I recently got to interview the 19 year old singer, Lily Hollows, for SAfm Radio, following the release of her debut EP, titled ‘Little Glass Girl’ and also find out a bit more about this shy and soft spoken young singer who burst on to the music scene when she was only 16 years old, and has caused quite a stir since.
Says the neo-soul musician Lily, this is more than just a collection of songs. It is the summation of 19 years of existence in a fallen world, exploring the notions of self-value, independence, infatuation and frailty. Using stark contrasts – challenging lyrics and serene melodies, Lily delves into what it means to be human.
“I compiled this album as an exploration of our humanity. I wanted to tackle issues we often face as a collective, without realizing that we face them. We often overlook the frailty of our emotional state and how easily our feelings are influenced by others.”
The concept behind ‘Little Glass Girl’ is based on the way we all try and keep others happy, at the expense of our own personal happiness. Lily speaks about a girl who turned herself into something considered universally attractive (in this instance, glass) in an attempt to catch someone’s eye, however, she soon realizes that glass is fragile and the very thing that made her different was her greatest strength.
Recording at The Hit Lab with producer Neil Engel, the five-track EP is an assertive first offering from a budding new artist. It follows the release of two successful singles ‘Daddy I’m Gone’ and ‘Don’t Look Back’, both of which achieved national airplay across South African radio stations. 
She recently headed in to the Sabie woodlands to shoot the video for the single ‘Don’t Look Back’ the latest song to be released off the album. At face value, the song appears an ordinary love story between a boy and girl and their interactions, but the song itself has a much deeper meaning.
Lily explains, “The girl in the forest is telling her present self not to look back and focus on the past, but to embrace her current circumstances. It comes across as a love story between a boy and a girl, but it’s really a love story between her past and present self.”
The song was penned when she was only 16-years-old (now 19), the beautiful songstress is already wise beyond her years.
Currently studying music at AFDA, the singer-songwriter has performed at numerous benefits concerts, as well as being chosen as the official opening act for Monark at Ruimsig Stadium.
Her music can be described as indie-jazz with inspiration drawn from the soulful tones of Corinne Bailey Rae, the rich instrumentals of Michael Buble, with a modern twist of Katie Melua. Under the mentorship of Malie Kelly, vocal coach of Idols SA and The Voice SA, Lily – through her unique performance style – continues to breathe life into her compositions, creating an unforgettable experience that leaves fans wanting more. She strives for authenticity in her music, her songs fuelled by subtly piecing lyrics and breezy undertones.
Stay tuned – there is so much more to come from Lily! Follow her on Facebook…
Words and Images Supplied by Lily’s PR company.
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