Lily Meola on Taking Listeners for a Ride With Her Heartbreak Rodeo EP
Singer-songwriter Lily Meola has come a long way since her time on America's Got Talent two years ago, and that's evident on her new EP, Heartbreak Rodeo.
Early on in her career, Lily found a fan in Willie Nelson, who's went on to become both a mentor and collaborator. Heartbreak Rodeo brings those country influences to the forefront, adding a bit of twang and folksy Americana vibes to Lily's catchy pop sound. Lily has likened the songwriting process to a therapy session, and this EP transforms the pain of a broken heart into something we can all relate to. Across five tracks, she weaves her tale of heartache before concluding with a powerful love song. We had the pleasure of catching up with Lily to dive even deeper into the EP, and she shared her thoughts with us in the interview below.
Sweety High: What does the EP name Heartbreak Rodeo mean to you? Why did that title feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?
Lily Meola: I feel like Heartbreak Rodeo perfectly represents this collection of songs. The idea of going along for the ride: the good, the bad, the wild.
(Photo credit: Ilikea Snow)
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'Daydream' Artist Lily Meola
SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you -hope fans take away from it?
LM: The through line of these songs follows the heart and its journey with all the things life throws at it… Quite a few of these songs represent heartbreak, but the EP's end track is a love song, so I hope it can comfort the listener at whatever stage of love they are going through.
(Photo credit: Ilikea Snow)
SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
LM: I would describe the sound of this EP as a blend of a few of my favorite things… If folk had a baby with country and grandma and grandpa were dream pop and a '70s singer-songwriter… I tried to keep the production on the positive, nostalgic side, so that we can still have fun, and reminisce while navigating these emotions.
SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
LM: These songs are a glimpse into my diary and imagination.
(Photo credit: Ilikea Snow)
Also read about: Isabel Dumaa Shares 'A Diary Entry of Self-Reflection' With New Single, 'C'est La Vie'
SH: What's your favorite song on the EP? Why?
LM: That's a very hard question… I might have a special affinity towards "Mar Vista," probably because it was written so long ago and I have been wanting to put it out for years. Some days in the studio, the songs I write feel like they might be a better fit for someone else, but the moment "Mar Vista" was written, it just felt so me.
For more on our new favorite music out today, click HERE to read our interview with Sycco on her debut album, Zorb.