag for women carving their own space in dance music. It is, therefore, no surprise that hyperpop juggernaut Charli xcx has handpicked Lee Owens for her self-curated line-up at Lido – a freshly launched festival coming to London’s Victoria Park this June.
Spanning across two weekends, Lido is a unique and welcome addition to the capital’s live music landscape. With the celebration of community at its heart, Lido has called upon artists from all corners of the music industry to curate lineups that each represent a different flavour of the dancefloor. Jamie xx has called up Arca, Sampha and Romy to help him bring his famed club residency The Floor to an open air party, whilst trip-hop heralds Massive Attack have tapped electro-pop duo Air and Tirzah. London Grammar will lead the final day along with Celeste, Pip Millett and The Blessed Madonna, while independent music and arts festival Outbreak will be platforming upcoming artists like Turnstile, Alex G and Danny Brown. It’s set to be a corker. Before it all gets underway, we grabbed Lee Owens for a quick chinwag.
1. How would you describe your sound in three words?
Emotive, euphoric, electronic.
2. You dropped your latest album Dreamstate in October 2024 and it was met with rave reviews. How have the past few months been for you since the release?
It’s been an incredible few months! Touring the live show has been such a meaningful experience. There’s nothing like sharing a space with people and collectively escaping the noise of everyday life. I like to see my live shows as a kind of sanctuary, a space for positive escapism and connection. With everything going on in the world, I believe live music and the arts are more essential than ever
3. What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
One of the most vivid dreams I’ve had actually inspired the track Time to from Dreamstate. I dreamt I was in the center of a stadium with 70,000 people singing a bassline that later became the track’s core. I woke up at 3am, recorded the melody on my phone, and for a while the track was just called Dream Sequence.
4. If you could only ever play one track from Dreamstate in future sets, which would it be?
That’s a tough one. The reactions to tracks from Dreamstate have been unlike anything I’ve experienced before – genuine euphoria. Love You Got, Higher and Sunshine have all had incredible responses, but Love You Got Life feels especially magical to me
5. You’re performing at Lido Festival on June 14, on a lineup curated by Charli xcx – what are you most excited about for this set?
I’m just so excited to be in London, playing alongside Charli and friends. It’s going to be such a celebratory day, and London crowds always feel like home to me.
6. You’ve spoken about being a Brat enthusiast – what does having a Brat summer mean to you?
To me, Brat is all about being unapologetically yourself. Whether that means writing poetry in nature or chain-smoking in a sweaty, windowless club – it’s about authenticity, whatever that is to you
7. Why are festivals like Lido, curated by artists, such a valuable addition to the summer calendar?
Artist-curated line-ups are special because you get insight into their personal taste – who they admire, want to uplift, or think deserves a spotlight. It’s almost like watching a DJ set of their influences and inspirations, and that makes for a really unique festival experience.
8. Who else on the Lido line-up are you excited to catch?
I’m really looking forward to finally seeing The Japanese House live. I’ve been a fan for a while but have never had the chance to catch a set.
9. What’s on your rider?
My rider used to just be champagne, but now that I’m singing for 60 to 90 minutes, it’s all about wellness (!!) lots of fruit, non-alcoholic drinks, and health-focused snacks. It might sound boring, but it keeps me going. Also, purple flowers, a specific room temperature, candles, my favorite room scents, a humidifier… basically all the healthy, cozy stuff that makes touring sustainable for me.
10. After a set, are you straight to an afters or straight to bed?
Straight to bed? Never! The adrenaline won’t let me. If there’s an after party, I’m there. If not, I’ll head back to the hotel, crack into the rider and wind down.
Photography courtesy of Kelly Lee Owens. Grab your tickets to Lido festival here.
