What Do I has an understated, laid-back and loose swagger that calls to mind a number of mid-90s UK bands, from the likes of Elastica, Sleeper, and Lush through to The Bends-era Radiohead. Starting out quite soft and seductive and gradually unfurling into a wall of noise, there are some interesting choices in the melody that burrow in and keep you hooked. There’s a hint of menace in the lingering lead guitar line washing over the verses too that make the shift into the dreamy chorus a highlight. I really like the crisp, dry drums and the feeling of space allowing everything to spread out and breathe, but really it’s all about that soft, almost nonchalant-at-times vocal carrying on while the guitars get ever more noisy around it. It’s a lovely thing. Lois has put a handful of songs out over the last few months, each of which I absolutely recommend giving a listen to, but there’s something about this one that stands out. Oh, and I couldn’t finish up without mentioning that What Do I also has a gorgeous layered outro that couldn’t be more perfect if it tried.
• Hi Lois. I saw you put something up recently where you said that this song is more like the kind of thing you want to make. What kind of stuff do you mean?
I’d like to create a style that’s easily identified by the listener even though they may not recognise that particular song. I’m heavily influenced by a lot of ’90s indie music but also newer bands like Blondshell and Wolf Alice.
• It’s an incredibly lazy cliché of a question, but I like to ask people why they do what they do…
I use writing and making music to express my thoughts and feelings and almost capture moments of my life. I see my songs as a sort of diary – reflecting on different events and experiences. I hope people can relate to the songs in a way that makes sense to them.
• After putting out an EP last year as well as playing regularly, what are you hoping for in 2025?
I’d like to play bigger gigs and get more airplay this year – reach a wider audience.
You can find Lois Leon on Instagram.
I stood up & I said yeah 
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