I Do You! An Interview with Lie Ning

photography & ad Ruben Cortelletti & Ginevra DetassiS, 

creative direction & set design Christiaan Pienaar, styling Illia KulishoV, makeup Marvin Glissman, hair Leo SterN, production Giulio Polverigiani,

photo assistant Asik Toprak, set design assistant Antonia Jacob 1st styling assistant Charlotte Bandel, styling assistant Anastasia Temnenko,

models Lie Ning, Johann Courgibet, Pers Mastori with Let it Go, 

Rodriga Cavalheiro, Ayanleh Elmi Barreh with Majin Scouting

Following the release of their latest single “Dimelo” Lie Ning, a Berlin staple—or should we say snack—sat down with MERDE to discuss the themes behind their music and whether they’re a goose or a pig. E-I-E-I-O!

MERDE: How would you like to introduce yourself?

Lie Ning: I’m a stupid fag that ages backwards and writes serious music.

MERDE: You stepped into these farmer boots effortlessly, would you say Lie Ning is a role you step into or an extension of Peer?

LN: I honestly wish i knew. I think everyone who gaslights themselves into thinking they are one fixed version of a person, is foolish. Just because I didn’t chose farmer boots as a teen doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be a fab farmer. Maybe to come?

MERDE: Many of your songs are about love and sexuality, your new single “Dimelo” is quite sexy. Would you describe yourself more as a goose or a pig?

LN: Geese are faithful and mate for life and well a pig likes to play. Oh baby. Geese fly away too, not bound to one place. So goose or pig.... Permanence is an illusion.

MERDE: What would you listen to if you worked in a barn?

LN: Cowboy Carter. Not gonna lie... there’s a basic bitch in me. And probably my upcoming track “charade” as I’m still working on it.

MERDE: What is the song about?

LN: It’s about the struggles of living in a Germany that is becoming more and more hostile to its Queer and non-white citizens. I’m singing about having to leave if things don’t change, which might include profession. So bring me a pitchfork and I’ll get to it.

MERDE: What themes do you like to explore in your music?

LN: There’s nothing I wouldn’t write about. I wish I had more capacity and leisure to work on the trivial. For now I’m focusing on the beauty of my surroundings and the struggles we revolt against.

MERDE: Do you try to use your music or platform to address the current shitty global political climate?

LN: Oh yes. My next album is becoming somewhat of a breakup album between Germany and I.

MERDE: How important do you think representation is? Do you feel like you are a voice for the queer community?

LN: I mean those are all words but I believe in equity in chance. Representation. as often used, seems more performative and is often centered around more public professions. Important would be anti-capitalist education programs and interventions. I’m not a voice for the queer community, I am a member of it. And a musician who does sing about their experiences as a queer person.

MERDE: Berlin is home. What does Berlin mean to you and does the city influence your music at all?

LN: My friends/family are home. Wherever they are in this world. Berlin has offered me a specific view that only by leaving Berlin will grant me any small perspective on things.

MERDE: A little rooster told us that you are flying the coop. Can you let us in on the secret?

LN: Bitch I’m out. This coop dont want me, so I’ll find a hotter rooster elsewhere. It’s chicken run.

MERDE: I have been using so many animal metaphors, do you even like animals?

LN: I do. In the wild only.

MERDE: What is your favourite animal?

LN: Praying mantis shrimp are kind of fierce.

MERDE: Fuck, Marry, Kill: Bear, Otter, Twink?

LN: Fuck all of em. What are these stupid categories anyways? I’ll marry anyone who needs a visa—and eat the rich.

MERDE: After fucking all of them, what’s next for Lie Ning?

LN: World domination, staying Queer, staying Black, making a new album.

MERDE: Did you know that pigs don’t sweat?

LN: My best friend must be a pig.