Leilani Patao

‘daisy’ is the label debut EP from Brooklyn-based (via Los Angeles) artist Leilani Patao (they/she), which will be released via Audio Antihero on November 7th.

Debuting in 2021 at the age of 17, Leilani showcased their rich, aching voice and their youthful willingness to show vulnerability through a raw lyrical honesty across a series of DIY self-releases. 2024’s ‘But What If?’ earned them their greatest exposure to date when they were featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Taking its title from the name of Leilani’s much-missed childhood dog, ‘daisy’ is described by the artist as “a pure experiment” in both sound and distribution. Leilani’s ambitious production requires the listener to find the emotion within the cracks, as their range, biting words, and ear for melody push through the wash of sound in fragments. Leilani also made the decision to remove themselves from the algorithm by withholding these songs from streaming, taking control of their work, and asking:

“Is it possible to share my music properly, pay everyone who was involved, get paid myself, and not have to interact with the many systems in place that make me dread music?”

Though Leilani is not seeking to be a social media soundbite or a playlist darling, the EP does reward listener curiosity. Opening with “branded” and “get em boy,” Leilani’s voice is initially unrecognisable under layers of effects. However, as the EP progresses through to singles like “BIRD WHISTLE,” “Red Hair Dye,” and “Cut,” Leilani offers the melodies and haunting, relatable lyrics which made their early works hidden gems of NYC’s underground scene.

Whether or not the young artist can still find their audience in the digital age without compromise remains to be seen, but for Leilani, knowing they arrived at their destination on their own terms is a feeling no algorithm can take away.

‘daisy‘ is available now for pre-order, which includes the “Cut” single. The “BIRD WHISTLE” single will follow on October 1st. Leilani’s “I want to do this a different way” essay can be found on Substack.

Leilani Patao Gallery:

Leilani Patao Links:

Linktree / Instagram / TikTok / Substack / Bandcamp / YouTube

Praise for Leilani Patao:

“That intentional willingness to create in contradictions and even be inscrutable at times makes the moments when Patao lets their pop instincts take over even more effective, as with the plaintive vocal performances on “BIRD WHISTLE.” In that vein, “portrait” begins as a stripped-back lo-fi bedroom pop detour, centering on Patao’s bass playing before exploding into a dazzling climax. Finally, Patao closes with the glitch pop of “Cut,” which once again drenches their vocals in autotune and clashing effects, but now pairs them with a host of coruscating pop melodies.” – UNDER THE RADAR MAGAZINE

“Wonderful.” – KEVIN SUR (KEXP: SOUNDS OF SURVIVANCE)

“The tension between the accomplished writing and singing and the DIY recording ethos is a high-wire trick that makes Daisy seem like such a fully-formed and consistently interesting release.” – KLOF Mag

“This young Hawaiian American artist seemed to strive to become unrecognisable on their label debut. Originally entering the industry through musical theatre as a celebrated mezzo-soprano, Leilani now obscures their rich range through distortion and chopping. Similarly, those who might remember their cutesy performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Kimmel would struggle to recognise the Leilani shown in the music video for lead single “Cut”, in which they’re seen drenched in blood.” – ATWOOD MAGAZINE

“The song goes down easy. Patao has a knack for melodies, and “Red Hair Dye” displays that from the jump.” – THE ALTERNATIVE

“Brooklyn artist Leilani Patao is determined to get out of cyberspace and into the real world, one zine and one single at a time. We talk their upcoming EP daisy, and how they are building a world we all want to live in. – RAINBOW RODEO

“A bedroom pop artist who decorates their melodic, sunny tunes with all manner of sonic adventures, Patao is the kind of artist who might make every fan feel like it’s their private discovery. And behind Patao’s desire to get away from streaming music (“I Want Out Of Streaming,” a banner declares on their Bandcamp page) is a desire for true connection. That yearning permeates everything on this EP and makes it feel only more precious in all the right ways. Although just at the start of their 20s, Patao has been recording and releasing music since 2021. Get to know them now, because their music could be your companion for a long time to come.” – ANEARFUL

“A release which promises to shun streaming services, playlists and social media in order to focus on what really matters, and thus an experiment to judge what exactly is possible within the conditions of the twenty-first century.” – VARIOUS SMALL FLAMES