Sometimes, it has to hurt. Sometimes, you need to embrace the pain to heal. That’s the essence of Sirens Of Lesbos’ new single, “Let It Hurt,” a dub-reggae-infused track that heralds both a forthcoming album and a European/UK tour including The Great Escape, where the group were included in the esteemed First Fifty announcement.
“Let It Hurt” delves into the complexities of a relationship burdened by pride and denial, raising profound questions: What is a man who can’t cry? And in the end, who truly walks away in a breakup? The answers remain subtly woven into the lyrics, inviting introspection. Yet, despite its emotional weight, the song’s vibrant tropical rhythm propels it toward an ultimately hopeful and redemptive conclusion.
“We were in the studio, and as the beat played, we started singing along spontaneously. What came out was ‘let it hurt, hurt, hurt, let it hurt.’ There wasn’t much thinking involved—it just felt right” Nabyla explains. “Then we had to figure out what it really meant and what we wanted to express,” adds Jasmina. “In the verses, we ultimately drew from our own relationship experiences.”
The single coincides with the announcement of Sirens Of Lesbos’ upcoming album i got a song, it’s gonna make us millions. This new project highlights the collective’s expansive musical range, drawing inspiration from artists like Childish Gambino, Trick Daddy, Gangsta Boo, Dungeon Family, and Goodie Mob, while blending influences from 90s British girl pop (e.g., Sugababes), Afrobeats, electronic music, and lo-fi indie pop acts like Mk.gee.
As Black women living in the diaspora, Jasmina and Nabyla navigate the intersection of their parents’ collectivist North-East African culture and the Western emphasis on individuality. Questions of identity have always been central to their journey. While society often demands clear-cut definitions, the sisters have come to embrace their multifaceted identities: “We have always been many things.”
Are you vibing with Sirens of Lesbos’ “Let It Hurt”?
