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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, through Warner’s Main Recordings label. Influenced by impending motherhood, the mission 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 stress 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 report. By way of the sensual slink of “Satellite tv for pc” and the aching twinge of the UK garage-inspired “Center,” amongst different tracks, the EP serves as a reminder that we’re rather more than the sum of our struggles.
McKenzie is at present driving 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 corresponding 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 business 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 yr?
Lily McKenzie: Glastonbury was wonderful. It is at all times such a privilege to carry out there and I at all times discover that anybody I converse to—at no matter stage they’re of their profession—there’s a way honor but in addition stress to placed on an amazing present.
I performed on the Stonebridge bar, which was packed and such good power—I used to be fearful I wouldn’t be capable of get to the stage because it was so crowded! I additionally performed The Temple, which is one in all my favourite venues, in order that was undoubtedly one to recollect.
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EDM.com: With this EP, it is all within the identify. How does the idea of stress 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 via the strains of life, particularly throughout the music business. I undoubtedly 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, but it surely’s about figuring out you’re sufficient, seeing via what doesn’t serve, and popping out stronger. When you find yourself true to your self, every part ranges out and you’ll be able to thrive beneath stress.
EDM.com: The observe “Satellite tv for pc” 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 little bit misplaced at instances—the world will be so noisy and it may be laborious to really feel linked. 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 business. What have been a number of the greatest 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 disguise being pregnant for so long as attainable as I used to be fearful individuals would assume I couldn’t be booked for reveals, or wouldn’t be capable of launch music. However to be trustworthy, 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 maintain coming. Ladies are proving we are able to do all of it and I feel it’s such a strong and galvanizing 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 undoubtedly been bodily and emotionally difficult and I’ve simply needed to go at my very own tempo. I’ve made positive to be type 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 essential to remain optimistic and music has at all times 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 might say that there’s no guidelines. Individuals have totally different experiences and the precedence is ensuring you and your child keep wholesome—9 months is a very brief time in the event you have a look at the larger image. You’ll be able to solely do as a lot as you are feeling sturdy sufficient to do.
I’ve been actually fortunate to have had nice individuals round me at my reveals, or in my studio classes, so if I’ve been drained or unwell they’ve completely understood. I might say that’s so essential, make sure that the individuals you’re employed with on this journey have that very same understating and compassion.
EDM.com: Trying forward, what sort of impression do you assume motherhood might have in your artistry? Do you see your self approaching lyricism, manufacturing or different processes via a distinct lens?
Lily McKenzie: I write from a really trustworthy and delicate place and I feel if something motherhood will improve that. I don’t anticipate my sound or course of to vary an excessive amount of as that’s already a powerful a part of me, however that is my first time having this expertise so I’m positive I’ll discover any modifications as I am going alongside!
EDM.com: What’s subsequent for you? With out entering into an excessive amount of hassle, are there any thrilling issues within the Lily McKenzie pipeline you possibly can divulge to our readers?
Lily McKenzie: It’s undoubtedly 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 tip of the yr. I’ve additionally began reserving in some reveals for then too—so it’ll be good after a little bit break to return again with a recent perspective!
Comply with Lily McKenzie:
X: x.com/lilymckenzie
Instagram: instagram.com/lilymckenzie
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lilymckenziemusic
Fb: facebook.com/lilymckenziemusic
Spotify: tinyurl.com/2s4pjx3t
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