Lily Lyon
Los Angeles singer/songwriter Lily Lyon releases new single titled ‘Stuck’.
Produced by IMKK, ‘Stuck’ reflects on Lyon’s recovery period after a heartbreak.
“I think we've all been there, it's when you're finally ready and excited to put yourself out there but you're also still quite raw. What isn't quite obvious is that the song is about anxiety, the "people pleasing" anxiety that many women suffer to have our minds made up and put our own needs and wants last,” explains Lyon.
Inspired by the likes of Kesha, Miley Cyrus and Amy Winehouse, “Stuck” paints a fresh pop sound showcasing Lyon’s great songwriting.
The Brazilian-American artist hopes to make people feel understood through her music.
“Stuck” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Jake C. Barber
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My real name is Kimberly Barbosa, I grew up in North Jersey to two Brazilian immigrants. I was surrounded by music at a young age and picked up the guitar at 7, decided to start an all female rock band at age 11 with my older sister (who plays Bass) and I've been writing music ever since. I loved both classic rock and Brazilian music. When I moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, I was exposed to so many more genres and I started really discovering new areas of interest. I played in a band during college too and we played even harder rock than my previous band, I always loved pop but it was a guilty pleasure of mine. I started the alter ego Lily Lyon in college to perform and write songs that were a different genre. Basically pop but exploring fusion with Brazilian music and more. After I graduated I moved to Los Angeles and when all my band mates and friends took different directions I decided to do a 180 and completely dedicate to this pop persona I was hiding away.
Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood?
I grew up in North Jersey in a Brazilian American community. My Dad grew up on the farm in Brazil so he has 11 siblings and I have 90+ cousins. About a quarter of those cousins live here in the U.S. and I had the privilege of growing up with them. We were all in the same age group so those were my best friends. My sister is my best friend in the world and we were basically raised as twins even though we're two years apart. We were both born in July so every year we had an epic party together. She was also my bandmate, we went to college together and even work together to this day.
If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?
I was a dreamer and a go getter. I believed anything was possible. I really miss my younger self and try and remember and learn from her when I'm feeling extra pessimistic about the world.
How would you describe yourself today?
Still a dreamer and still go getter but I have trust issues. I guess that's what life will do to you.
When did you know you had to become an artist and release your original music?
I was 6 when I saw someone play guitar at a party. Seeing everyone connect and sing along made me crave that and I started playing guitar at age 7. When I was 11 I started just making up songs and adults told me to write it down and record it. I was wacky and told them that if the song was good I would remember it. Back then I actually had a good young memory and that method worked. Now I record EVERYTHING.
Who was the first person to believe in you?
My MOM! She is my #1 fan and took me seriously the minute I said I wanted to pursue music even though I was just a kid. My Dad was resistant at first but when he realized that years went by and the lessons weren't a waste and I wasn't quitting he became my #2 fan. I'm so fortunate to have parents that support me like they do.
How would you define Lily Lyon, the artist?
The purpose of my music is to make people feel like the best version of themselves. When I write a song that’s the version of Lily I try to be, and maybe it’s a lot to ask of a song but when someone hears my work I want them to feel bold even when they are vulnerable, feel sexy but on their own terms, and feel a rush of self-love while accepting that we are ever-changing.
How did things change for you since your very first release?
Since my first release I've received so much positive feedback and it definitely gave me a drive to keep creating. I think I would be creating regardless but it's nice to know that there are people out there waiting for what's next.
"Stuck" is your new single. Could you describe us the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this song?
I wrote the song alone in my room, it was one of those songs that comes together in like 15 minutes. Afterwords the incredible producer IMKK helped me take it to the next level and make it much faster and more upbeat than originally written.
What was the inspiration behind the record?
This song came from a time of recovery from heart break. I got out of a very serious relationship and it broke me. When I started to feel like myself again I met someone who I saw a potential romance with but the whole time I also felt that something casual could be what I needed in that moment in time. The song is really about that anxiety screaming "make up your mind!" but no one was saying that to me except my inner self.
What do you like the most about this particular song?
I love that it's dark but groovy and that it's kind of like fuck it. I don't have to know what I want. I accept feeling stuck.
What made you want to release "Stuck" as a single?
It has a stand alone theme and although it wasn't previously intended. Releasing it on Valentine’s Day just makes so much sense. It speaks to the struggles of modern dating.
What message do you want to deliver through this record?
The message is that it's OKAY to be scared, it's OKAY to be anxious, you don't owe anyone anything and if you don't know what you want, just take it day by day. Confront your demons and live your truth, even if that's a big question mark.
Why do you make music? What keeps you motivated?
I can't imagine not making music. I write songs in the shower, in the car, when I'm sitting on the toilet. It might not be anything I record or release but I pretend my life is a musical and have little songs and dance numbers in my head. I stay motivated to pursue what I love as a career because of the people around me who care to hear what I have to say.
Who/what inspires you the most?
My parents and basically anyone who came from nothing. It takes so much perseverance to build a career and a life when you have 0 connections or money and my parents did that coming to the U.S. They always supported me and just told me that no matter what I did, I had to give it 110% and as long as I gave it my all and my heart that nothing else matters.
Who's helping you shape your career?
My sister has been a huge help. I have a little team of people who have all influenced in their own way, but my sister is my best friend and is always helping me tweak my ideas and refine. She's also a talented musician so I value her input.
What lessons did you learn from your parents' activism in the Brazilian community?
That community is everything! It's so hard to come to a new country knowing no one and knowing nothing and my parents little bodega became the place where people come and post announcements and ask questions and make friends.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about travel, dancing, new experiences, and political activism!
As a human being, what do you want to accomplish?
I want to be part of movement towards unity and progress but also make people feel understood. That's the beauty of music and songs, it's unifying and reflective. So if I can make just one person out there feel understood through my music, that alone is a huge accomplishment.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More empathy and honesty. I think that most conflict is caused with secrecy and secrecy is caused by fear of judgment. It might be too simplistic but I think that event the most complex issues could be worked on if people weren't afraid to admit their bias and communicate, learn, and grow. No one knows everything, we all have something to contribute to this world.
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