Lí-Lí Octave has created her own sub-genre of Caribbean Neo Soul.
The Dominican artist brings a classic jazz and R&B sound to the modern age on her new live album, Play on Venus. Recorded at Jazz n' Dine earlier this spring, the album features ten original tracks from the soulful singer-songwriter. Play on Venus was released on September 30th, 2024.
"Out of Place" is a standout track on the album, offering a slow and silky instrumental coupled with a wailing guitar riff. Lí-Lí Octave reflects on feelings of isolation and instability in a relationship, unsure of if she and her partner fit together despite their passion. "Just 'cause I love you, doesn't mean I have to be with you… Love is not enough / We're both out of place." In the song's crescendo, she soars into her upper register, full of earth-shaking emotion and defiance.
On "Grandma's Kitchen," the songstress recalls the wisdom she received under the roof of her grandmother's house, "catching lessons of life and love." Perhaps the ultimate lesson being, "Love isn't about knocking boots / It's about growing the right roots." Her advice about men –- what to look for and what to look out for –- has stayed with Lí-Lí Octave on this smooth and groovy track.
The seventh track, "Work of Art" is a sincere and confident anthem, calling all of us to see the beauty in ourselves. She assures us that we are all a unique and irreplaceable creation, as she crrons "All you say you want / You can be / I know you have it in you." Because "sometimes we just need to hear it."
The final track, "Top of the World," is a bright funk-rock track with a plucky bass line, distorted guitar, and a vibrant horn section. An anthem of joy and resilience, Lí-Lí Octave sings "I am a diamond under pressure." The track concludes with an organ breakdown, giving the track a hymn-like feel.
"'Play on Venus' is my take on the female perspective and what we as women experience in everyday situations," she states. "You know the famous saying that men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Well, this is my way of inviting everyone to take on the soulful journey of the making of this lyrical Venus of mine — a planet of worded expressions which has formed this album."
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Lí-Lí Octave is deeply connected to her Carribean heritage. Writing her own original tracks, she combines powerful songwriting with the punch of her impressive four-octave vocal range.
The strength of her inredible vocal range and soulful stylings are on full display in Play on Venus, and the live album gives us a taste of her immense presence as a performer. Her charming personality is evident as she interacts with the audience and introduces each original song.
"You'll find a perspective on love making, the compromising situations that we sometimes find ourselves in, the struggle we experience trying to control our thoughts and words (especially around that luteal phase), the way we feel like we can conquer the world at times or when we're needing motivation and when we just want to be left alone," she elaborates further.
From sensual ballads, to defiant breakup songs, to anthems of confidence and self-love, Play on Venus is a thoughtful and lively release from the vocal powerhouse that is Ms. Lí-Lí Octave.
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