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Lenii likes to drink tea (Barry\u2019s Tea to be exact). While in quarantine with two friends, musicians Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Baby Bill, the trio easily down 12 or 13 cups of a day \u2500 apiece. Having grown up in Cork, Ireland, Lenii was accustomed to the culture \u2500 one which bred an environment of gabbing over tea with friends and loved ones. There\u2019s something soothing about hearing someone say, \u201cI\u2019ll put the kettle on.\u201d Whatever you might be feeling that day, it all washes down with some piping hot tea and good conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Ireland, people drink like eight cups of tea a day,\u201d Lenii tells Audiofemme. \u201cIf you visit someone\u2019s house, the tea is offered before you even get through the door. I even have a tea cup tattooed on my arm because it reminds me so much of home.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, it only seemed natural to launch a “Tea Sessions” series during these very uncertain times. Born Ellen Murphy, Lenii launches this creative endeavor with a stripped-down version of her song \u201cCereal,\u201d shedding away the gummy layers for a guitar and keyboard-driven performance. \u201cI got lucky enough to be locked down in a house in LA with two amazing musicians, also from Ireland,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were just jamming one day playing each other\u2019s songs and drinking tea, so I just thought it would be cool to film us,” says Lenii, whose voice is given a proper showcase. “The first episode was really spontaneous, and I loved the idea of a low-pressure quarantine \u2018tiny desk\u2019 type series.\u201d<\/p>\n