Armed with turntables and a child bump, Lily McKenzie is redefining the sounds of resilience.
The South London-based DJ, producer and singer-songwriter just lately launched Stress, her debut EP, by way of Warner’s Main Recordings label. Influenced by impending motherhood, the challenge palpitates with the uncooked power of creation—each musical and maternal.
In Stress, McKenzie crafts haunting but energetic dance music that echoes the complexities of her twin roles. With a rising life internally and a burgeoning profession externally, she’s turning strain into energy and vulnerability into artwork.
The surging triple-threat, who just lately carried out twice at Glastonbury whereas pregnant, spins tales of self-worth and resilience in her new document. By the sensual slink of “Satellite” and the aching twinge of the UK garage-inspired “Middle,” amongst different tracks, the EP serves as a reminder that we’re way more than the sum of our struggles.
McKenzie is at present using the wave of a breakout after nabbing assist from Capital Dance in addition to BBC Radio 1’s “Future Sounds” and “Future Dance with Sarah Story.” She’s additionally landed on main playlists equivalent to Spotify’s “New Dance Revolution” and “The Loft.”
We caught up with McKenzie to debate her new EP and the adversity that comes with navigating the music trade as a pregnant girl.
EDM.com: Earlier than we get into the brand new EP, let’s speak Glasto. What was your expertise like performing not as soon as, however twice this 12 months?
Lily McKenzie: Glastonbury was wonderful. It is all the time such a privilege to carry out there and I all the time discover that anybody I converse to—at no matter stage they’re of their profession—there’s a way honor but in addition strain to placed on an excellent present.
I performed on the Stonebridge bar, which was packed and such good power—I used to be nervous I wouldn’t have the ability to get to the stage because it was so crowded! I additionally performed The Temple, which is considered one of my favourite venues, in order that was positively one to recollect.
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EDM.com: With this EP, it is all within the identify. How does the idea of strain relate to your private {and professional} life, particularly within the context of your present journey as a pregnant girl?
Lily McKenzie: Stress is about navigating your approach by way of the strains of life, particularly throughout the music trade. I positively really feel these pressures, and being pregnant your feelings and hormones are heightened in order that provides one other layer!
The EP discusses these ideas, nevertheless it’s about figuring out you might be sufficient, seeing by way of what doesn’t serve, and popping out stronger. When you’re true to your self, all the things ranges out and you’ll be able to thrive underneath strain.
EDM.com: The observe “Satellite” explores detachment and our pleas—even determined at instances—for human connection. From the place did you pull inspiration to jot down these profound lyrics?
Lily McKenzie: I feel all of us really feel a bit of misplaced at instances—the world might be so noisy and it may be laborious to really feel related. I wrote this music with two wonderful producers, Andy Sheldrake and Ross Quinn, and after chatting we discovered we had all skilled these emotions sooner or later in our lives. We thought again to instances we’d felt that approach and from there the lyrics simply flowed.
EDM.com: There’s been a rising dialog across the stigmas that pregnant artists face within the music trade. What have been among the largest obstacles you’ve got encountered, and the way have you ever navigated them to remain true to your imaginative and prescient?
Lily McKenzie: I did really feel at first that I needed to conceal being pregnant for so long as potential as I used to be nervous individuals would suppose I couldn’t be booked for reveals, or wouldn’t have the ability to launch music. However to be sincere, the response has been actually optimistic and I feel there was a shift.
As quickly as you present you are able to do it (actually carry out pregnant) then it’s normalized and the alternatives will hopefully preserve coming. Ladies are proving we will do all of it and I feel it’s such a strong and provoking factor—I for one really feel so lifted after I see different girls doing the identical.
EDM.com: How have you ever been managing the bodily and emotional challenges of being pregnant alongside the calls for of your burgeoning profession?
Lily McKenzie: Being pregnant for me has positively been bodily and emotionally difficult and I’ve simply needed to go at my very own tempo. I’ve made positive to be variety to myself and relaxation after I’ve wanted to. Staying busy with my profession has helped although because it’s been a distraction after I haven’t been feeling nice. It’s vital to remain optimistic and music has all the time been my comfortable place too.
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EDM.com: What recommendation would you give to different anticipating musicians navigating this territory?
Lily McKenzie: I’d say that there’s no guidelines. Individuals have completely different experiences and the precedence is ensuring you and your child keep wholesome—9 months is a very brief time for those who have a look at the larger image. You may solely do as a lot as you are feeling robust sufficient to do.
I’ve been actually fortunate to have had nice individuals round me at my reveals, or in my studio periods, so if I’ve been drained or unwell they’ve completely understood. I’d say that’s so vital, be certain the individuals you’re employed with on this journey have that very same understating and compassion.
EDM.com: Wanting forward, what sort of affect do you suppose motherhood might have in your artistry? Do you see your self approaching lyricism, manufacturing or different processes by way of a distinct lens?
Lily McKenzie: I write from a really sincere and delicate place and I feel if something motherhood will improve that. I don’t count on my sound or course of to vary an excessive amount of as that’s already a robust a part of me, however that is my first time having this expertise so I’m positive I’ll discover any modifications as I’m going alongside!
EDM.com: What’s subsequent for you? With out moving into an excessive amount of hassle, are there any thrilling issues within the Lily McKenzie pipeline you may disclose to our readers?
Lily McKenzie: It’s positively been go, go, go main as much as the EP which has been nice, however I’ll be taking the following few months to take pleasure in being a primary time mum for positive. It’ll even be good to spend that point listening to music and crate-digging at a slower tempo.
I’ve been writing numerous new music that I’m enthusiastic about and I’m planning to drop some new information in the direction of the top of the 12 months. I’ve additionally began reserving in some reveals for then too—so it’ll be good after a bit of break to come back again with a contemporary perspective!
Comply with Lily McKenzie:
X: x.com/lilymckenzie
Instagram: instagram.com/lilymckenzie
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lilymckenziemusic
Fb: fb.com/lilymckenziemusic
Spotify: tinyurl.com/2s4pjx3t
