Leelith — Official Website
Explore the official website of Leelith, a singer, songwriter and composer blending pop, soul, jazz and R&B into emotional, intimate and atmospheric music.
ARMENIAN SINGER-SONGWRITER · MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST
Leelith
Intimate songs. Atmospheric sound. Blending jazz, R&B, soul, pop and alternative rock, Leelith writes music rooted in longing, love and the feelings that connect us.
Music & performances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LchY15dxlaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtyyyyPlr10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiW0hsf4LN8
https://youtu.be/vd_X4rbyfnM?si=dY7hRQWGxprZklUx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Ugza17xBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtqO0_lJLfs
The artist behind the songs
Leelith is an Armenian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist blending jazz, R&B, soul, pop and alternative rock. She began formal piano training at seven, performing in concerts, entering competitions and receiving awards, alongside acting studies and musicals. In 2014, Leelith joined TUMO's all-female pop-rock group Decibelle as a singer-songwriter and pianist. Later, she joined Nvak Foundation's music education and artist development programme, training with accomplished music professionals from the US and Europe, including songwriting with GRAMMY-winning songwriter Courtney Harrell. A song she wrote at 17 reached the semifinals of the International Songwriting Competition. Her work on the Armenian film Kataryal Apush includes writing the soundtrack, contributing songs and appearing as an actress. Leelith is currently working on her debut album with multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated producer Roy Hamilton III, alongside soundtrack work for an upcoming film.
“I want my songs to make people feel that they are not alone — that whatever they are going through, someone else has felt it too. I believe music has the power to heal, no matter who we are or where we are in the world.” — Leelith
THE STORY BEHIND THE SOUND
A life in music
Born in 1998 in Yerevan, Lilit Hovakimyan — known professionally as Leelith — grew up in a family rooted in Armenian music and performance. She is the great-granddaughter of composer and qanun virtuoso Zaven Termenjyan and qanun soloist Tiruhi Hakobyan, formerly of the Tatul Altunyan Armenian Song and Dance State Ensemble. She began piano at Alexander Spendiaryan Music School at seven, performing in concerts and competitions, including the Piano Etude Competition, and receiving awards, certificates and diplomas. Acting studies and musicals broadened her early experience of the stage. In 2014, she joined TUMO’s all-female pop-rock group Decibelle as a singer-songwriter and pianist. The group’s work received praise from Serj Tankian and Yevgeny Krylatov. She also attended a workshop with cellist and bassist Artyom Manukyan and later shared the stage with him. Through Nvak Foundation’s music education and artist development programme, she trained with music professionals from the US and Europe. Her experience included working within Tamar Kaprelian’s team alongside Andrew Fox and Evan Feist, and studying songwriting with GRAMMY-winning songwriter Courtney Harrell. A song she wrote at 17 reached the semifinals of the International Songwriting Competition. Today, her songwriting continues to bring together her musical heritage, a love of performance and an intimate approach to storytelling.
RELEASES & CURRENT WORK
Songs, screen & a new chapter
Leelith’s public recordings trace an evolving sound: the Armenian-and-English “Urish mi Ser” with Carpet Jam (2022), and her debut single “Hangist” (2023). In 2024, she reunited with Carpet Jam for the English-language “Sweet Dreams.” Her recordings also include “Aygi” (Այգի), a song of longing and quiet devotion that blends contemporary pop with orchestral depth. Her work on the Armenian film Kataryal Apush includes writing the soundtrack, contributing songs, performing “Gites” and appearing as an actress — bringing her songwriting and screen experience together. She is now developing her debut album with multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated producer Roy Hamilton III of The Singer’s Company. Exploring longing, love and deeply felt emotional experiences, the project combines jazz and R&B textures with alternative-rock elements. She is also working on soundtracks for an upcoming film.
SELECTED SINGLE
Aygi · Այգի
A song of longing and quiet devotion, blending contemporary pop with orchestral depth. Watch the official lyric video with English translation.
