The Duke Spirit’s Liela Moss returns with brooding new single ‘Reward’

30 May, 2024

Liela Moss, 2024

Liela Moss has marked her return – dropping the ominous new single ‘Reward’. Check it out below.

Best known as the frontwoman for The Duke Spirit, the singer-songwriter also has a fruitful solo career, which took off in 2008 with the release of her debut solo album ‘My Name Is Safe In Your Mouth’.

Now, the latest release marks her first new music for 2024 and sees her advancing into a more daring musical direction.

Titled ‘Reward’, the track comes as one of her most ominous and brooding songs to date, and drips with confidence as she introduces woozy synths, distorted beats and intense, commanding vocals. The lyrics also see Moss look to challenge the feeling of shallowness in today’s culture.

“This is me staring directly into feelings of insufficiency and asking, ‘What is this tension, this holding on?’,” the singer explained of the motif behind the song.

“I want a life where well-being is not dependent on outcome, and I want to feel like I ride in a clear space. If all I want is ‘arrival’, then the journey is not so cool, is it? Can I, can we collectively, work hard to override the spell of the ego and instead be satisfied in the present moment?

“I’m looking for that place where ego subsides and that constant yearning is simply not there. What if we could collectively, globally calm that ‘wanting’ down!? Dissolve the grip of the ego; contribute to existence rather than mine resources to temporarily ‘fix’ a desire… I’m writing about the vanity we all get caught up in.”

The track is produced by production duo and remixers IYEARA – famed for their work with artists including Mark Lanegan and Humanist. It also arrives on the heels of Moss’ sophomore album ‘Who The Power’, third record ‘Internal Working Model’, and five LPs with The Duke Spirit.

According to a press release, ‘Reward’ will be the first of a number of singles to be released throughout 2024. More details on new music are set to be shared at a later date.

That being said, the forthcoming tracks are expected to arrive before Moss embarks on a run of live shows across the UK later this year. These kick off with a slot in Bristol on October 15, followed by a gig at London’s Hoxton Hall the following night.

From there, the tour wraps up with a show at Brighton’s Alphabet on October 18, and a final date at Band On The Wall in Manchester the next evening. Visit here for remaining tickets, and find a list of shows below.