Lilli Wilder
Lilli Wilder is a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles.
She released her debut single “Mean Girls” with LA songwriter/producer trio BRÅVES on January 24th.
The r&b stripped down record is about not knowing how to fall in love with the right person.
“I was utterly infatuated with a girl who was unable to reciprocate those feelings and frankly, didn't want to. I fell head over heals for the idea of someone who didn't exist,” says Wilder.
Wilder has opened for pop artist Daya and performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theater, and Lincoln Center. She is now signed to Kobalt, as well as to an artist development project with BRÅVES.
The 21 year old artist offers a personal first single revealing her soulful vocals and honest songwriting.
Lilli Wilder hopes to inspire people to be themselves and encourages LGBT people to not be afraid of their feelings.
“Mean Girls” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Louis Rodiger
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi. I'm Lilli! I'm 21 years old and I live in Los Angeles. I guess you could start my story with a cappella. I did that from around 12 to 20 in many many different groups. Songwriter was kind of the natural progression after that and now I'm a solo artist! It was so cool to get to start performing from such a young age. Music has always been around me and I've kept it that way into my adult life. I also just really like the beach. And mountains.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write songs in the first place?
I first started writing songs when I was probably like, 6? I would sing little song all the time; But, I don't have them anymore because I was very small and my only concept of writing things down involved school. So, obviously we lost a few on the way. I wrote songs down in high school but every single one of those songs was WAY too emotional and always about a girl. I guess all my songs have been. That's besides the point, I started writing because I want to feed people. Performing has always been my genius and what makes me feel the most authentic. Songwriting, to me, is the next stepping stone into that dream. I got to exercise my stage muscles with a background in a cappella but those weren't my own words I was singing. I am a writer so that I can create an atmosphere of safety and love at my shows. All I can hope is that people feel inspired to be themselves.
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
I think I've always had that part of me. I've always had a love and absolute passion for performing. Releasing music means I get to perform it. So, for me, it's not really a matter of confidence. Maybe I just haven't stopped to think about it in a while. I love being an artist, it's freeing.
Who was the first person to believe in you and your talent?
My parents. Yeah, they've always been down. They pretty much knew early on musicianship was what I was meant to do. With all of my siblings being singers too, it's really just been one big concert my whole life. Big love for Mark and Kate Eggenschwiller. When I was a younger kid they were always helping with a cappella festivals, make up and snacks for musicals, chaperoning, you name it. Mom was a church touring rockstar in her 20's and Dad is the biggest goofball creator I've ever met. He likes to make songs that will make people giggle but he also writes love songs for my mom. In short, I couldn't have more supportive parents.
How would you define Lilli Wilder, the artist?
That is an intense question. I think the simplest answer is a tattoo that I just got the other day. It reads, "kindness costs you nothing." And that's how I want to treat people and live my life. The music that I put out is going to be a direct reflection of my character and how I perceive the world. All through an R&B lens. I integrate jazz chords, disco bass, and hip hop melodies into a journey that I hope captivates.
You recently released "Mean Girls" with BRÅVES. What's the story behind this song?
Oh man. To tell the entire thing would take up a novel and more. To make it short and sweet, I was utterly infatuated with a girl who was unable to reciprocate those feelings and frankly, didn't want to. I fell head over heals for the idea of someone who didn't exist. Gave all my power away. Being a few earth rotations older now I find it all so very silly. I think she's probably heard the song too which is pretty funny.
How was it like to work with BRÅVES?
First of all, as humans, they are like a weighted, heated blanket. Their energy is like getting into a lazy river. They take all of your anxiety away and somehow simultaneously turn it into lyrics and melodies. Working with BRÅVES is a lucid dream. Second of all, and more importantly, each of them looks like they were hand carved by Michelanglo. So, all around beautiful humans inside and out.
What message do you want to convey through this song?
I want young LGBT people to not be afraid of their feelings. Even if they're bigger and brighter and bolder than anything you've ever seen, it's okay. I promise. Someone out there is worthy of it. YOU are worthy of it. Some people are going to only take from you. Their only purpose in your life is going to be to bring you down. It's up to us to recognize that and spend our energy accordingly. I was young and dumb and got my elephant sized heart broken. I HAD to write Mean Girls. So I could flush them out of my system. I hope the audience to Mean Girls takes away that cycles of any type of abuse can and will come to an end. I hope they all feel they have the power to be vulnerable and the bravery to walk away.
What do you like the most about this song?
