Hana Lili is proud to be Welsh. With such a wealth of culture, history, and unique musical artistry – it’s difficult to see why she wouldn’t be. Growing up in a small seaside town on Wales’ Southwest coast, it was there that her passion for creating music began to brew. By taking part in local and international folk singing competitions, she learnt the centuries-long tradition of telling stories through song – which is a thread that continues through to her work now.
Imbued with that same surreality, Lili’s music traverses vast emotional landscapes, hardships, and relationships – all to the tune of tentative guitar strings, and twinkling synths. Embarking on a new journey, Lili has just released her sophomore EP “Existential”. Throughout, the young artist’s soft-spoken vocals lilt over sliding guitar riffs – ushering in an entirely new musical era. Tracks like the opening “Burden”, are infused with a poignantly nostalgic sensibility, calling to mind the lo-fi indie of the 90s. Whereas others, like the closing titular track “Existential” are vibrant and dreamy – self-assured, and confident vocals lay over bright glittering guitars. The follow up to her debut EP “Flowers Die In The Summer”, Lili’s previous release laid the foundation for her melodic, intimate, and vulnerable artistry. Solidifying her place in the bedroom-pop game – this new EP is fanning the already blazing flames.
Fortunately for us, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lili and pick her mind. Talking to her about the artistic process behind “Existential”, her upbringing, and intense self-reflection – there’s a wealth of insight to discover.
Head below to read our interview with Hana Lili…
Hey Hana! First off, what’s something no one could read about you anywhere else?
I’m currently learning to play the saxophone and drums. I’m also addicted to buying effects pedals for my guitar at the moment.
How did you get started with music?
I began performing in a national folk competition called the Eisteddfod, it’s a tradition here in Wales, and I fell in love with performing. Then at the age of 14 I began writing songs about situations I was going through. I didn’t really sit down and think about it too much, it was quite an intuitive process.
You’re a proud Wales girl, do you feel like this influenced your music?
It’s a big part of who I am. The culture and language here in Wales is definitely unique. I’d say growing up in the Welsh music scene, going to gigs, performing and writing allowed me to try things out and experiment with my music. Singing is also a big part of my culture, receiving stories is also a big thing,
What inspired the lo-fi sound of your new single “Solitude”?
I think it reflects the lyrical context of the song. The song discusses being in a state of solitude, and the journey of finding solace in that. It’s based on a concept of stripping everything right back to basics and then building it back up, the production follows this theme.
What was the inspiration behind the lyrics of “Solitude” and how did they develop during the writing process?
I always write about my thoughts, I make notes all the time, so when I start writing a song it’s usually driven by the most recent thoughts and themes. The lyrical ideas stemmed from feeling lonely in London, although it’s such a busy place it’s very easy to feel isolated. When you’re lonely you kind of have to make friends with your own mind, that can be challenging. The song follows the journey of those feelings and emotions.
How do your experiences in local and international folk singing competitions shape your musical identity?
I think it was a space to express myself. I found performing at festivals both really sociable and exciting, you meet people and there’s a focus, because everyone performs the same songs and poetry, so the challenge is to make the performance and interpretation unique within a very tight structure. You learn how to colour the narrative, and to do that you have to understand the story really well, so from a very young age I practiced this process, so I guess it relates directly to what I do today.
What can fans expect from your upcoming EP “Existential”?
The EP is a collection of songs discussing the thoughts and moments in my mind. It also follows the evolution of being happy with my own solitude. The EP is a chronological journey and it’s an honest account from the stark loneliness of the summer months, reconnecting with friends, fixing relationships, learning to be alone and questioning everything, even our existence. Writing songs has always been an outlet for me, and feels more like a need than a want to write songs.
What was it like self-producing your debut EP “Flowers Die In The Summer”?
I made the collections of songs without thinking they would ever be released. I could just explore writing and experiment with my sound, it was during the first lockdown, so it forced me to self produce in a way, I was at college studying music production so I had tutors on hand to help with all the technicality, I learned how to mix the tracks as well, it was very satisfying.
How do your intimate, confessional lyrics fit into the bedroom pop movement?
I suppose everything is done in solitude so it’s a very organic and natural process, like a diary made with music and thoughts. I like to write that way, about things that I’m going through or resonate with. It’s conversational, I don’t really think about it in a formulaic way.
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
Just releasing music, getting it out there. Each time I release a song I have new ideas of how to develop the sound, it’s like releasing that song makes space for new ideas. In the summer I also performed with a full orchestra that was a super experience. Performing live with the band as well, we’ve been practicing together for a long while and it’s so cool to do live shows with people who also have become friends.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to make a name for themselves in the industry?
Be authentic. Do music for the purpose of being creative, and enjoy the process. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, it’s pointless and means nothing.
Do you have any fun Christmas plans? Anything on your Wishlist?
Eating roast potatoes and gravy. I’m looking forward to having a rest and spending time with family.
Lastly, what’s next for you?
This year I’m going to do more live shows, start gigging outside of Wales, and develop the live show.
To listen to Hana Lili’s EP “Existential”, head below…