Do you happen to remember the famous saying that men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Dominica-based singer-songwriter, Lí-Lí Octave has lyrics and vocal melodies that explore that saying and so much more. Her new album, Play on Venus – Live at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024, explores the female perspective and her own personal human experience through navigating the world as a woman. It doesn’t matter if listeners are women or not, there is something that every single person can enjoy about this work of art.
Lí-Lí Octave has been playing music since she was just 8 years old. She began singing with a passion at age 4, and just ten years later, at age 14, she found herself compelled to write her own songs. These ten incredible songs were written over the course of 4 months and were performed live in front of an audience at Jazz ‘n Dine. Throughout the record, listeners will find themselves swept away by the incredible vocal abilities of the Caribbean singer. Her heart is worn on her sleeve, the emotion pouring through the speakers with elegance. Rock the Pigeon is honored to review this album, track by track.
The first song is a slow ballad that will get listeners in their feelings, especially if they’ve been through relationship troubles or a breakup recently. “Wait (For Your Love)” is driven by Lí-Lí Octave’s powerhouse vocals and a clean toned guitar picking jazz chords. It’s also driven by heartbreak. In the song’s mid-section, Octave launches into a powerful belt, revealing her impressive vocal range. The track weaves together moments of both sorrow and strength, creating an emotional journey for the listener. After experiencing unrequited love, she’s finally ready to let go and move forward.
The next track “Lay It Down” is more funky and upbeat. This song is sultry and sensual, written to a serve as a form of foreplay. Desire, lust, and love can all be heard throughout the track. We hear another impressive vocal performance. This time, Lí-Lí Octave’s voice soars to even greater heights, living mostly in a higher octave. She riffs throughout the song. There is a fun moment where the band starts to cease their performance, fading out. Lí-Lí Octave tells them to carry on while she talks to the couples in the room, telling them to lean into each other, make eye contact and say “lay it down.” This talk reminds the listener that this was all recorded live – quite impressive! She hits a high note before playing, saying: “How are you going to hit that note? That’s between you and them.”
The vibes continue for “Out of Place.” In this song, we hear another side of Lí-Lí Octave’s voice. This song mostly rests in a lower register. This song is to mourn and accept the end of a failing relationship. She sings: “Love is not enough, and we’re both out of place.” While she sings, a distorted electric guitar adds another flavor to the record, offering some blues riffs.
The pace picks up for the intro of “You Scared.” We get to hear the drums and bass take over for a moment here. The bass line is busy and fun before settling back into the jazzy feel. The music represents the chaos that leads to the eventual resolve and calmness. This song is about a woman trusting her gut. Her investigative instinct led her to question and catch her lover in a lie, revealing his infidelity. This song has quite a bit of talking in it, but it’s playful and empowering, and very artistic.
A captivating bass line comes in for “Struggling,” another impressive original. This one is very close to hear. In fact, Octave says that it’s her favorite song on the record.
“My favorite song on the live album is “Struggling” because it most closely reflects me. I’ve always struggled being my true self and watering down the realest versions of me to avoid unnecessary judgement, nor to offend anyone.
And referring to good liquor, these days I find myself being more open and ‘straight up’ about my thoughts and views and if anyone offends me, I’m letting them know, no matter how they feel about it.
But of course, there are more times than not that I try finding the right words to say ‘you’re really freaking pissing me off’ And I’ve got to hit backspace and delete “freaking”,… delete ‘pissing’…. Trash the whole sentence then start over, more politely. But I’m getting better at it.– Lí-Lí Octave
This song explores the struggle with insecurities, causing self-doubt and allowing fear to take the lead. Octave sings about typing out text messages, only to delete and rewrite them, constantly questioning if she’s expressing herself the right way. She wants to avoid drama, and rephrases to not stir the pot. The song heats up towards the end. She falls into a repetitive belt that serves as a hook refrain.
Next we get the honor and privilege of getting to know Lí-Lí Octave’s wise grandmother. “Grandma’s Kitchen” is all about the life lessons that her grandma teaches her while they cook great food. Her grandmother has lots of important lessons to pass down. She hopes that she can spare her grandchild some of the pain that she went through, especially relating to men and heartbreak. This song has a quick-paced, catchy chorus section. She sings her grandmothers’ advice into the mic with confidence: “Love is more than just knocking boots, it’s about growing the right roots.”
“Work of Art” is an uplifting anthem that radiates positivity. In it, Lí-Lí Octave offers her personal advice and insights on life’s meaning, making the song a true empowerment anthem. Packed with affirmations, it’s perfect for anyone in need of a confidence boost. The smooth bass line, my favorite element of the track, adds an extra layer of warmth to the recording. This song is a true work of art!
To maintain positivity and inner peace, Lí-Lí Octave knows she must step out of her own head and definitely out of others’ minds. “Get off Me” is a song that explores these feelings. Letting go of others’ judgments is an essential act of self-love and self-care. She recognizes the need to practice this in order to preserve her inner calm. Having reached her personal limit, she realizes it’s time to take a step back and create space to rest and recharge. The background vocals in this song are playful and captivating, adding a lively touch!
The next song follows a similar sentiment as the last. “Mind Your Gd Business” is all about setting and maintaining good boundaries. She begins the song by asking the crowd if anyone’s name is Rosie in the audience, laughing and saying she doesn’t want to get involved with another “nosey Rosie” tonight. Luckily, no one in the crowd shares the name Rosie. Octave delivers an incredible performance that feels rooted in self-empowerment and self-respect.
The record concludes with “Top of the World.” This song brings back a funky element. The bass and drums groove while the electric guitar gets seriously funky, sounding like a wah pedal. This fun song is about the gift of life, the life that Octave has created for herself with her wisdom, her grandmothers wisdom, and her personal strength.
The album is available on all streaming platforms, including YouTube:
Octave’s Live Band & Studio Band:
Michaj Smith – Drums
Kelvin Henderson – Bass Guitar
Javan Baron – Keys
Che Gittens – Lead Guitar
Benton Julius – Rhythm Guitar
Josea Massicot-Daniel – Background Vocals
Vernella Henderson Dumas – Background Vocals
Keep up with Lí-Lí Octave:
Lí-Lí Octave on Facebook
Lí-Lí Octave on Instagram
Lí-Lí Octave Website
Written by Ryan Cassata
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