Expressing vulnerability is the truest form of identity. We live in a time when real feelings and messy authenticity are craved more than achieving traditional wealth and virtual success. When everything is fake, the only thing that’s real is you. LIA LIA has no fear when it comes to living, learning, and lyricizing the reality of her innermost, deepest thoughts and struggles. Everything is on paper and in her music.
From worm to moth, from baby punk to iconic pop, LIA LIA’s sound has many facets and layers, all within the frame of true identity and what that means to her. For our March digital cover, we put all of LIA LIA in focus and get a look behind the aesthetically curated online presence of the punk-style popstar.
Full look: ALAÏA
In the past, you have described your musical identity as “Baby Punk” or a “moth” (not a butterfly). What would you describe your music as now? Do you feel a moth is still an accurate metaphor/spirit creature for yourself?
Looking back, when I wrote ‘Moth’, I was still a worm.
By now, I’ve grown into a full-scale moth, and I’m ready to spread my wings!
I’ve always had commitment issues with staying true to one genre, and while I matured musically and the debut album reflects that, there are definitely two songs with ultimate baby punk energy!
Many of your looks in the past have been inspired by childhood memories or cultural influences. What significance do school uniforms carry to you? Where would you like your style to take you next?
I’m probably keeping the uniform until people recognize my face anywhere. I love it, bc It’s timeless and simple, like music should be.
So far, I’ve been pretty consistent. I have been wearing the same tie and skirt since 2020! I like fashion, but I feel like following fashion trends makes you dated, and I believe art should last longer than the fashion calendar.
What’s the hardest truth you’ve ever put in a song, and how did it land with you after the release?
I’ve always been pretty open about my mental health, chronic sickness, and difficult situations. Songs like ’13’ or ‘What if I jump from the bridge?’ are probably one of the most vulnerable out there.
It’s hard to talk about those things, but easier to sing about.
“I stopped trying to please anyone or be someone I’m not to be loved or accepted.
People can only love you for you if you give them a chance to know the real you.“
Heart-back Body & Hooded Body: ALAÏA, Shoes: Loewe
What can fans expect from you moving forward? Releases, visuals, projects, etc.
I’m releasing my debut album this year.
You’ve said your identity has always felt “in between”: German and Chinese, human and mythical. Though this feeling is inevitable in the bicultural experience, when did you first realize that felt powerful rather than confusing? How has growing up between worlds shaped the way you express yourself?
Growing up, I never felt like I belonged anywhere, and being mixed wasn’t a flex; I just always felt different and like I stood out, but not necessarily in a good way.
Nowadays I’m grateful, bc I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to make it happen myself. That mindset became a superpower for building my own world.
Does authenticity ever feel performative? How do you protect your genuine self in a digital spotlight?
People love to put you in mental boxes, and I love breaking them. This last year, I was completely focused on making music, so I treated my feed like a vibe board and just started shitposting. It was fun.
Your lyrics show themes of melancholy, punk surrealism, pop/rock/indie, and are often autobiographical, almost like a diary of lived emotions. What inspires your lyrics most? Do you feel you need to be in a specific state of mind to create, or do lyrics form themselves naturally through lived experiences?
I never feel like I write the lyrics myself. The words emerge from my subconscious, and I often only understand the meaning later on. Usually, I write a complete song structure, including lyrics, vocal melodies, verses, choruses, and c-parts in 20 to 40 minutes, and in that timeframe, I can’t communicate with anyone. It’s like waking up from a dream you want to remember and frantically writing down the details before they slip your mind.
Full look: Maison Margiela
A few years ago, you joined Doja Cat on tour for several shows after trying your luck with the producer. You mentioned this was an experience you will cherish for a while and left a significant impact on you. Tells us about some of the memorable moments you have had over the years in your career, big or small. Anything that felt impactful to you personally.
Love, Doja and Yeti! The 2024 Duran Duran arena tour was my first real tour life experience. Simon LeBon found ‘I’m a Moth!’ played it on his radio show and invited me. I went from nothing to playing in front of 22,000 people… That was a bit surreal.
I think my most life-changing experience was taking part in ‘DOOM’ at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC by Anne Imhof last year. That changed my whole entire life trajectory…
What part of you most often gets misunderstood? Is there something you would like people to know about you?
Most people who misunderstand you, misunderstand you on purpose. I just let people think what they want, because it usually tells you more about them
What does self-acceptance look like for you in 2026, and how does that push your next chapter?
I stopped trying to please anyone or be someone I’m not to be loved or accepted.
People can only love you for you if you give them a chance to know the real you.
Left – Dress: Loewe
Credits:
Talent – LIA LIA via Proper MGMT
Photographer – Pascal Behring
Creative Direction & Styling – Neslihan Degerli
Hair – Jasmin Oliveira
Make Up – LIA LIA
Managing Editor – Jasmin Kraenzel
Production Assistant – Nola Syla
Production by avec nous GmbH
