Lee Lewis Turns “Maneater” Into a Soulful, Queer Confession
Written by Malik Welton
Photo by: Kalen Jo
When you think of Nelly Furtado’s Loose era, you think of power, playfulness, and liberation. But for R&B artist Lee Lewis, the album — and especially “Maneater” — was something more formative.
“It came out in middle school for me,” Lewis laughs. “You know how it is being a young gay kid when a record like this comes out. You play it non-stop, and oftentimes in secret.”
That nostalgia now comes full circle in Lewis’s reimagined cover of “Maneater” — a sultry, soul-infused rendition that flips the song’s perspective entirely. Where Furtado’s version was a bold, femme-forward anthem, Lewis transforms it into a slow-burning, sensual M2M narrative.
It was magic hearing this live this year. Since I’m naturally a fan of Maneater, I was able to recite the lyrics easily. But what shocked me the most was the way Lewis himself was embodying the song. It fit perfectly into his vibe and was something I could tell he was excited to share with the crowd.
“It was a no-brainer,” Lewis says about choosing the track. “I thought it'd be great to switch up the pronouns and tell it from a M2M perspective. I knew with a track this iconic, I had to switch it up heavily sonically as well, so naturally I wanted to make it a soul song to fit my voice and narrative.”
The result is something intimate yet confident — retaining the sexiness of the original but grounded in Lewis’s smooth vocal control and emotional weight. “I wanted to keep the sass and rawness,” he says, “but give it a Lee spin. There are even lyrics that relate to past and recent lovers of mine. I think I’ve dated a Maneater or two in the past few years.”
One of my favorite things about this is the stark difference between the 2 renditions of the song. I’m used to the OG track being a fun “bitch-track” esque that’s requested at drag shows. Lewis’s rendition strips all the glitz and glamour from the song, leaving us with the pure core of queer connection and relationships.
Lewis’s recent shows in LA and New York have cemented him as one of indie soul’s most exciting new live performers. “I haven’t done a ton of shows yet, but every time I’m on stage I’m having a damn good time,” he tells me. “Make sure, at the very least, you do that.”
Watching Lewis perform, that joy is unmistakable — the way he locks into the groove, the ease of his connection with the audience, and the emotion he pours into each note. “I find live performing more freeing and liberating than singing in the studio,” he says. “I’d advise other artists to get creative with live arrangements and find a band that can lead you a bit in that space. Find people who are stronger musicians than yourself — it’s humbling but necessary.”
When asked about dream collaborations, Lewis’s response is instant. “I want to write with Elmiene. Record a jazzy pop song with Laufey or Olivia Dean. Do another song with Sekou. Get produced by Jamie Woon or Geoff Barrow (Portishead). Get a remix done by Hiatus Kaiyote or Nick Hakim. And last but not least, I want to open on a tour for RAYE or Durand Jones.”
It’s a list that perfectly mirrors his sound — equal parts classic soul, alternative R&B, and moody, cinematic texture.
Before stepping into the indie-soul spotlight, Lee Lewis was trained in both musical theatre and classical voice. “I did classical training from age 12–22,” he says. “So I’d say I’m influenced by singers like Donny Hathaway & Maxwell, but also by singers I used to emulate in the classical space. I used to love Gerard Souzay quite a bit.”
That mix of precision and passion defines Lewis’s artistry. Every note feels deliberate but deeply felt — a fusion of control and vulnerability. “I always aim to have singing and voice be the primary focus,” he explains. “Hopefully it makes a unique combo for the listeners.”
One of my favorite things about Lewis’s show is that you can tell he loves his band. I feel a lot of artists overlook their band, but not him. I can see how the musical theater background ties into the cinematic world of his music and performance style.
With “Maneater” marking the start of his next chapter, Lewis is already deep in work on his second project. “I’m still writing it,” he admits, “but a bunch of the main songs are produced and ready to get mixed. I should have the next one out in January.”
The upcoming project will explore love, heartbreak, and the emotional aftermath of a past relationship. “Expect some good singing, high & low stories, improved writing, and a lot of vulnerability,” he says. “It’s been tough writing it, but we’re getting there. Oh, and hopefully a ton more shows. That’s my favorite part of this whole thing.”
I love how this new era sounds from Lee Lewis. Becoming a maneater in his own creative way. Beautifully and authentically.
