24 November 2025
Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with London duo LiiN to find out more…
Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
We are Mal R and Neil Simon. We both live in London these days and originally met while working on a previous project that was more rock oriented. We quickly discovered a shared passion for electronic music and this led us to collaborate on a new sound that was more synth-driven and experimenta, giving birth to LiiN.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up, we were both deeply influenced by classic electronic and alternative artists that could combine novel sounds and production with great songwriting — bands and musicians like Aphex Twin, Radiohead, Talking Heads and The Cure. We both love atmospheric soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and innovative production but always look for that melody which pulls it all together.
These days our influences are pretty diverse and include a mix of modern electronic producers and those same classic artists. We draw inspiration from the likes of John Hopkins, Bonobo, Gorillaz, Fred Again… and experimental textures of artists like Oneohtrix Point Never and Caroline Polachek. Anything with that blend of analogue warmth and futuristic experimentation always pushes us to explore new sonic territories.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s always hard to pin-down our sound. Each track can start in a totally different place but what we often end up with is a fusion of delicate electronic synth textures, introspective lyrics, and heartfelt vocal performances somewhere in the mix. We like to blend classic 80s and 90s analogue synths with modern production, creating a warm yet glitchy, textured atmosphere. Our music channels the spirit of electronic innovators like Aphex Twin and John Foxx, while also drawing from the melodic groove of acts like Air and Röyksopp.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Our latest album is Sidereal Drift. The title draws from the concept of sidereal time — a time scale based on Earth’s rotation relative to the fixed stars. Very loosely the album is based around the idea of looking at our place on Earth from a distant place, asking: “What time is it and how did it get so late?”
What’s your local music scene like?
The London music scene is incredibly diverse and vibrant, but we’re more studio-focused. The city’s vastness makes it hard to pin down, but it’s a constant source of inspiration — whether through its electronic roots, experimental edges, or the sheer energy of its creative community.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
We’re diving back into the studio to work on our next album, building on the themes and sounds of Sidereal Drift. Expect more introspective electronic landscapes and lyrical explorations of the world around us.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
We love to collaborate with innovative artists who share our passion for songwriting and production. There are so many exciting songwriters and producers out there at the moment it’s hard to even start a list but we’re always open so if you are reading this and like our sound drop us a DM.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
We’re not touring so we’re more of a studio band at the moment. Our “performances” are more about the studio magic and the stories behind the tracks.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
We started LiiN with any sort of mission, more to explore some new sonic territory, and while Sidereal Drift is our third album it still feels like we are only getting started. We’re all about creating sounds that invite listeners to see the world — and themselves — from a new angle so we would love to hear from any listeners out there who connect with our tunes.
You can find out more about LiiN via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram or Spotify.
Read my interview with LiiN about their album “Sidereal Drift” here.
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