Kiwat Kennell The Exchange
Listen to The Exchange – Season 1: Episode # 9 LION02:00:008 June 2023

LION is a queer black electropop/alt artist, singer, songwriter, producer and dancer from Naarm (Melbourne) Australia. His music is a patchwork of pulsing rhythms, sharpshooting rap stylings and a tinge of heavy rock; a vessel for his piercing lyrics which discuss socio-political issues like microaggressions and racial identity. He moves with power, choreographing revolutions with passion. Steeped in his Ethiopian heritage, LION won’t just tell you his story, he’ll roar.

Music and dance are the only sources of true catharsis for LION. Communicating stories, expressing repressed emotions and discovering himself through these artforms are his passion. Having learnt music production through genres like dubstep, trance and future bass; LION’s music has a unique electronic edge. Combined with his love for femme-bodied pop icons in the Western world and the K-pop scene, his vibrant personality flows through his fierce lyrics and powerful hooks.

Having spent the last two years refining his artistry with the Tomboi Records team, LION echoes somewhere between Todrick Hall and Lil Nas X. His heavy beats and distorted synths evoke a lion’s roar.

Performing multiple shows and festivals already, including most recently the main stage at World Pride, LION has firmly established his showstopping live presence. He brings together all the unique elements of his identity and his talents, creating theatrical, rhythmic, and prolific material. Gearing up to release his debut single ‘Not Your Fetish’ on the 12th of May, accompanied by an iconic film clip, LION has carved out his own lane in the Australian music industry, and is set to dominate worldwide.

About this program

Led by First Nations artist and creative Kiwat Kennell, The Exchange, is an advice show on how to navigate the complexities of the music industry. Join members of our creative community, as they share their experiences, struggles and successes in this industry. Kiwat will explore the common grounds, commonalities and connections that exist within the arts and share music, advice and inspirations from leading experts and performers.

Presenters