We chatted with Australian singer-songwriter Lily Papas:
How do you describe your sound?
I would describe my style as alternative pop
Who or what inspires your songwriting?
For me, a number of things inspire my songwriting. Apart from the everyday emotions I also draw inspiration from movies.
What inspired your latest single release ‘Wild’?
The movie “Maleficent” inspired Wild. I was in a writing session in LA back in November last year with Mike Mac and Jordan Baum and we played on the idea of this powerful enchantress/black widow style of woman for the basis of the storyline in Wild, similar to Angelina Jolie’s character in Maleficent, and built the song around that theme.
Tell us about your upcoming album release ‘Encore’?
Encore is a collection of songs I wrote over a 4-year period about a number of emotions I was going through at the time that document my coming of age as a woman. Writing this album was almost like my own therapy in a way. I got to process a lot of things I had been holding onto such as hurt, pain, rejection, mistrust in relationships and my overall hurt of not knowing who I was and where I fit in. I got to lay it all on the table and be open and honest and I’m so proud of that. There’s a lot more to the story but I don’t want to give too much away. You’ll just have to wait until the album comes out next year and have a listen!
Why did you decide to record your album in LA?
The backstory behind why I decided to record it in LA is also hidden within the album. I talk a lot about fantasies on Encore and for me living in LA, and living a Hollywood Hills lifestyle, was always a fantasy of mine so it seemed only fitting to record the album there.
When you were overseas, what did you miss most about the Gold Coast / Australia?
Apart from missing the obvious things like my family, friends and boyfriend – I missed the beaches. The more I travel the world the more I realise how lucky we really are here. We honestly have the most amazing coastline!
Tell us about your creative process?
My creative process is quite simple really. I just write what I feel. When I’m feeling sad I pick up my guitar and write, when I’m feeling happy I pick up my guitar and write. I’m not the type of writer who goes “ok today I’m going to write a song about this…”. I’m a very passionate person so my best songs come from when I’m alone in my bedroom in my thoughts and feelings.
What’s the most common myth about singers?
The most common myth about singers is that people think you are just born with a voice… that’s true to a certain degree but it’s also a lot of vocal training and hard work. And I had to work my ass off to get to where I am today. I personally take a lot of pride in that especially because I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my voice.
What’s it been like collaborating with fashion label Dior?
It’s honestly been a dream come true! I never in a million years would have thought such a well-established and stunning fashion brand such as Dior would be interested in me. But look, here we are! I’m a massive lover of fashion so for me getting to play dress-up with Dior was one of the highlights of my life
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far is a tough question because there have been so many over the years! Of course, the Dior collaboration as I mentioned before, but overall my greatest dream was always to sign to a major record label. I used to imagine it, and the feeling of it, every single night before I went to bed so that was a pretty big highlight for me when it actually happened.
Do you have any pets?
I do! Well my family do. I have 2 beautiful dogs, one golden Retriever named Murphy and a German Shepherd named Sanaa. I’m a big animal lover and I want a cat so so bad.
Do you have any plans for the future?
Oh, I have so so many plans for the future, in all aspects of my life. Total world domination with my music is one of them and that’s a priority at the moment, ha-ha. It’ll take a lot of work but I’m up for the challenge. In all seriousness, though my plan is to just keep creating music that I love and hope that everyone else loves it too.
Lily Papas’ debut single WILD is out through Neon/Universal Music and available to download and stream on all platforms now.
Succumb to Lily Papas Wild – out now via Neon Records/Universal Music Australia. Listen HERE: https://lnk.to/LilyPapasWild
About Lily Papas
The newest member of the Neon Records family, and backed by Universal Music Australia, Lily Papas has a transportive sound with tinges of London Grammar, and the grittiness and rasp of The Pretenders’ Chrissy Hynde. Lily Papas prefers to trade on her passion rather than what’s in fashion, with her unique standalone sound undeniable.
The single ‘Wild’ opens with a sense of optimism – a sustained string section and harp embellishments paint a timeless scene, almost a dream. Lily affirms this image with the opening lyric, ‘Once upon a time’, and her delicate vocal floats atop the instrumental bed, as a distorted drum groove helps to drive the track throughout. Lily draws the listener closer with the intimate details of her fantasies, even imploring “Tell me it’s forever – Even if it’s all a lie”. The chorus erupts with emphatic cries of ‘Wild’ and her fantasies are realised. Lily’s voice soars on Wild and will set a new benchmark in the Australian pop space.
Follow Lily Papas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilypapasmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PapasLily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lily.papas/
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