Human beings have long endured the collision between truth-seeking and stability-seeking in a world that is growing increasingly callous. Conflict avoidance is the illusory drug entrenching us in complacency, the repellent that keeps us from being radically honest with ourselves. So we linger comfortably in paralysis, in the seduction of complete and total disillusionment. 

Forging cathartic tracks that almost make existential dread sound like fun, Toronto-born and LA-based musician Lilyisthatyou is combating this phenomenon. The alt-pop starlet just released her new EP “FROM THE GARDEN I GREW”, a pulsating self-reflexive project touching on themes of sex, addiction, and femininity, amongst many other introspective themes. “These songs both center an idea that feels a bit bigger than ME, which is what this project is about, my garden, my audience, and how I can guide them and myself to radical self acceptance.”

Her sixth EP since her debut project “The Character”, “FROM THE GARDEN I GREW” is an evolution of her gritty, maximalist production style. The EP is a jolting wake up call, a project that oscillates between nostalgia, introspection, shame, and self-ownership. Her standout single “BUZZBALL” relays her experience navigating her relationships while enduring the perils of success, “5AM IN STOCKHOLM” is a brutally honest anthem about accepting rejection, and Lily resolves herself to life’s humbling cosmic ironies in “EMPTY UNIVERSE”. The project is almost an altruistic séance, an offering of her most vulnerable moments in the hope that people will face themselves in the same way she has. “I hope these songs can be the background music to the mornings where it's hard to get out of bed and look in the mirror and face the world, but that they still get up anyways,” Lily says. “I want them to choose ferocity over fear.” 

Lily is treading new waters with this new EP, expanding her capacity to impact listeners with her poignantly human songwriting style. Starting September 19th, Lily has embarked on her largest international tour to date, ‘THE FLOWERS HAVE FEELINGS TOUR’, with support from James the Seventh. While on tour, she will be performing at some of America’s most storied venues, including LA’s The Roxy and Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg. 

While on tour, Lily spoke to us about catharsis, the new EP, her artistic evolution, and more. What is very clear is that, though the crowds may get larger and the statistics may reach new heights, Lily’s music will always be a pursuit of service. 

The EP seems to reflect your experience oscillating between your past, your self-perception, and your emergence as a successful musician. Why did you choose “5 AM IN STOCKHOLM” as the track that introduces listeners to these themes?

I always imagined 5AM in Stockholm opening the set for this upcoming tour, so I wanted to find a way to include it in the project instead of it living only as a production element of the show. It’s a really weird and cool way to say to the fans, "I'm ok not being the “one” for anyone…” I love how loudly the production and melodic choices contradict the self-deprecating things I’m saying, I love the brutal self honesty kicking off such a weird, sexy, existential, trap, dance, pop project. 

Is it cathartic or intimidating to release an incredibly vulnerable and unapologetic song like “BUZZBALL”?

Only cathartic. My favourite song on the EP and the easiest to make. This type of self expression and playfulness comes naturally to me and is a part of the way I show up for myself everyday. When I’m listening to it, I feel so strong. Music has this incredible power to impact others and I know this song will really speak to those struggling with self doubt and sacrifice. 

This EP is, both sonically and lyrically, a really intense and perfectly chaotic self-reflective portrait. Is matching your production with your emotional state an intuitive process or calculated? Or both?

I make 15x the amount of songs than I release. So when it comes to matching production with my emotional state it is definitely calculated to reflect the themes and sonics within the body of work. I pick and choose songs from the last 6 years of creating that will fit into each world's core emotions. I go through life and death everyday within my own heart, so every song I’ve ever put out feels relevant to me every moment. I’m too honest in the music to not always relate back to it no matter the situation. 

Why did you choose "MONEY CAN'T BUY HAPPINESS" and "EMPTY UNIVERSE” as the single releases for this EP?

I picked both songs based on the choruses being (in my opinion) so catchy.. I wanted to kick off this era with ear worms and philosophical statements that provoked my fans (the garden) to think a little bit beyond my usual addiction and heartbreak state of writing. These songs both center an idea that feels a bit bigger than ME, which is what this project is about, my garden, my audience, and how I can guide them and myself to radical self acceptance. Empty Universe has been in my vault for a few years and I felt its message and melodies were the perfect start to this era that leans a bit more existential trap. 

How does this new EP reflect your artistic evolution?

I am constantly evolving. But this EP specifically feels like the most sonically and thematically cohesive than anything I’ve released before. Good job Lil! 

Come fall, you will be embarking on your largest headline tour yet. How do you feel about this milestone?

I’m answering these questions in the back of a sprinter van driving from Warsaw, Poland to Berlin, Germany… This milestone is massive for me, a huge achievement and testament to perseverance and dedication to your purpose no matter the obstacle. I can only dream of what I will experience and learn about myself over the next 10 weeks. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and I really hope my fans see how much this means to me and what I’ve put into this (independant) tour. 

Do you have any hopes for how listeners may receive this EP? Do you hope that, by shamelessly sharing all of your experiences, you will help others face themselves?

God yes! I just want my fans to keep going.. As someone who has struggled so deeply with addiction, depression, and suicidal ideation, the strength to continue is always the hardest part. I hope these songs can be the background music to the mornings where it's hard to get out of bed and look in the mirror and face the world, but that they still get up anyways. I want them to choose ferocity over fear.