What first got you into music?
I was always singing around the house as a child, and as a teen, music became a refuge for me while my homelife became very chaotic. I ended up studying contemporary music at College of Santa Fe in New Mexico, USA, which was the beginning of my professional music journey. I then moved to San Francisco, CA and began performing in various projects.
Who inspired you to make music?
I was fortunate to have supportive parents and teachers who encouraged me to express myself through song, even if they were not into the music I found fascinating.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music has been described as « avant-pop », « indie-experimental », and « ambient-pop ». « You’re really a musician’s musician » – I’ve heard that one several times. I feel it’s best to leave it up to the listener to decide. I also participate in other ensembles and projects that utilize extended vocal techniques and expressions.
Can you discuss a career achievement you’re aiming for?
My career goals have changed over time. I have already experienced many goals that I set out for myself, so everything truly feels like a bonus at this point. I aim to have more physical releases happen on record and tape as well as to continue to perform at unique and special venues around the world and connect with other creatives out there.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I think about writing as just one aspect of being a musician. Song study or re-visiting your older work can help break an uncreative spell; trying to come up with several ideas in a short time period; attempting to write something terrible on purpose can help get things flowing again; changing instruments or recording techniques. Sometimes it’s ok to enter periods of time when generating new material is not happening. Giving yourself this permission and having faith in yourself as a creative is important.
What album do you recommend everyone should listen to?
At least once, everyone should listen to Music for Airports by Brian Eno from the first note to the last.
Can you share one of your favorite music-related memories?
Right after college I became infatuated with a song off of the album Baghdad Music Journal by WATIV released on High Mayhem Records called ‘Dim Blue Voices’. It is an audio file that has managed to stay with me through many different computers over the years. Fast forward a decade, and I am hosting a small concert in Oak Cliff, Dallas, TX. The traveling bassist in the performing project, had a very special tone to his instrument, and after the show I casually mentioned that something about the night reminded me of the track on the underground album by WATIV. Turned out he was the bassist on that album and song! We all had a joyous laugh at the slim chance panning out like that.
What’s your go-to song or artist when you need a boost?
It’s important to remember that music that evokes an emotional response in you is a learned, cultural condition. It’s perceived as real, though it is most definitely not. If I were to decide to use music for emotional exploration, I would probably see what’s airing on KUZU.fm / KUNM / KALX / WFMU or sit down at the piano to practice modal scales until I felt better.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at or attend concerts?
Yes! Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton, Texas is one of my favorite places on earth. So many incredible memories from being on stage to being in the audience! Sometimes the train passes at just the right time… it’s almost a G major chord – kinda, and sometimes the music and the train horn come together at just the right moment. Everyone freaks out together – it’s awesome.
Who would you swap lives with for a day in the music industry?
If I had one day to swap my reality with a top music industry bigwig, I would sign contracts with as many up and coming artists as possible with fair payment and solid deals that helped the artists grow over time, and gave them full control over their own publishing. Haha, that is such a silly thought, thank you for the fun day-dream.
What’s your favorite music decade and why?
My favorite music decade is probably the 1960s in the USA because of the recording technology used at the time and how many different artists were able to experiment with new sounds and production techniques.
What’s a truly unforgettable concert you’ve attended?
Siouxsie and the Banshees 2004 in Deep Ellum. Absolutely spellbound 😉
Tell me about your most recent released song
The track ‘J&Js’ off of my latest album, AMPHORA (Lily Taylor Music) debuted at The Week In Pop, and is now on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares, and is also available on collectors’ vinyl and cassette format on bandcamp.
Using a looping pedal, keyboard and my voice, I created a sonic bed that I could draw out a melody. Improvising can capture something powerful, something that seems beyond my being, intertwined with internal music knowledge and experience. I can only hope for those moments when I can capture the idea into a physical song through this dream-realm process. Inspiration can be a tricky thing. I was interested in using my voice as a texture in the song as well as the lead vocal track, and thinking about my voice in extended ways, as storyteller and instrument. The lyrics refer to artists I find great inspiration from, people who are not afraid to be themselves and express their inner ideas. By doing this, they help others find ways to express themselves. The music video is directed by Sean Miller.
The album, AMPHORA, takes its name from the ancient vessel, the amphora, which served as a container for precious liquids. In this case, I, the artist, is the vessel, delivering a musical experience that is both powerful and delicate. The themes of duality, time, and introspection run throughout the album, creating a deeply personal and introspective atmosphere.
Thank you so much for this interview and a chance to reach a broader audience with my work. All the best, LT