Meet Lili Jay | Artist/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lili Jay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lili, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I started pursuing music when I realized it was truly the thing that drove me. I’ve been through a lot of rough patches in life, and it hit me one day – nothing is promised and I need to do everything I can to get what I want from this life. Now I get to make music that fuels me and helps people feel a little more seen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an independent musician/artist, the come up to the career I have today hasn’t been easy. It has definitely been SO WORTH IT though. I started writing songs from a very young age in my bedroom in Orlando, Florida. I realized I needed to move to a city that could help fuel my creativity, so I picked up my entire life and moved to Nashville. It was terrifying being in a new state, a new city, and being completely alone for the first time. Then I got into the swing of things, started writing with incredible people and playing amazing shows. The most integral part for me has been building a chosen family. Being so far from my blood family has really put into perspective how imperative it is to have your people around you. Now having found my ride or dies, I feel truly unstoppable. I have music coming out this year for the first time, and I’m elated for it to finally be given to the world. My dream is for it to find people who need to feel more empowered in themselves and less alone. That’s what music has always done for me. That’s the biggest goal for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting Nashville, we would have a time!! We’d start with brunch at Snooze on the east side and fuel up for the rest of the day. I’d then take them on a walk around centennial park to take in the sights at the Parthenon. For dinner, I’d take them for dinner and a show at the listening room cafe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout my mother, Susana, who has been my biggest fan and supporter always. She taught me how to be fierce, strong, and always follow my dreams!

Instagram: @itslilijay

Twitter: @itslilijay

Image Credits
Photographer: James Wolf
Instagram: @jameswolfphotography