Welsh Irish Jamaican singer songwriter Lily Beau delves into love, childhood and self discovery with her first EP Little Old Me.
She tells Entertainment Now about her musical journey.
You began writing songs as a child. Can you tell us about that?
When I was twelve, my parents bought me a little keyboard that, after a couple of months of flirting with the idea of making music, quickly became my escape through my teens. I’ve always been very lucky as both of my parents are actors and writers so creativity was always encouraged in our house. I was completely allowed to get things wrong, put on nightly shows, and write songs about marrying Daniel Radcliffe, and I was always met with unwavering support, even though I’m sure at times it tested their acting skills.
What was your first gig?
I was always very eager to perform as a kid. I remember one time in primary school, after break, I asked my teacher to quiet the class so that my friends and I could sing Hallelujah to the other children. And so when my mother asked me, at age twelve, if I would be willing to play the songs I’d written in my bedroom to a small audience of friends and family, I jumped at the chance. Mum arranged the whole thing at the drama school she worked at, set up a stage in the student’s union, printed my lyrics so I had them on stage, and even dressed me in this beautiful sequin playsuit. I was channelling Beyonce as much as a 12-year-old could. And from there I was obsessed. I have my mother to thank for having so much faith in me, that I never questioned whether music was something I could do – she just cheered me on! So thank you, Mama.
What three words best describe your musical style and why?
Truthful – I always like to write from personal experience and put a lot of what’s going on in my life, into my music.
Soulful – Soul has always been a huge influence, and when it comes to vocals, I love them slightly more raw and full of emotion rather than “perfect.”
Energetic – I love me a ballad but I also love a song that makes you say F*** it?! and gets you up on your feet. I’m excited that this EP has allowed me to step away from the piano and embody more sides of myself musically.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My absolute above-all-else influence is Melody Gardot. ‘My One And Only Thrill,’ is a masterful album. I think it means a lot to me, partially because of how wonderfully it’s constructed but also it very much reminds me of growing up- my parents would play the album almost nightly. Melody Gardot is definitely the soundtrack to my childhood. But I cannot answer this question without acknowledging – my queen, my saviour – Beyonce. I, of course, have never cried at a concert of hers – four times.
Tell us about your new release.
‘Little Old Me’ is a collection of songs that, by writing, have helped me survive my quarter life crisis. Each song is a very different part of my life and journey so far.
‘Dream’ opens the EP in the same way I spent my time creating it—wide awake in my childhood bedroom, resisting the pull of my pillow. I don’t sleep well, so I often spend my nights writing. It’s very much the introduction to my musical insomnia.
‘Too Close’ is about getting a little too close to someone who was never mine to get close to. I have always been a bit of a day-dreamer, and sometimes the fantasy of someone is so much better than the reality – and this song is about falling for someone you can never truly be with.
My second single, ‘Little Old Me’ came from my desire to step away from performing ballads behind the piano. I wanted to convey something much more empowering and upbeat. Even though my anxiety can knock me down, my music will always lift me back up.
My current single, ‘Run with Me’ is about the love that softens you. For the first time, I feel like I’m with someone who can handle my mess and “madness”. The song asks for patience from my person as I learn to accept a gentler, kinder love. It’s also the only song on the EP that wasn’t written in my childhood bedroom—it was written in his childhood home.
‘Fuck Your Expectations’ is about reclaiming my power following a corporate quarter-life crisis. After trying so hard to please others in various jobs, I realised I was the only one who could let myself off the hook. Now that I’m finally pursuing my music, all I have to say is… Fuck Your Expectations. (I take this with me everywhere!)
What inspires your lyrics?
Over-thinking. I often don’t know where to put all my thoughts and big questions, and so I think I’ve always treated writing lyrics like diary entries. Each song has helped me work out how I’m feeling or assess where I am in my life.
I’ve always really loved simple story-telling and there’s nothing better than finding an artist who expresses what you’re going through in a way that you hadn’t thought of – almost shining a light on familiar situations. That’s what my favourite artists do for me, and I hope someday I can be that for others.
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
Yes! Some shows are in the works and an EP launch will be happening in December – but all dates are TBA. So if you do like what you hear, please feel free to check out my Instagram @misslilybeau, for all gig updates.
What are you working on next?
More music! I held off from releasing for years due to work, “doing the adult thing” and not being fully ready but since this first release, I cannot see myself stopping anytime soon.
Listen here:
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