Mar 30, 2021
South London artist Lily McKenzie has just released her new single 'Best You Had', as well as announcing her 'Caged Bird' EP, due for release on April 23rd.
Establishing herself early with high-profile collaborations with some massive names in grime and UK Funky before moving on to work with the likes of Stanton Warriors, Crazy Cousinz and Yxng Bane, Lily McKenzie has built a strong reputation with her thoughtful lyrics, emotive vocals and distinctive flow.
With plenty more to come from Lily this year, her 'Caged Bird' EP marks a new chapter for the emerging artist.
We had the opportunity to speak with Lily McKenzie on all things coming up, her newly announced EP, and stand out moments.
Hey Lily! How is 2021 treating you so far?
"Hey! Thank you for asking. It’s going well thank you, the lockdown has given me time to focus on writing and I’ve found the space to release music too, so just trying to take the positives! It’s been great to release music during a time when people need it the most."
Introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little about you!
"I’m a singer, writer and producer from South London. My music mixes R&B with electronic influences and I write from personal experience, hoping people can relate and take something from it."
How would you sum up your sound in 5 words or less?
"London, R&B, Electronic, Emotional, Empowering!"
You’ve just released your new track ‘Best You Had’ which is your second release of this year. Tell us a little about it!
"I wrote ‘Best You Had’ a couple of years ago with producers Zdot and Krunchie, I’ve worked with them on a lot of songs so it came together quite organically. I wanted to be emotional with the lyrics, but also to empower people, it’s about knowing your worth and what you are willing to compromise on, and what you won’t."
Over the years, you’ve worked on a series of high-profile collaborations with big names in Grime, as well as Stanton Warriors and Yxng Bane. What’s been your favourite track to work on so far, and why?
"That’s a hard one! I’ve really enjoyed all my collaborations and I’ve learnt a lot from each project. The Crazy Couzinz record ‘ No Way’ was one of my favourites because I saw it grow from the ground up- from going back and forth on the track in the studio until we got it right, to getting it signed, to getting some great features on there - we always new it was special and that’s one I’m really proud of."
You’ve received support from the likes of BBC, Kiss and many other platforms! What has been your overall stand out moment in your career?
"I’d say performing at Glastonbury with Stanton Warriors - I’ve always wanted to perform at that festival so it was a really special moment!"
Some really exciting news is that you’ve just announced your EP ‘Caged Bird’ which is out in April. Could you give us any hints as to what can be expected from that collection of tracks?
"Thank you! I’m really excited too! The EP features ‘Best You Had’ and ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’ which came out earlier this year, but it also features two new records; ‘Beautiful Thing’ and ‘Caged Bird’ which are two very personal records. ‘Beautiful Thing’ is lyrically very positive and uplifting, it discusses the beauty when you don’t allow the dark times to define you, and ‘Caged bird’ discusses the realisation that the only thing holding you back is yourself - no one has the power to put you in a ‘cage’ and that you can chose to be free."
Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for you?
"This year I’ve got some really exciting features coming up and lots more original music too, watch this space! I’m also looking forward to restrictions easing and to performing again - it’s been great connecting through music with people online- but I can’t wait to hit the stage this summer!"
'Best You Had' is out now.
EP out April 23rd.
Listen HERE
@lilymckenzie
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