In this conversation I caught up with Florida based singer-songwriter Lily Forte, to discuss her latest single 'Loose Fitting Levi's' and the writing process behind the track.
Hi Lily, tell us a bit about yourself!
Thank you so much for having me! I am a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from South Florida! Right now, I’m a full-time student at Florida State University while pursuing my music career. I work with one of my good friends Dylan Thomas who produces my music.
When did you initially get into music, have you always wanted to be a singer-songwriter?
I’ve spent most of my life participating in music and I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember. It was around when I was 8 years old that I immersed myself completely into music. I started performing and learning as many instruments as I could. But it wasn’t until I was 12 years old when I wrote my first song and that was when I felt that initial spark that writing music was something that set my soul on fire. 7 years later, I can still say the same.
Who have been your biggest musical influences growing up?
Carole King is always the first person that comes to mind. Some of my fondest memories are listening to Tapestry with my mom when I was younger. I also listened to a lot of Neil Young with my dad, I’ve always loved his music. Once I started exploring music on my own, I fell in love with Lana Del Rey’s music. I can honestly say her music has been steadily on repeat for around 7 years now.
Would you say that they have directly influenced your music?
The artists I listed have most definitely directly influenced my music. Inspired by King and Young’s honesty in their writing, I always aim to be vulnerable and as truthful as ever when I write.
Your most recent single ‘Loose Fitting Levi’s’ is a song that explores someone comparing themselves to others and is quite introspective, would you agree with that interpretation? What initially inspired you to write this song?
I definitely agree with that interpretation. The girl who wears the loose fitting Levi’s is quite perfect and doesn’t even try. I was inspired to write this after feeling pure defeat. I felt like I was doing everything in my power for this person to see me and he just couldn’t. He could only see the girl with the loose fitting Levi’s.
"I wrote my first song and that was when I felt that initial spark that writing music was something that set my soul on fire"
Would you say that you are quite methodical when it comes to writing new music, or do you write songs whenever you feel creative?
I feel like I am always in a writer’s mindset and I am constantly creating. However, I have found a method that works for me. I compose as I write the lyrics, which helps keep the song cohesive.
How would you say, ‘Loose Fitting Levi’s’ differs from your previous songs like ‘I Was Wearing Green’ and ‘Red Truck Joyride’?
Loose Fitting Levi’s is rooted in a heavy comparison to someone else. As much as we hear from people not to compare yourself, it’s only human. This was the first song I wrote from that mindset and even now it sometimes hurts to listen to it.
How have your listeners responded to your latest single, were there any lyrics that particularly resonated with your listeners?
“I play the piano, I hope you sing along. But you might be preoccupied meeting her mom” This lyric has really seemed to stick out to my listeners. I didn’t realize how sad it actually was until I sang it on a livestream and many people referenced this lyric.
Would you say that you write for yourself, or do you consciously think of how your listeners will respond to your music?
I do write purely from my heart and express my personal experiences through my music. Even if my lyrics don’t make perfect sense to others, I like that because it leaves so much up for interpretation and warrants different responses from each listener.
How has the pandemic affected your creative process when it comes to writing new music?
I’ve found that this pandemic has fuelled my creative process more than ever. I now find inspiration in the little things. Simple conversation, morning drives, and reflection on the past has influenced so much of my recent writing.
What are your plans for 2021, will you do any virtual live gigs for your listeners?
My plans are to keep making music! I’m going to be releasing one more single and then an EP shortly after. And, yes! I try to live stream as much as possible from my room and perform my released and unreleased songs.
What advice would you give to someone who may want to pursue a career in music?
Believe in yourself and your music! Even if there is a million people that don’t like your music, there is someone out there that will. All it takes is one person.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My best friend Lucy once told me that there is always a light inside you no matter how dark it may get. Since hearing that, I’ve nurtured this light and I embrace it through any hardships I endure.
Check out Lily Forte's latest single 'Loose Fitting Levi's' in the link down below!