Interview with Musician Lily Forte
In 2021, Lily Forte released her first ever EP, Losing the Illusion, at 19. Four years later, after releasing a second EP and getting started on her debut album, Forte’s songwriting has yet to falter and her vocals are better than ever. After following her career for some time, we had a chance to sit down with the singer and discuss her creative processes, musical inspirations, and more.
Image Courtesy of Lily Forte
What is your creative process like? Do you start with lyrics then melody, or vice versa?
I mostly start with lyrics! I like to sit down at the piano around the same time everyday to sing and write. I really enjoy writing songs at the piano at home and then bringing the songs into the studio. I also have a note in my iPhone filled with little ideas that come to me during daily life.
Has your creative process changed at all since beginning your music career?
I’ve been so fortunate to meet some amazing collaborators within the last few years. I think that has allowed me to open my horizons more both in the studio and outside the studio. It’s really special to create a moment with someone else.
What was your favourite song out of your discography to write? Why?
Probably play pretend. It was one of those songs that I wrote in 5 minutes at the keyboard in my childhood bedroom. I didn’t overthink the lyrics or melody, I just said what I wanted to say.
You’ve often been compared to singer Amy Winehouse - has she influenced your music in any way? How is your music different from hers?
Amy is a once in a lifetime artist. Amy’s soulful, powerhouse voice has inspired me to explore my own range more and take more risks when I’m singing.
Image Courtesy of Lily Forte
What was the thing that really inspired you to go into music?
I feel really fortunate to have grown up listening to good music. I have my mom to thank for showing me icons like Carole King and Janis Joplin which shaped my early years. I was always singing around the house and my mom really supported me to pursue music as a career.
What do you think sets Can’t Handle Hollywood apart from Losing the Illusion?
Losing the illusion was my first ever EP. At the time, I was listening to a lot of indie pop and was 18/19 years old. I think there’s an innocence to Losing the Illusion that only being a teenager can bring. When I was writing Can’t Handle Hollywood, I had moved across the country, lived and learned a bit more. I also started going back to my early roots in jazz and rock n roll and was able to have a bit more fun when writing.
Your most recent EP has a darker, vintage americana aesthetic whereas your first features lighter tones - what direction do you think your first album might be going in visually?
I just started writing my first album! All I can say is I feel so much more unfiltered in this project. I feel glamorous and grunge all in one.
You released a cover of Elvis Presley’s (or most famously covered by him) “Blue Christmas.” Is there any reason in particular you chose to cover this song? Do you see yourself releasing a full holiday EP in the future?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Elvis. Especially his Christmas album. I find myself singing all of those songs around the holidays so it felt only right to honor the bluesy Christmas classic. And I would absolutely love to release a holiday EP. I’m such a nostalgic gal. I love singing holiday music and reminiscing.
If you had the chance to collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would you pick?
I would have to say the one and only Jeff Buckley!
If you could go back in time to when you were first starting your music career, what would you tell yourself?
I think I would remind myself that there’s no substitute for the work. Keep working hard, keep singing, and good things will come. It can get confusing in the heart of Hollywood, but find the light within yourself to keep going.
