“Bluish purple songs with silver-gold shimmers” – that’s what Brooklyn-based artist Lily Virginia aims to convey with her upcoming album Play Me Twice. The accomplished singer-songwriter blends honest lyrics and American folk/rock styles with subtle world grooves; sometimes singly high and ethereal, sometimes her voice reaches low and sensual but always singing authentically, present to her audience.
Play Me Twice’s songs yearn for a fulfilled life and self-realization, told through the lens of romance. Referencing the ache of single living in NYC to a desire for the freedom of the road, they are heartfelt but not without humor (the pop-psychodelia “Deep Dreaming” is about being a mermaid).
In this interview, we chat with Lily about her influences, her newest project, and surviving in this digital era as an independent artist.
Full Q&A as well as links and video streams available below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
For me, there was never a feeling like “I want to write in a specific genre or style.” It’s always been more about expressing something genuine, something honest and connecting with the audience. So over the years I’ve written in a lot of different styles starting out with more traditional blues, country and folk and then as I expanded as a songwriter and got into the indie world I started writing more nuanced interpretations of traditional genres that eventually became my own. I traveled a lot too in South America and learned those folkloric styles as well which very much influenced my writing and aesthetic. But now I’d say you’ll find me in the alternative pop/indie rock/indie folk section with all these different influences blended together throughout my songs
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started songwriting when I was in high school. I came home one night after hanging out with some friends and all of a sudden this song poured out of me seemingly from nowhere. After that I was hooked on songwriting. And part of that songwriting experience at least for me is the hope that someone will one day hear that song so performance was something I was always interested in but the writing experience definitely came first. I played out off and on with no real focus throughout college but then got pretty serious about it when I moved here to Brooklyn about 7 years ago.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Hard question to answer! I have so many influences it’s hard to write them all out! They vary dramatically in style but I’d say the essence of each artist that influences me is that their music “takes me there.” My playing and writing is also influenced by a personal need to express and connect. In music I find a sense of expansion, meaning and spirituality and that’s ultimately what keeps me going. I’ve been playing for a while now, with small victories along the way, but as I’ve worked and struggled to “make it” doing music the actual achievements and seeking approval from other people is a double-edged sword so I’ve really tried to focus my sense of fulfillment on the process itself. Or if we want to talk in cliches – it’s the journey not the destination.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Yes very much so!
This whole album was inspired by the release process of my debut EP. I felt so vulnerable putting my music out there but it also felt good to be so open. I wanted to explore that sense of openness and connection with this album and really see ‘how intimate can I get with my music.’ I tried to write lyrics that would stand on their own regardless of the instrumentation and then when we produced the whole album I wanted each instrument to have its own sense of space – each note to have a purpose – and to leave room for the vocals to come at you a bit naked, not hiding behind anything. And I “saw” the sound before I heard it. I knew I wanted to write “bluish purple songs with silver-gold shimmers”so that was also a part of the writing process.
TV Screens & Videos is definitely the most upbeat of all the songs but it simultaneously deals with our modern day insecurities of seeking validation in some very silly places – and yet we all do it. So I felt like it was a song where I’m opening up about wanting validation AND most importantly having a good time and a catchy tune to sing along to while I’m making fun of myself.
What was the last song you listened to?
Just heard the Lumineers play live last night here in Brooklyn. So, one of their songs 🙂 They’re not one of my top bands but we all lay outside the gates underneath some trees on a picnic blanket watching the moon and even some shooting stars… which is totally insane here. I rarely even see a regular star! It was so wonderful!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl all the way! It feels intimate in the way that I used to feel when I discovered music pre-spotify era, like there’s an actual connection to the music and you can’t just click “next” whenever you want.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I do use spotify but more as a research tool than something that I truly enjoy the way I enjoy vinyl. These days I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts which I like a lot. All Songs Considered with Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton is probably my #1 music podcast I listen to.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Oh man, just the whole process in general is overwhelming. There are so many emails to write, so many i’s to dot and t’s to cross, a never ending to-do list on the backend of things that I’d say just getting through a day somewhat successfully is a victory! Which is why it’s so important for me to stay inspired by the meaning of art and music in my life; staying grateful that I get to do this career and staying excited by the possibility of making magic happen.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I gig a lot here in NYC. I’m working on booking a NorthEast tour to coincide with the release of this album and I want to tour more in general! Music lovers can also organize house concerts with me directly – I love to play in non-traditional settings.
I have live-streamed in the past but it’s not my focus. My focus is really trying to make magic happen in the moment, in person. I think that the internet is great for making connections but it’s just not the same as doing it live.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Fans can connect with me on any of my social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all work for me. I also have a music phone that folks can text me at: +1-917-746-0723 – it’s a nice way to connect more personally than just through social media. However it’s my website has everything in one place: lilyvirginia.com so that’s the best place to go to see all the released videos so far and explore some of my past work.
I especially invite people to interact with me during the release of this audiovisual album which I’m releasing one music video at a time over the next few months. Every time I release a music video fans can send me their questions about the song that I then answer in my corresponding podcast that examines the music creation process of this album as well as interviewing other artists about their work.
