Exi(s)t by Lilya Mandre

Marking her first appearance on Damian Lazarus' iconic Crosstown Rebels imprint, Moroccan-born artist Lilya Mandre steps into the spotlight with "Exi(s)t." Landing in October, the EP pairs her expressive, melodic style with a striking vocal feature from UK-based singer-songwriter Jono McCleery and a collaboration with Montreal's Zac Martel, completed by a stellar remix from Haitian heavyweight Francis Mercier.

An ascending name in the global electronic sphere, Lilya Mandre channels her Casablanca roots into a sound that balances deep, minimal-leaning grooves with raw emotional weight. Her magnetic presence has already taken her to stages such as Hï Ibiza, where she joined Crosstown head honcho Lazarus for his summer residency, plus the likes of Moga Festival, La Clairière Paris, and Picnik Electronik, while recent releases on Mind of A Genius, IN/ROTATION and Madorasindahouse continue to position her as one of the scene's most exciting breakthrough candidates. With "Exi(s)t," she brings this same captivating energy into the studio, weaving powerful collaborations and evocative solo work into a release that captures her artistry in full.

"Exi(s)t" is a snapshot of one of the most transformative chapters of my life - the end of high school in Morocco and the beginning of my college years in Montreal. I was 18 when I left, stepping away from the comfort of home, family, and everything I knew. I felt like I had to exit one world in order to exist in another. This project holds pieces of my heart and represents a journey of finding myself through change, distance, and music. At its core, "Exi(s)t" is about growth and self-love. Leaving home so young taught me to understand myself in ways I never imagined - through independence, vulnerability, and the challenge of starting over far away. This EP is a reflection of that transformation.
Lilya Mandre

Opening track "A Part Of Your Soul," crafted alongside Canadian producer Zac Martel (Madorasindahouse), sees Lilya also link up with acclaimed English singer-songwriter Jono McCleery (Ninja Tune), whose delicate and soulful vocals glide over rich synth work and fluid percussion to deliver a stirring and cinematic cut. Deep Roots founder Francis Mercier then steps in on remix duties, injecting his signature blend of worldly percussion and driving energy to transform the original into a hypnotic, club-ready anthem.

Closing the package, "Malou" takes things deeper as Lilya steps out solo, layering subtle melodies and textural flourishes for a track that's both restrained and emotionally resonant. With its balance of expressive collaborations and immersive solo work, "Exi(s)t" sets a compelling tone and brings an impressive debut to Crosstown Rebels, showcasing her ability to craft moments that resonate both on the dance floor and beyond.

Lilya Mandre - Exi(s)t
Release Date October 2025
Label Crosstown Rebels

Tracklist
1. Lilya Mandre, Zac Martel feat. Jono McCleery - A Part Of Your Soul
2. Lilya Mandre, Zac Martel feat. Jono McCleery - A Part Of Your Soul (Francis Mercier Remix)
3. Lilya Mandre - Malou