Erin LeCount on How Kate Bush’s ‘Cloudbusting’ Inspired Her “Pareidolia” EP and Finding a Fan in Imogen Heap (Exclusive)

**Erin LeCount Discusses the Inspiration Behind Her New EP ‘PAREIDOLIA’**

Emerging music artist Erin LeCount has shared insights into her creative process and the influences behind her latest EP, ‘PAREIDOLIA’, in a recent interview. The 23-year-old singer and producer, who grew up in Essex, reflects on how her artistic journey has evolved from a childhood fascination with storytelling to a burgeoning career in music, all while navigating personal themes of identity, trauma, and self-discovery.

LeCount’s latest project, which is scheduled for release on 27 February, draws its title from the psychological phenomenon of pareidolia—the tendency to perceive familiar patterns within random stimuli. In a candid moment over a cup of Earl Grey tea in Manhattan, she recounts how a moment of inspiration struck while she listened to Kate Bush’s ethereal track ‘Cloudbusting’. The word resonated with her, perfectly encapsulating the distorted lens through which she often views her world. “It was so appropriate to everything that I was writing about,” she admits, describing it as a key theme that runs throughout her work.

The ‘PAREIDOLIA’ EP revisits LeCount’s past habits and patterns through this unique prism. It continues in the vein of her previous work, showcasing her ability to weave together haunting melodies with deeply personal lyrics. Her style has drawn comparisons to artists like Florence Welch and Lorde, reflecting a tapestry of emotional depth and baroque pop sensibilities.

In her own words, LeCount describes her songwriting as a form of cathartic journaling, one that allows her to make sense of her experiences. “I really struggle to filter what I’m saying,” she states, recognising the intense honesty imbued in her music. Although she acknowledges that sharing such personal stories can sometimes feel heavy or uncomfortable, it’s a necessary part of her creative process.

Before fully committing to a music career, LeCount harboured aspirations of becoming an author. However, her innate theatricality drew her towards performance. Inspired by the diverse musical influences of her parents—her father’s love for Daft Punk and her mother’s appreciation for 1980s pop—she began to carve out her own musical identity early on. At the young age of eight, LeCount penned her first song, marking the beginning of her lifelong passion.

Despite lacking formal training, her musical journey was enriched by attending a local music venue where she frequently interacted with musicians. This exposure ignited her passion for live performance, which she describes as electric. “Once I saw that, and the energy of a room, I just couldn’t go back,” she recalls, noting how pivotal that experience was in shaping her career.

LeCount has gained recognition for her candid explorations of complex themes such as privilege and self-identity. Her haunting single “Silver Spoon”, which gained virality on TikTok, serves as a stunning example of her ability to connect with listeners on multiple levels. The response from fans has been overwhelming, with numerous compilations created around the song featuring beloved fictional couples from popular culture.

“This fan interaction feels very full circle for me,” she explains, recalling how she once discovered music through platforms like Tumblr. The viral response to her work has not only highlighted her connection with a growing fanbase but also reaffirmed her belief in the power of shared experiences through art.

As part of the creative process for ‘PAREIDOLIA’, LeCount sought to explore visual themes that resonate with her self-exploration. Collaborating with visual artist Sam Taylor-Edwards, she drew inspiration from Kenneth Anger’s short film ‘La Lune Des Lapins’, which helps blend surreal imagery with the EP’s lyrical depth.

On the EP’s stand-out track “I BELIEVE,” LeCount navigates her complicated relationship with religion and spirituality, drawing from her personal struggles with obsessive thoughts during her youth. She juxtaposes this with her newfound solace in astrology, indicating a shift towards finding comfort in a broader cosmic perspective, disconnected from traditional religious frameworks.

As she prepares to release ‘PAREIDOLIA’, LeCount is also looking ahead to the future, aspiring to create a full-length debut album. Despite not having a specific timeline in mind—comparing the process to a “marriage” of creative ideas—she remains dedicated to her craft. “I’m never not making things,” she affirms, embodying the passionate spirit of a young artist keen to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

With her powerful storytelling and evocative soundscapes, Erin LeCount’s forthcoming EP promises to further elevate her position as a voice to watch in the contemporary pop landscape. Fans and new listeners alike can look forward to its release on 27 February.