Vera Di Lecce

Vera Di Lecce was born in Lecce, Italy, into a family deeply immersed in the arts. Her parents were actors in experimental theater and researchers of Salento traditions, which exposed her to a rich cultural heritage from an early age. This environment nurtured her passion for music and performance, leading her to explore various artistic avenues.

Growing up, Vera was influenced by the traditional sounds of her region, including the dialects and folk music of Salento and Sicily. She began her musical journey by singing in these dialects with groups such as Nidi d'Arac and Arakne Mediterranea, as well as collaborating with artists like Cesare Basile and Alfio Antico. These experiences laid the foundation for her distinctive fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

In 2012, Vera Di Lecce embarked on her solo career, releasing the self-produced EP 'Heavy Butterflies.' This marked the beginning of her exploration into blending traditional music with experimental electronic elements. Her debut LP, '29 Seconds,' released in 2015 and produced by Martyn Heyne of Efterklang, further showcased her innovative approach to music.

Vera's live performances are known for their eclecticism, incorporating live looping, multi-effect pedals, vocal synths, and martial arts-inspired dance movements. This dynamic stage presence has captivated audiences across Italy and beyond.

In 2021, she signed with the American label Manimal Vinyl, joining a roster that includes artists like Warpaint, Bat for Lashes, and Yoko Ono. Under this label, she released singles such as 'Painfall,' 'Shellbone,' and 'The Truth,' along with a cover of Joy Division's 'Heart and Soul.' These releases were presented during her showcases at The New Colossus Festival in New York and SXSW in Texas in March 2022.

Her latest album, 'Altar of Love,' released in October 2022, is a fusion of Northern European, Oriental, and traditional sounds, creating an atmosphere that is both ancient and contemporary. The title track's music video, featuring footage from her American tour, was selected by MTV New Generation, highlighting her growing international recognition.

Vera Di Lecce's music is deeply influenced by her Salento roots, blending traditional melodies and dialects with modern electronic elements. Her ability to fuse these diverse influences has resulted in a unique sound that transcends cultural boundaries.

Her performances often incorporate elements of traditional dance and martial arts, reflecting her background in these disciplines. This integration of movement and music creates a holistic artistic experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

Collaborations with artists like Mai Mai Mai on tracks such as 'Fimmine Fimmine' demonstrate her commitment to exploring and reinterpreting traditional songs through a contemporary lens. These collaborations have further solidified her reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist.

Vera Di Lecce's discography reflects her evolution as an artist and her commitment to blending traditional and experimental sounds. Her releases include:

- 'Heavy Butterflies' (2012): A self-produced EP that marked her debut as a solo artist.

- '29 Seconds' (2015): Her first full-length album, produced by Martyn Heyne, showcasing her experimental approach to music.

- 'Altar of Love' (2022): Her latest album, released under Manimal Vinyl, featuring a fusion of diverse musical influences and highlighting her growth as an artist.

In addition to her solo work, Vera has collaborated with various artists and contributed to projects that explore the intersection of traditional and contemporary music. Her track 'Fimmine Fimmine' with Mai Mai Mai is a notable example of this collaborative spirit.

https://www.instagram.com/veradilecce

https://veradilecce.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.youtube.com/@veradilecce