A True Southern Gem : Lilly Hiatt
You may or may not have heard of her, but you will. She might have made you a latte or served you gelato in that little marketplace known as Whole Foods, but its really only a day job. "Its blue collar work but its just a sliver of my life." Working in the service industry doesn't typically lend itself to showcasing ones talents and the people that we serve on the day-to-day have no idea... and well, let's give them one. I want those folks to know that they could be talking to a talented writer, photographer, painter, hair stylist, or in this case, a musician.
Lilly has been singing since she was a little girl and started writing her own music and playing guitar at age 12. Growing up she was (and still is) musically influenced by the 90s era and grunge bands such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and The Breeders; Singer song writers including Liz Phair, Neil Young, Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, PJ Harvey, also Tom Petty, and her biggest influence, which is her dad, John Hiatt. "I have always looked up to my dad. He's the shit. As a phenomenal writer and hard worker, a really great example had been set for me. Our relationship has a deep trust and love. I feel lucky to have him in my life. I have access to all of this wisdom, but its also terrifying finding your own voice within it. He has helped me grow with proper guidance, constructive criticism, and real advice. I'm on a little journey."
Lilly's musical style could be categorized in the Americana realm, sort of. But it is also floaty, a bit shoe gaze country, singer song writer, rock n' roll, and backed by a band with a fairly large presence. "Its got a twang and I can't deny that but there's still a bite to it. Its kind of like : Yeahhh. We like to rock out." She does all of the song writing but the band plays a big part with the structure, texture, and ironing out the format of the songs. The core of the lyrics are about processing and coping with life's events.
"Characters are embellished and are a few different people rolled into one. A lot of men, obviously, because I'm boy crazy. It can be anything. Traumas, excitement. A necessary means of sifting through my emotions."
As Lilly and I gabbed on the phone about life and work and all the magical things in-between, she was driving back from Mobile, Alabama where she had just played a sold out show with Will Kimbrough. She loves the open road. It makes her feel rejuvenated, giving her a sense of who she is. "Put's a lot into perspective, just how small everything is"
On May 17th Lilly and her dropped ponies are set to record, analog style, creating that warmer kind of raw sound. Their new album is to be produced by Adam Landry. "Things are born in the studio and its liberating."
Go see this little darlin' perform at the Basement in Nashville on May 29
Special thanks to my beautiful friends for helping make this happen. Hair and makeup courtesy of Kat Dickie; Assisting and styling by Carissa Shapiro.
