theaussieword.com catches up with Lili Kendall…
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
I’ve always been in love with music, but I got a guitar for my 12th birthday and started learning how to play by myself online, I figured out a few solid chords and started writing words over the top of this one progression… and it wasn’t that bad, i remember having my whole family packed into my room listening to it haha.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
When I write the inspiration comes from where my mind is currently at. I just want it to be as honest and vulnerable as possible. I will spend weeks writing songs about the same person, same situation. I’m a Gemini, so over-thinking is a past time, I don’t think I will ever run out of writing material.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To constantly grow past my own expectations and standards.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I am coming home to Australia in a few weeks for the holidays, so I plan on relaxing with my family for a few weeks. The new year holds a lot of plans so far to travel, create and share more. No plans to tour just yet, but I definitely want to put together a band and start experimenting with my live music.
Tell us a bit about your latest EP and how would you best describe your music?
It’s the first body of music I have created that I feel really genuinely proud to have my name on. It finally feels like me. It’s all completely written by me, and it’s very honest and vulnerable to who I am and my life experiences so far.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Focusing on your inner self instead of the outside distractions this world constantly bombards us with. Finding your happiness and love within yourself, instead of through other people and things. Create your outside world from within, and you will find what you consider success.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Getting my visa and moving overseas this year, it gave me a great self-reassurance and lesson about myself as a businesswoman as well as a creative.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I have a lot of musical influences. Forever and always influenced by Amy Winehouse, Solange, Ms Lauryn Hill, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Etta James, Frank Ocean. Currently I’m super inspired by Jesse Reyez, SZA, Sabrina Claudio, EARTHGANG, Miguel, Nick Hackim, Raury. I’d say right now my most played album is probably Scum Fuck Flower Boy by Tyler, The Creator. I really admire and respect any artist that trusts themselves enough to push the boundaries and are focused on exceeding their own expectations as a creative, because that’s where the magic comes from.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Just a whole lot of new music and content to come very soon.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I have no expectations for where I should be tomorrow or in a few years – I am just focused on creating real music, that people can relate and connect to, and continuing to build.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
SIA, Gotye, Tame Impala, INXS, Chet Faker, Taku, Grace, Jarryd James.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
The industry is its own beast, it can be super intimidating in the beginning, especially as a young girl. I think it’s really great that we are in a time where women, especially in the industry, have a voice now and are standing up for what they believe is right. #metoo is a really important movement for women right now and the use of social media to make your voice heard is so important. Obviously releasing my music to the public is very important, the internet has made it so much easier for the smaller guys to find their place and a fanbase on their own. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a hit single anymore or a huge label push, as long as the music’s good, you have a platform to share it on, and consistency, it’s gonna catch on at some point. It’s all just down to the universe and divine timing.
Check out Lili online via Instagram & Twitter.
Instagram: @lilikendall
Twitter: @lilikendall
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