Ledbyher Emerges as a Captivating Force in UK Rap
Rachel Diack, better known by her stage name Ledbyher, is rapidly becoming one of the most engaging storytellers in the UK's underground rap scene. At just 21 years old, this enigmatic artist has released her first project with a major label, blending rumbling drill-tinged production with shapeshifting synths and hushed vocals. Her journey to this point is marked by resilience, creativity, and a determination to carve out space in a male-dominated industry.
A Bold Entrance into the Music Industry
When Diack attended her initial label meeting, she made an unforgettable impression. Instead of a casual introduction, she presented a 10-slide PowerPoint outlining her creative vision, including tour plans and marketing strategies. "I told them, 'I wanna go on tour, this is how the roll out's gonna go, this is the marketing,'" she recalls with a laugh. Her manager later informed her that executives were shocked by her proactive approach, but Diack was focused on making every opportunity count.
This meeting centered on her mixtape Elephant, her first release under a major label after dropping out of university to pursue music full-time. The project features tracks like "What's The Reason", a trap-inflected exploration of a confusing breakup, and "Remember Remember", with deliberately abstruse lyrics over a trap-style beat. Diack's unique sound and style, often accompanied by furry fluorescent hats and combat boots, have quickly made her a standout figure.
Balancing Mystery and Authenticity
Despite her enigmatic performance persona, Diack is charismatic and open in person, sharing wild tales of nights out with friends in a nonchalant, gum-chewing tone. However, she has found it challenging to maintain the obscure image often expected in the UK underground scene, where hazy visuals and cryptic social media posts are the norm. "I've had to compromise a lot on my identity," she admits, noting that while she aspires to be a vocal artist addressing issues, the underground's love for mystery requires a more aloof presence.
Her openness extends to her personal life, as she readily shares a "dating wrapped" PowerPoint on her phone, summarizing her romantic experiences over the past year. With "hopeless romantic" tattooed across her knuckles, Diack describes herself as someone who struggles to move on from past relationships, adding a layer of vulnerability to her public image.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
Diack's path to signing with Island Records was not straightforward. While in high demand, she encountered rap-centric imprints that were overwhelmingly male-dominated, making it difficult to find a team that understood her perspective. "I wanted them to understand rap, but they would only have guys and it would be difficult for me to work with a team if I'm their patient zero," she explains. She chose Island Records because she believes they champion women, seeing it as the safest and coolest option.
The rap scene initially felt unwelcoming and lonely for Diack. "In my opinion, you have to work twice as hard, you have to make sure everything's on point, no mistakes... there's so much more pressure," she says. To support other women, she programmed a show for Peckham-based radio station Balamii, exclusively platforming female musicians, including her sister Anjeli.
Building Community and Overcoming Adversity
Over time, Diack has found warmth and collaboration within the rap community. She has connected with artists like EsDeeKid, Skepta, Central Cee, and Lava La Rue, who she says understand her creative vision. "They're people that actually understand what I'm trying to do," she smiles, expressing hope to reach their level of success soon.
Diack's forward-thinking mindset may stem from her unstable upbringing. Born during the Iraq War to a Scottish RAF pilot and a Muslim mother with Indonesian roots, she moved frequently between Germany, Indonesia, and rural Norfolk. She began producing music in her teens to support her sister's singing, discovering a talent for spoken word along the way.
At age 18, Diack faced homelessness after a "weird situation" involving the police, relying on a friend to take her in. "We stuffed everything I had into her Smart Car; my guitar, my laptop, my piano," she recalls. She is now rebuilding her relationship with her parents after a period of estrangement, using these darker experiences as anchors for her music.
Reflecting Gen Z Realities Through Music
Diack's music often mirrors the gritty gloominess of her life experiences and the chaotic world perceived by her Gen Z peers. "The main feeling is that people are tired," she observes. "My friends are always trying to pull at strings, trying to hustle, make money, but it's very difficult because everything's so tiring, everything's overstimulating." This sentiment drives her towards darker musical directions, as she believes life isn't always happy and her art should reflect that reality.
As she navigates a confusing world, Diack is determined to make sense of it all, one song at a time. Her mixtape Elephant is set for release on 13 February, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
