Lillie-Jo is a singer-songwriter and model from Islington. She credits her soulful voice and love for music to her upbringing. Growing up in a pub, she was exposed to a range of artists from Frank Sinatra to Timi Yuro and Amy Winehouse. This bustling environment was perfect for her to develop her performances and confidence to an impressive standard. Having her debut single ‘Battle’ documented on Channel 5, Lillie-Jo is already making moves, and this is just the beginning!
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
I’ve always loved to sing, I’ve been singing since I could speak but I believe the moment I knew it was what I wanted to do for a living I was very young in my parents pub, singing and dancing for the customers. I loved listening to all the old singers and definitely got my taste in music from my parents. I’ve always had a super supportive family and I’m super grateful for that, so I suppose in a way my family inspired me by supporting me so much!
What differs you and your sound from other rising singer-songwriters in the music industry?
I’m not really one for comparing myself to other people to be honest, I see parts of me in a lot of other artists but I’m the only me in the world and I don’t like to compare myself and especially my music, the type of music I make differs but at the end of the day, I know exactly what I want to sound like and what I want to put across. My music is my baby I wouldn’t compare my baby to someone else’s aha!
Your new single ‘TBH’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the release?
The creative process was a really short one, written and recorded in under an hour. I was given the topic heartless and it reminded me of a time I was seeing someone who was clearly a lot more interested in me than I was in him and I just sparked the creative juices in my brain and TBH was made!
Writing the song came really easy if I could change anything I’d re-record but it’s branded as a “freestyle” type thing so I won’t. I’m happy with the song and the reaction it’s got so far has been incredible?
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
Most probably Battle, my first single. It’s about a relationship I was in that I just felt like I was loosing the battle the whole time. It was a low point in my life and now I look back and it makes me so grateful for where I am now.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments?
Working with Channel 5 was pretty fun, although I’m not too keen on the name of the show they ended up choosing, it’s channel 5 they’re known for their mad program names. I was still super appreciative of the opportunity and getting to show everyone the lead up to my first single release at pro time on one of the biggest channels in the UK is still amazing!!
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Be yourself, don’t try to copy anyone else. There’s millions of people trying to do what we want to do with our lives and the only way I can see myself doing well that is by just being myself and showing people why they should support you as an artist. Also find support! Having supportive people around you will make all the difference, if you think you can do it you will do it! A bad mentality is a big big reason why you won’t go anywhere in my opinion!
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
Hopefully big things! I don’t want to jinx anything but I have very high hopes of this song doing well, I have other songs ready to be released and it’s all so exciting! Who knows you might see me playing at the festivals this year if the song does well enough!
Anything else you would like to add?
Getting to work with my best friends doing what I love is the best feeling in the world and I can only pray that it’s what I get to do for the rest of my life!
‘TBH’ is available now via all major platforms.
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