Get ready for a musical revolution with ‘Tequila’, the new UK garage track by Lillie-Jo featuring Da Niño. The track, which dropped on Friday, 16th May, is a dynamic fusion of UK garage and Latin rhythms, creating a genre that Lillie-Jo has coined ‘Latin Garage’—blending the electrifying energy of UK garage with the infectious beats of reggaeton and Latin influences.
Who or what ignited your passion for music and drove you to pursue it as a career?
I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a pub — my parents were publicans — and there was always music playing, always energy and emotion in the air. Then I went to a music and arts-focused school in Camden, which only deepened that connection. From a really young age, I knew I wanted to be a singer. It was never a phase — it’s always been the goal, and I’ve never given up on it.
How would you describe your sound in a way that sets you apart from the crowd, and why do you think it resonates with listeners?
My sound is unapologetically British — it’s nostalgic, familiar, and distinctive. I have one of those voices that people tend to recognise instantly, and I take pride in that. I started in the R&B and pop space, but over time, I carved out my own lane, blending genres and drawing from my roots. I think what makes it connect is that it taps into something real and sentimental for UK listeners — it feels like a modern take on a sound they grew up with.
Your latest release ‘Tequila’, featuring Da Niño, is making waves across all major platforms! Can you take us behind the scenes of its creation and share the story or inspiration behind it?
Da Niño and I have been friends since we were 13, and we’ve always talked about making music together. One day we were chatting about the word “Spanglish” — how it’s actually in the dictionary — and it sparked this idea of blending cultures, genres, and languages into one track. That’s how Tequilawas born: a fusion of UK garage and Reggaeton that truly embodies both of us.
The journey wasn’t easy — we took it to a few producers who didn’t quite get the vision, until we brought it to Dukus, who absolutely nailed it. Our first live performance was at DJ AG’s setup in King’s Cross — a stage shared by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Jessie J — and the crowd’s reaction was unforgettable. Garage legends even came up to me afterward and said the track felt nostalgic, like something that would help keep the genre alive. That meant the world to me.
Out of all the songs you’ve written, which one holds the deepest meaning for you, and what’s the story behind its emotional connection?
There’s a song I haven’t released yet called Bye Bye Baby that holds the deepest meaning for me. I wrote it during one of the hardest times in my life — going through a huge breakup and carrying what felt like the weight of the world. The lyrics are so raw and vulnerable that I’ve honestly questioned whether I’ll ever release it. But I know it’ll resonate with people. It’s just scary letting the world in on that level of personal pain.
Striking a chord with your audience while staying true to your artistry can be tricky—how do you navigate that balance?
Being independent my whole career has given me the freedom to stay true to myself. I’ve always made the music I want to make, without compromise. I think my fans respect that — they know I’m real and that I show up as my full self. I love bringing them into my process, especially through TikTok Live. That connection is powerful, and it helps me stay grounded in what matters most: authenticity.
What has been the most unforgettable or career-defining moment for you so far, and how did it shape you as an artist?
Filming the Tequila music video, without a doubt. I’ve done some amazing things — been on TV, worked with artists like Jason Derulo and Becky Hill — but nothing compares to the last day of shooting that video. My videographer Shan and I literally burst into tears because everything we’d worked so hard for came together perfectly. I poured my heart into the song and the visuals — it feels like my baby. We even got Calum Best to star in it, which added that extra bit of star power and helped the track reach audiences I wouldn’t have otherwise.
If you could pass on a single piece of wisdom to aspiring artists, what would it be, and why is it so important?
Don’t give up. It sounds simple, but it’s the hardest thing to do when things feel stuck or slow. Turning a dream into reality means turning it into a plan, then showing up for that plan every single day. It takes time — sometimes a lot of it — but if you truly love what you do, time becomes part of the process, not a barrier. If you want it badly enough, no amount of time or setback can stop you.
What exciting projects or goals do you have on the horizon, and how are you preparing to level up your artistry?
I’ve been writing my garage album for a couple of years now. It’s something I’m really passionate about. I started going live on TikTok to fund my music and connect with my audience, and it honestly changed my life. I decided to focus on Tequila as a single first because I knew how much my fans loved it — they’d been begging for it for over a year!
Now the plan is to finish the album by the end of this year, ready for release in the new year. I know that sounds like a wait, but I want to get it just right. And as always, I’ll keep everyone updated with the journey through my live streams!
Lastly, is there anything you’d love to share with your supporters or something on your heart that we haven’t touched on?
I want to shout out TikTok Live because it genuinely changed the game for me. I started using it just over a year ago to promote my song No Rules with no budget — I’d hop into people’s livestreams and ask them to check it out! Through that, I met some amazing people who introduced me to Hannah Honey, the founder of HeyHoney, Europe’s biggest TikTok Live agency. She gave me a job streaming five nights a week for three hours a night, and within months, I’d broken the women’s weekly leaderboard record with 11.4 million diamonds.
Since then, I’ve built my brand, my name, and my audience through the app. It’s been a huge part of my journey and I’d honestly recommend it to any artist trying to break through. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
‘Tequila’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Lillie-Jo
Instagram | Tikok | Spotify | YouTube
Credits: All photography and videography by @shanonthegram
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