Lily Lane Talks New Single, Her Voice And More


Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Photo taken from the live premiere performance of “Don’t Stop” at NYFW at Petite Disco in NYC, by photographer Alessandra De Costanzo.
A former Wilhelmina Curve model turned soul-pop powerhouse, Lily Lane’s star power lies in her ability to pair glamour with grit, delivering songs that are as empowering as they are irresistibly catchy. Her latest single ‘Don’t Stop’ is out now and it felt like the perfect time for a chat:
What is your earliest musical memory?
Probably sitting in the back of my mom’s car listening to “Chain of Fools” on the Motown radio station she always had on.
When did you begin songwriting?
I began songwriting poorly when I was in elementary school probably around 8 years old but I don’t think I started to get good until I was a teenager and actually started living and having life experience to write about.
You have your new single ‘Don’t Stop’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
“‘Don’t Stop’ is a sultry, playful Y2K-inspired pop track that leans into intimacy and desire with a wink. It showcases something I don’t use too often in my music, my softer upper register in a way that feels dreamy and sensual, while still delivering that cheeky, confident energy I love to bring to my songs. Lyrically it’s about just being down bad and giving in fully to passion — the kind of connection that feels irresistible and as effortless as breathing or riding a bike. I grew up obsessed with early-2000s music with that cool Timbaland-esque production and sweet girly vocals like Mariah Carey, Mýa, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears, and the production and melodies on this track reimagines that era through my own voice, with silly, sexy lyricism that also nods to the Sabrina Carpenter-coded lane of where modern pop is right now.”
Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?
I made it with my friend producer Taylor Sparks who is so amazing to work with and knows me so well.
Was it a difficult song to write?
No it was actually so easy to write it only took a few hours to record completely from start to finish, it was so natural and effortless we were just vibing.
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
In LA with Taylor Sparks!
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
We were giggling pretty hard when we were working out the “front back left to right, up down side to side” timberland-esque post chorus trying to figure out what to say, we had the melody but tried a few different word combinations in there.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
My favorite microphone that I love to use to really get all the color and dimension in my voice is the Manley Reference Cardioid tube mic.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest is either “All of Your Love” or “Don’t stop” or “Brand New”, Angriest is “He Ain’t Shit” easily I’m basically spitting that one, and most reflective is “Where Have You Been All My Life” definitely.
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?
Yes I am coming out with my EP “Domesticated” at the end of November and will be dropping one last single from that EP before it arrives.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope the audience understands me, and themselves a little bit better.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Honestly, no I have been doing so many shows lately with different set ups and enjoyed them all! I recently performed with a Britney-like headset mic recently that was very fun.
How do you look after your voice?
I always always warm it up before performing or recording and I listen to how it feels. I rest it when it needs rest. I also love a humidifier.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Any female-centric thriller or mystery. Something by Jessica Knoll or Lisa Jewell.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
My hometown is Boston and I would describe it as: historical, walkable, intellectual, cozy and classic.
Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?
2026 I will be coming to the UK to perform for sure. I have taken some time off touring in recent years but I’m long overdue for a London or Scotland show!
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Early Alicia Keys, literally anything produced by Phil Spector or Mark Ronson, my current contemporary fave is Raye, she can do no wrong to me.
What makes Lily Lane happy and what makes you unhappy?
Things that make me happy are my dogs, performing, creating music, a cozy night in with my husband, the time of year when the leaves change color and start falling off trees. Things that make me unhappy are days when it is too hot that I can’t go outside without becoming a sweaty beast and people who think I’m a delinquent because I smoke weed when they drink like a fish! General unkindness also makes me unhappy, like what is the point?
Feature Image Photo Credit: Photo taken from the live premiere performance of “Don’t Stop” at NYFW at Petite Disco in NYC, by photographer Alessandra De Costanzo.
Listen to the new single ‘Don’t Stop’ here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5D8rKC6Ca7C15uc90JRtKR?si=dmhGptorT_aqqPsssmBE3Q&nd=1&dlsi=19c906c687de4350
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilylane
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lily.lane
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilyLaneMusic