In a music scene often dominated by polished personas and industry-made stars, Peonie stands as a breath of fresh air—honest, unfiltered, and deeply connected to her craft. Still an emerging artist, she’s carving out her own lane with a sound that blends the emotional depth of soul, the grit of rock, and the storytelling prowess of classic jazz. Peonie isn’t just another voice in the crowd; she’s an experience waiting to be discovered.
“I Need to Live My Songs”
For Peonie, music isn’t just about catchy hooks or clever wordplay—it’s about truth. “I am a lyricist that rarely sugarcoats or lies,” she says. “Everything I put down on paper is what actually happened to me.” This raw approach to songwriting means her tracks are more than just melodies; they’re diary entries, windows into her soul. It’s a rare level of honesty in an era where many artists chase trends over truth.
Her inspiration comes from life itself. “If I don’t experience stuff, I don’t write well,” she admits. “I need to live my songs.” Whether it’s love, heartbreak, or the chaos of everyday life, Peonie channels it all into her music. She wants listeners to feel something—anything. “I don’t really mind what they feel, as long as they do. It’s so important in our short human experience on this planet that we feel as much as possible.”
From Essex Pubs to London’s Underground
Born and raised in Colchester, Essex, Peonie’s early years were spent in pubs, playing pool, and making people laugh—something that still influences her stage presence today. “I really feel like that’s where my banter comes from,” she says. “Even now, it helps me when I’m on stage. People seem to respond well to it anyway!”
Now based in London, she’s immersed in the city’s fashion and art scene, especially Camden, where the rebellious spirit of music still thrives. Her style reflects her personality—a mix of retro ‘60s vibes, oversized hoops, and layers of jewellery. “I don’t know, I just am myself,” she says. “I try to stay myself and stay unique. Who doesn’t wanna be beautiful?”
A Sound That Turns Heads
Peonie’s musical influences are as eclectic as her sound. From Queen to Etta James, Pink Floyd to Jamiroquai, her taste is a melting pot of jazz, rock, soul, and funk. “Every melody I heard has shaped me as an artist,” she says. This mix of genres gives her music a timeless yet distinctive feel.
She recently had a moment that confirmed she’s on the right path. “I had a great reaction from someone the other night who pointed out one of our very obscure musical references—Radiohead. One particular song really inspired me, and they somehow managed to pick that out of everything we played. I was chuffed with that! It means it’s coming across how we want it to.”
The Big Dream: Wembley and Beyond
Peonie’s ambitions go beyond fame and fortune. “The ultimate goal is to take my band to Wembley,” she says. “I don’t care about money and fame. I want my band to get the recognition they deserve, and I want to inspire people—young and old—to be more creative and to seize their moment.”
Her band has just finished recording their debut EP, a project she’s immensely proud of. “I’ve been listening to it on repeat since we made it,” she admits. “I don’t think anyone is really doing it like us. We have a unique sound in the way we play and write, and I hope people turn their heads and feel like they’re listening to something fresh.”
The Advice: Stay Creative, Stay True
For those just starting out, Peonie’s message is clear: focus on the art. “Be creative—paint, draw, read, write. Get out into the world and put your mark on it,” she advises. “The logistics of the music industry can get you down, but the most important thing is to stay creative.”
She believes that creativity is key to understanding oneself. “I think that’s the whole point of life. The more you create, the more you understand about yourself in the process. Being yourself is the key.”
A Rising Star to Watch
Right now, Peonie is still a small artist, performing in intimate venues and building a following from the ground up. But with her raw authenticity, powerful songwriting, and undeniable stage presence, it’s only a matter of time before she breaks through.
And if you don’t like it? Well, in her own words: “I am Peonie. If you don’t like it, you can listen to Madonna or something.”
Big up, Colchester—your girl is just getting started. Follow Peonie's journey and listen to her latest tracks. @peonieofficial