Lily Pierce is an independent alt-pop recording artist and singer-songwriter based in New York City. Pierce strives to create music that listeners can find comfort in, whether it be through laughing, crying, or screaming—internally or externally. Her lyricism contains a movie-like quality that is intertwined with brutal honesty. Lily’s creative ingenuity provides a cathartic experience that will pierce right through your heart. Although Pierce is sweet, she never backs down from telling it how it is. Lily Pierce is an artist who writes what she feels, no matter what. No matter how painful and no matter how complex. Pierce is also a big advocate for mental health awareness. She participates in volunteer work with eating disorder mental health organizations, “Project Heal” and the “National Eating Disorder Awareness” (NEDA), to raise awareness and fundraise for affordable healthcare for those struggling and in need of treatment. Pierce strives to intertwine her passion for mental health activism with her music to spread the message that no one is alone in their experiences and that recovery from any kind of hardship is possible and attainable.
Where are you based?
New York City
How long have you been making music?
2 1/2 years
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Singer/songwriter alterative pop
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My whole life, I have always been a singer. My dad’s old ringtone used to be three-year-old me singing The Little Mermaid. Singing and artistic expression, whether musical theatre or poetry classes, have always felt the most authentic and special to who I am as a person. When I started songwriting, I felt like all parts of myself had finally come together. It was singing, but with my words and my heart. Putting my words and emotions into music has helped me create art that creates an empowering and comforting feeling in others as well. The power of music lies in its ability to show us that we are never alone. Someone out there has had the exact same thought or felt the same thing as someone else. I think it is easy to feel alone and isolated in your experiences; it was always like that for me, but music erases that, and that’s one of the most inspiring things to me about music.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Carole King is a huge inspiration to me. I think she paved the way for female songwriters and musicians in this industry. I love her vocal expression and her lyrics are so raw and authentic, but are also placed in a way that musically makes so much sense for her. She has taught me that it’s a good thing to be unique and stay true to yourself. I also have been inspired by artists like Bruno Mars, Sara Bareilles, Masie Peters, Lady Gaga, Conan Gray, Chappell Roan and more.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I am an independent artist but would love to sign in the future
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
I think the biggest challenge I have faced in my career is how much and how often I have had to pivot. Sometimes I have to change my techniques, whether that be in social media, booking shows, marketing visuals, or even music genre. I am constantly working on finding the methods that work best for me, while keeping up with the tasks an independent artist needs to do. I think at times being your own CEO is exhausting. However, the flip side of that is that I love relying on myself. I am a powerhouse. I have managed to do a lot of things over the past two years and build an amazing community of creatives here in the city. However, there are times when rest is essential, and I need to remind myself that my journey will take time, and that’s okay.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I have released a total of 9 songs. I just came out with an EP that has six tracks and have relased three previous singles
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
My debut EP “Want For More” was released on May 23rd. This record is for anyone who has gone through a period in their life where they constantly feel like they are not getting what they deserve, or what they want out of life, and tough situations. It’s about doubting your life and your relationships, especially your relationship with yourself. This album is placed in a particular order. It takes you through a grieving process. I recommended listening to it in order the first time around. At the beginning, there is so much hurt and anger, and towards the end, we are left on a cliffhanger where life is uncertain, but maybe we are out of that angry, chaotic place. Sometimes there is no way to make sense of everything, and the best we can do is just feel our emotions and let them pass.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Yes! I am working on a new genre of music now. I am working on more upbeat pop. More synths, more brightness—different. vibes. I am also singing in a new stylistic way that breaks away from some of the theatrical elements I have emphasized in my past songs. I am thrilled to be diving into different forms of music that I am not as familiar with. This is a period of growth and happier self-discovery. I feel like in terms of my writing and music, I am out of my sad-girl breakup era. I’ve been working on songs that are happier! Some are still moody, but they speak to greater messages than just a betrayal in a breakup. I am also creating different visuals for my next upcoming release that I think are going to catch people off guard. That’s all I can say for the moment.
