SPOTLIGHT: LILY FORTE

Photo By Julia McKay

Meet Lily Forte and tune into her brand new single “Miles To Go”

“Miles To Go” feels like both a personal release and a social statement. What was the turning point that inspired you to write this liberation anthem?

In life, you’re always challenged whether to stay quiet or to speak up, and after a tumultuous year, I was ready to speak up.

The song’s mix of live horns and gritty bass gives it such a classic jazz-rock texture. How did you and Jamie Gelman approach building that sound?

Jamie and I grew up on blues and jazz, so whenever we write together we always like to incorporate our roots

You’ve said the track was inspired by your experience with an alcoholic man. How did you balance vulnerability and empowerment in your writing?

I will say that with being vulnerable comes many emotions. It can be a bit scary at times to reveal so much about yourself and your life, but that within itself is empowering. At the end of the day, most of us have all been through similar events in life, so it really all comes down to relatability.

“You have the power to write your own story, don’t let someone else write it for you” is a powerful message. What does that line mean to you now, as an artist in the industry?

I think it is crucial to embrace your story. The good, the bad, the ugly. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or what you are. That is up to you to decide.

The music video modeled after vintage Miller High Life ads is such a unique concept. What drew you to that aesthetic, and how does it connect to the song’s themes?

When writing, Jamie showed me a vintage miller high life ad and it sort of stuck with me creatively, which led me to write “it’s a fake paradise // that miller high life.” I then showed the directors Marielle Boland and SJ Spreng, the style of the advertisements and it became a blossoming concept for the video.

The video was created with two female directors. How important was it for you to collaborate with other women on a song about taking your power back?

We made the video with two incredible female directors, Marielle Boland and SJ Spreng. Collaborating with women is very important to me. There is an unspoken understanding between women, especially in the entertainment industry. It was a joy to channel my inner bad b*tch alongside these gals.

You blend modern production with classical and retro influences, from blues to 70s rock. What draws you to these eras sonically?

I love the boldness of older music. In rock n roll, there are so many clashing and contradicting elements. I’d like to see more of that come back in the modern sound.

There’s a bit of defiance and sass in “Miles To Go.” Was that a natural part of the songwriting process, or did you have to grow into that boldness?

I’ve definitely grown into the writer that I am in this project. Not only as a writer, but in everyday life. There are many lessons I’ve had to learn in order to become a woman who stands up for herself and what I believe, and I’m still learning how to do that, specifically through my writing.

You’ve cited Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga as influences. How do you see your music in conversation with theirs?

Amy, Lana, and Gaga are the perfect trifecta of music in my book; bold and poetic. I try to channel the vintage flair they all encompass with the modern bite that keeps them in the forefront of music.

The track also critiques the entertainment industry’s power imbalances. Was that something you personally encountered or observed as an emerging artist in LA?

There’s a lot I could say about that but I’ll leave it for the song to speak for itself. Women will rule theworld and the music industry too! No matter how young or old you are, know the value you bring to a space and do not falter.

You’ve performed at some iconic Los Angeles venues like the Troubadour and Moroccan Lounge. How have those live experiences shaped your stage presence and storytelling?

It is a unique feeling singing on a stage that my favorite artists have once stepped foot on. Walking into a room like The Troubadour, you immediately feel the energy. Performing at a handful of iconic LA venues has helped me channel the bigger picture of music. I stay inspired by those who came before me, and I hope to do so in those after me.

Your nostalgic aesthetics from Old Hollywood glamour to vintage-inspired visuals stand out. What does that sense of timelessness mean to you?

To put it simply, I think life and art was done with so much more thought in those days. I like to channel that integrity in my music.

You’ve been making music since you were eight. How has your relationship with songwriting evolved over the years?

As I touched on a bit before, over the years, I’ve become so much more comfortable in speaking about my life, losses, and love. There is a moment as a writer where you just have to let go, and I am totally doing that.

“Miles To Go” feels like a transitional goodbye to toxicity but also a hello to something stronger. Do you see it as a bridge to your upcoming debut album or any upcoming musical projects?

Miles To Go is the first single from my upcoming album coming out early next year. It is most definitely a transitional track, as the album has been unfolding I have been diving deeper on this lyrical and sonic transition. Can’t wait for you to hear it!!

Listen to “Miles To Go” here.