Having released her critically-acclaimed “In Gold” EP last year, Delilah Montagu has been making waves in the music scene with her heartwarming and honest lyrics. With a rich and mellow vocal range, the 22-year-old London-hailed singer-songwriter embodies confidence as she opens up on relationships and heartbreak in her new tune “Version Of Me”. Inspired by artists such as Billie Eilish and Lizzo, Delilah continues to navigate her unique sound and gearing up for her next release. We caught up with the rising star talking the EP, songwriting and what’s next.

Check out the interview below…

Hi Delilah, how has lockdown been treating you and how has it influenced your creativity?
I have felt very fortunate over lockdown because I have had the time and space to be very creative and write a lot of music. I was in LA working with Robin Hannibal (on “Version of Me” and other songs soon to come) when I had to fly home because the whole country was going into isolation. I went straight from LA to London, then straight from London to the countryside where I grew up to stay with my mum. She lives next to a huge beautiful forest and I have been spending the last few months in nature writing songs. I feel blessed.

Who did you grow up listening to, and how did growing up in the melting pot of London influence your sound?
I grew up listing to Leonard Cohen, Joan Armatrading & Carole King! I lived in a small town in the countryside and never really kept up with what was current or new. Recently though I listen to a whole load of different artists, styles and eras. I love James Blake, Bon Iver and Lizzo. Recently I’ve been loving the new Neil Young album…even though it was recorded in 74 I think it still counts as a new release.

What was the moment you realised you wanted to make music?
To be honest I’ve never really thought of another option for myself. I’ve been writing songs since I was 6 years old and ever since then I feel like music has just been a part of me. It wasn’t a conscious decision.

Many of your songs are autobiographical – do you find songwriting really cathartic?
I do. I write very autobiographically because recently I have found that it’s the only way I can really process what goes on in my life. I used to find it hard to write about my own experiences – that’s what “Version of Me” is about, but since writing it I’ve been opened up to the freedom in just speaking my truth.

Congratulations of “Version of Me” – what was it inspired by?
It was inspired by wanting desperately to sing the right words to describe how I feel but not being able to.

And you’ve admitted that you love that the music video with your four closest friends – are these personal visuals important to the execution of the song?
Very important. The art featured in the video is by strong women who have influenced and helped me be the woman I am today so it is all a part of one bigger picture. I am very proud of the video – directed by my beautiful friend Florence Kosky.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received on your music?
Tears.

What’s been the biggest pinch-me moment of your career so far?
Taking part in the Global Citizen event with Black Coffee singing a live version of “Drive” in my bed with my dog.

What’s next for you?/what are you excited for in 2020?
I am releasing a lot of music! I’m so excited, I haven’t released music for so long because I’ve Ben growing and learning and developing and I feel completely ready to express my truth and get truly by vulnerable. It’s an exciting time