The fact that it's the first song I ever wrote after getting signed and moving to LA AND it's my first original I've ever released. Feels very telling to my purpose. The moment I got here without knowing it I wrote one of the most important songs I think I'll ever write. And I LOVE that it's gay. My career is queer and this is just the start.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The photographer, Louis Rodiger, has such an eye for subtle beauty. We really wanted this song to speak for itself. The artwork kind of furthers that notion. It's me, with BRÅVES doing their wizardry in the background. They gave me such a platform with this song and this artwork and I'm forever grateful to them for it. The shoot happened pretty quickly? I showed up and we kind of shot everything right then. I will say, it was some top notch entertainment to have all four of us prancing around in suits with no shoes on. Oh and flower crowns too! Very cute.
How does it feel like to release personal records with the world?
Wild. Unlike any other feeling I've experienced. And I've dealt with many. It feels like if I touch anything it could light on fire. The adrenaline and exhilaration that comes from the risk factor makes the excitement convolute a little bit. That makes it fun though. Being scared is the ticket into the game. It reminds me that I'm where I'm supposed to be.
What does singing make you feel?
Free.
Do you remember a specific moment in your life where music made a huge impact?
There might be too many to count. I also want to be very very specific if i name any names cause I have goals of working with these people some day. Almost every time that Kehlani releases music it marks a significant time in my life. SweetSexySavage changed the way I thought about writing queer songs. Especially her song "Honey." I'm a terrible musician and I never do covers but I covered that song. Ed Sheeran's, "Give Me Love" music video was the first time I ever saw two girls kissing. That moment was a big one. Not to bring it back to Kehlani or anything but the only song I've been listening to for the past however many days it's been out is "Get Me" by Justin Bieber Feat. Kehlani. It's only a recent moment but I think the impact is going to be big.
Who/what inspires you the most?
My younger brother, Seth. I'm not sure how he's physically surviving his life at the moment. He is in the Honors Tutorial College of Theater and Ohio University. He's in his second semester of junior year and taking 21 credit hours. I'm almost 99% positive that he has taken that many hours since he has started college. Seth is also in at least three productions a year. Let alone that he is a lighting engineer for others as well. He's been in several short films and I think filming another one right now actually. This man is 140 pounds wet and 6'2. I could not be more proud of him and where he's headed in life. His talent bursts at the seems. And he's working his ass off to get to where he wants to be. Seth is an inspiration to me, he always has been. The funniest, sweetest, most thoughtful, and intelligent friend I could ever have. I can't believe I get to call him my brother. Hey Seth! Love you.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
So this question is a little bit difficult to answer because I have a couple different paths that come to mind. My intentions are to donate as much money as I fiscally can to charity and/or start one. I'm not a flashy person or anything. If my life leads to a financially successful one I'm quite excited to live it simply. I don't need too much space and my cat, Oswald, is great company. Hopefully some poor woman will let me put a ring on it and put up with me forever. On the music side, I begrudgingly want to win a grammy. Mostly just get nominated for a grammy. Being a player in the game can be even bigger than the prize. If anything I just want to be remembered. For my music but also as a good person. As someone who's quick to forgiveness, kind, and patient. All things I happen to love about my mom.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
Being outside and on the beach with my friends as often as possible. Trusting my heart and my convictions. Tattoos. Getting the exact right amount of sleep. Animal petting. Jenna Marbles. Oh and also Rubik's cubes.
What message do you want to give to LGBTQ+ communities?
I'm gonna start by saying that I am beside myself to be asked this question. The idea of being a role model to anybody let alone the majesty of the queer community is a dream I've had since I was 10. The message is a couple things. 1. Let's every single one of us set the standard for using correct pronouns. If someone is he/him one day and they/them the next. We honor that. I believe gender is an expression of the self. And everything inside of your intrinsic reality is sacred. 2. You are beautiful. Cherish being born this way it's a part of what makes you special. Don't ever let anybody take your power away. I see you. I love you. And you are not alone.
What advices would you give to your younger self?
It's gonna be okay. You're gonna live past 17. You're gonna live past 18. 19. You are so much bigger than the situations you've allowed yourself to sit in. This is kind of crazy story but when I was 12 I pointed out a mole on someone’s nose. I asked the question, "What's on your nose?" An innocent intend but perception is reality and I offended the person I asked. She immediately said, "That was really rude." Looking back maybe a bit brash? I was 12? Regardless, ever since that day I've tried to be more aware of what I say and how it's perceived by others. I wish younger me knew that she was gonna honor that. I'm not good at being proud of myself but I'm proud of the work I've done to be kinder and wiser.
What are your goals for 2020?
PRIVATE AND BIG.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If each and every one of us took a moment in our day to give to someone else. Make someone smile. Pay for a strangers coffee. The world gets better when we take every day one hour, one step, and one breath at a time. Stop and look at the view. Kindness costs you nothing. Spend it on you too.
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