“I chose to cover ‘Deceptacon’ because it’s such a bold, rebellious anthem that challenges the norm while staying playful,” Lexie Liu tells Apple Music about her reimagining of Le Tigre’s 1999 hit. “The raw energy of the original speaks to my own approach as an artist—constantly pushing boundaries, embracing authenticity, and refusing to be put into a box. This song represents freedom, individuality, and a refusal to conform, which resonates with my creative vision, especially as I navigate the intersection of music, identity, and empowerment.” The Chinese singer-songwriter chose to cover “Deceptacon” because of the strength the track gives her. “It’s an anthem of fearless self-expression,” she says. “It’s one of those tracks that feels like a constant source of adrenaline and inspiration. It was also a spark for my exploration of the electro-punk style, like on ‘3.14159’ from my album The Happy Star. ‘Deceptacon’ represents empowerment in its purest form—it’s fearless, defiant, and boundary-breaking. It’s not just about musical rebellion, it’s about giving a voice to those who refuse to be silenced. It’s a celebration of individuality and a call to action for anyone who has ever felt underestimated. For me, this song is a reminder to embrace my own authenticity and use my voice to create art that connects, questions, and inspires.” When thinking about other women she admires, two people come to mind for Liu. “I deeply admire Arca,” she says of the producer. “Her ability to create without conforming to expectations, and to transform and challenge what music can be is something I find incredibly inspiring. She embodies a kind of limitless artistic freedom that I strive for in my own work.” Closer to home, Liu cites her grandmother, Shuxiang Liu. “She is a strong, independent woman who always held me to high standards, reminding me that as a woman, I am just as capable of achieving great things. She grew up in an era where gender expectations were incredibly limiting, yet she never let that define her. In a society where family names are traditionally passed down from the father, she insisted that one of her children—my father—take her surname instead. Because of her, I also carry her name, Liu (刘), as a part of my identity. Her strength and resilience continue to shape who I am today, not just in name, but in spirit.”