Like Loretta Lynn and Neil Young, Lilly Hiatt sings from the heart. Her lyrics and style are reminiscent of the greats I grew up listening to in The Seventies. Yet she also has that rocking edge that rolls along in rhythmic chords much like the bands I loved in The Nineties. Lilly is someone special, someone whose spirit soars high when she picks up her guitar and sings. Truly an original.
From the
first time I heard her, I was enthralled with her music. The more I heard the
more I wanted to hear. As time went by I would find myself singing her songs as
I went through my day. So, after work one afternoon I messaged her and asked if
she would do an interview. I put my phone down and collapsed onto the couch. I
started to drink some coffee and watch TV. A short time passed and my phone
buzzed. It was Lilly. She agreed to do the interview.
This Is
Lilly Hiatt
How old were you when you started
singing and playing guitar?
I have sang
for as long as I can remember! And 12 for the guitar.
With your father also being a
singer/songwriter, music had to be a large part of your childhood. When writing
songs today do you reflect back on the songwriters and storytellers you first
heard in your youth?
I certainly
do. I remember Prince being a soundtrack early on. Purple
Rain. That stuck with me, as did Neil Young's Harvest Moon. Liz
Phair's Whipsmart, that's what my mom jammed when she was letting loose. They
all crept in and influenced me amongst the many things I discovered on my
own, I think also just seeing the shows with all kinds of
musicians. Ya know my dad toured with Hootie and the Blowfish, he toured
with BB King, Jackson Brown...they all became a part of my musical
journey. My brother was obsessed with Slayer and hip hop, my sister loved
Weezer and the Spice Girls. Everyone was bringing something to the table.
You have a wide range and very unique
style of music you write. Who have been your biggest influences over the years?
Why thank
you. Well, I could write a book on it, but I won't. At least not
now. It's hard to reduce it to just a few folks, but big writer
influences I'd say would be Liz Phair, Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill, Neil Young, Eddie
Vedder, Prince, Conor Oberst, Lucinda Williams and my dad of course. But,
different eras have occurred and I am an avid fan of a lot of music.
You’ve covered “Guy Clark” with Aaron
Lee Tasjan and “The Beatles” with Margo Price. If it were possible and you
could cover any song with the original artist singing along with you, what
would it be?
See, I am
already stressed I left John Lennon out of that last question haha! Well, I
want to sing "Daughter" with Eddie Vedder. I plan on it. I also badly
want Cardi B to sample a song of mine, and I would happily sing that with
her.
On your third and latest album
“Trinity Lane” you worked with Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst from the band
“Shovels and Rope.” How did that come about?
I knew them
both, and liked them very much as people. When Michael was suggested to
me as a possible producer, I was intrigued and began a musical conversation
with him. We vibed quickly and I knew he would push boundaries with me
without pushing my buttons. I like working with people that are willing
to go to the edge and beyond, and he is! Yet with such a chill and respectful
attitude. Great listener. We had a blast if ya can't tell!
What have you been working on lately
and what would you like for the reader to check out?
I am writing
up a storm planning to make another record. Excited to be in a creative
haze at the moment. Next up tour wise is a fun run with Margo Price that
goes through New Year's Eve. Should be a fun way to ring in 2019!
