With a voice that soars, a message that empowers, and a heart that beats for the bold and beautiful misfits of the world, Irish pop powerhouse Lyra is back, and louder than ever. Her latest release, “Weird Club,” isn’t just a song; it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt different. In this exclusive interview, Lyra opens up about the inspiration behind the anthem, her fearless new musical era, and how adventure, vulnerability, and authenticity continue to shape her work.
From co-writing with Grammy-nominated talent to conquering the South African mountains on Uncharted, Lyra proves that breaking boundaries is her comfort zone. Join us as we dive into the heart, soul, and sparkling chaos of an artist who’s redefining what it means to belong and inviting us all to the Weird Club.
HELLO LYRA! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS ON THE RELEASE OF “WEIRD CLUB.” HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE OPENING THIS EXCITING NEW CHAPTER WITH SUCH A POWERFUL ANTHEM?
Ah, thank you so much! Honestly, it feels amazing. This is the beginning of a new era for me – one that’s fearless, vibrant, and full of heart. “Weird Club” is like an open door to a world where everyone is welcome, exactly as they are. I’ve never felt more connected to a song or a message, and it’s such a buzz to finally share that with the world.
“WEIRD CLUB” IS MORE THAN JUST A SONG — IT’S A STATEMENT. WHAT INSPIRED THIS TRACK, AND WHAT DOES IT PERSONALLY MEAN TO YOU?
Absolutely, it’s 100% a statement. It was inspired by the beautiful chaos of life, my fans, and the people I’ve met who’ve felt like outsiders, including myself at times. I wanted to write an anthem that says, “You’re not too much. You’re not too weird. You’re exactly right.” “Weird Club” is about finding your people, owning your identity, and showing up unapologetically.
YOU CO-WROTE THE SONG WITH THE GRAMMY-NOMINATED ANNA KRANTZ. WHAT WAS THAT CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE, AND HOW DID THE SONG COME TOGETHER?
Writing with Anna Krantz and Jack McManus in London was honestly such a joy. I’d had the idea of “Weird Club” living in my voice notes for years – little phrases, title ideas, melodies – it was always something I knew I wanted to write when the time was right. And the moment I sat down with Anna and Jack, I felt like, this is it. Anna brings this lyrical elegance, Jack brings the musical spark, and I brought the chaos and energy! We built the song from that shared spirit of celebration, weirdness, and belonging. The chorus came together so naturally, we were jumping around the studio. It just felt like everything clicked.
YOUR LYRICS OFTEN FUSE EMOTION WITH EMPOWERMENT. HOW DO YOU APPROACH LYRIC-WRITING — DO YOU START WITH A STORY, A FEELING, OR SOMETHING ELSE?
For me, it always starts with a feeling. I’m usually sitting on my sofa in my PJs, letting myself feel whatever needs to come through – joy, heartbreak, rage, power. Then I try to find the words that honour that emotion. I think songs should be emotional truth wrapped in melody. If it doesn’t move me, it’s not ready yet.
FROM YOUR DEBUT ALBUM TO “WEIRD CLUB,” YOUR SOUND HAS EVOLVED WITH BOLDNESS AND DEPTH. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS NEW ERA OF YOUR MUSIC?
This era is pure, unfiltered Lyra. I’m not trying to fit in anymore. I’m embracing my Irishness, my madness, my quirks – all of it. It’s bolder, louder, more fun, but it also goes deeper emotionally. I’m not afraid to take risks now. I want every beat and lyric to feel like I’m setting fire to the old rulebook.
YOU’RE KNOWN FOR BEING A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR INCLUSION. HOW DOES YOUR MISSION FOR AUTHENTICITY AND SELF-EXPRESSION INFLUENCE YOUR SONGWRITING?
It’s everything. My mission is always to make people feel seen and heard. Whether you’re he, she, they, them – whatever your pronoun, whatever your path – you are welcome in the Weird Club. I want every song to say: “You’re not alone. You’re magic just as you are.” If my music gives even one person permission to be their full self, I’ve done my job.
THIS YEAR ALSO SAW YOU TAKING ON NEW ADVENTURES WITH UNCHARTED. DID YOUR EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACT YOUR CREATIVE THINKING OR PERSPECTIVE AS AN ARTIST?
Oh, totally. Climbing the Drakensberg mountains, pushing myself to the limits – mentally and physically – it cracked something open in me. It reminded me how resilient I am, and that freedom lives outside your comfort zone. That adventure spirit fed straight into my music. I came back more fearless and more grounded. I even wrote bits of lyrics in my head while hiking!
FINALLY, WHAT’S COMING NEXT FOR YOU — MORE MUSIC, ANOTHER TOUR, OR MAYBE MORE SURPRISES FROM THE “WEIRD CLUB”?
All of the above, darling! I’ve got more music on the way, and some of it is even weirder (in the best way). A full project is brewing, and you can bet I’m planning a tour that’s going to be sweat, glitter, emotion, and absolute chaos – in the best way. And yes, the Weird Club has plenty more surprises in store. You’re in now… and there’s no going back!
You can connect with Lyra through website lyra.ie, Instagram @thisislyra, Facebook @thisislyra, Twitter @thisislyra and Spotify