Vices

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the second single on the label from a very special new artist,Léa Mondo.

Hailing originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by way of Manchester, and now settled in North London, this young singer-songwriter and guitarist enjoys a plethora of eclectic influences. Léa's musical output is a smorgasbord of experimental styles fusing aspects of soul, high life, bossa-nova, jazz and reggae. Drawing inspiration from reggae icon Bob Marley, and Malian artists such as Fatoumata Diawara and Rokia Traorè, as well as Nigerian born UK soul superstar Sade, her music largely talks about life, love, peace and freedom while reflecting on the state of the world.

Vicesis a song about Lea's personal struggles. The singer's lyrics explore the highs and lows of personal addictions and her history of poor relationship choices. Drawing influences from Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Californication) drums and arrangements, the melody of the tune is curated in a way to take the listener on a journey that leads to a climax to convey the feeling one feels when they're coming up, to eventual peak.

Léa and her band recorded the song live atThat Sound Studio, Tottenham with producerLouis Auneauand engineerBar Huss. The band consists ofJasmine Burton(Bass),Alex Karakurt(Drums),Tawanda Manika(Guitar),Olivia Cuttill(Trumpet),Max Rodriguez(Rhythm Guitar) andLéaherself providing lyrics, vocals, guitar, arrangements and co-producing the track.

Since 2021, Léa has been somewhat prolific on the London live music scene, co-founding famed female & non-binary improv sessionPeng Femme Jam, and sharing stages with our very own Afrobeat AmbassadorDele SosimiandAfla Sackey'sAfrik Bawantuproject. Following several headline shows across London, and a tour of the south-west of England last summer, she will be celebrating the release of this single with a live show atGrowin Hackney Wick on Friday February 2nd, followed by much more music to come on Wah Wah 45s!