In the vast and vibrant music scene, few artists embody the blend of talent, passion, and authenticity quite like indie-pop singer-songwriter Lilly Bedard. Born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, Bedard’s heartfelt, evocative lyrics coupled with her soulful melodies reflect her love for nature, experiences as a varsity athlete, and dedication to her craft. Balancing a robust college life in Boston and multiple job roles, she infuses her music with experiences drawn from her life, relationships, and the raw emotions that stir within her. In this candid conversation, Lilly Bedard offers a glimpse into her artistic journey, the struggles and victories that have shaped her music, and what fans can expect from her upcoming releases.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Lilly Bedard, and I am an indie-pop singer-songwriter based out of Jupiter, Florida. I am 19 years old, I go to college in Boston, and I am actually a varsity athlete playing lacrosse. I love surfing, hiking, going to the beach, and just being in nature in general. When I am not working as a consulting intern, a paralegal assistant, or a student mentor through my school, I love delving into my more creative side. This includes writing poetry, creating visuals for my music, and of course, writing songs. My music and lyrics are based on my own relationships and life experience, as well as the feelings that being in nature elicits.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I have always felt my emotions so strongly and deeply even since childhood. As a kid, I was in singing, piano, and guitar lessons as well as chorus and theater productions. I vividly remember memorizing every song on my mom’s I-pad touch and performing to my stuffed animals every day around the age of 7 to 9. This included music from some of my earliest songwriting inspirations—Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, and Taylor Swift. Around age 14, my intense feelings easily transitioned into songwriting about my life, and has been a passion I have been unable to stay away from. My first ever project on streaming platforms was written and produced in my freshman year of high school. Writing songs has been one of my greatest companions throughout my journey to adulthood.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
My biggest challenge as an artist is being able to focus on the music through all of the noise. Especially as a small, independent artist in the digital age, it becomes so difficult to remain focused on the quality of your art when there is so much social media advertising, influencing, and marketing involved. Of course, I am so grateful to be living in a time where anyone’s music can be discovered any day from anywhere, but it is so important to stay authentic to the craft throughout the process.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
My favorite project is my latest single release, Untouchable You. Untouchable You came from a period of time during my first year of college when I had to “quit music” in pursuit of other things. However, I was unable to stay away from my passion of songwriting, and I ended up writing the song with just me and my guitar on the twin bed in my dorm room.
When I released the song, I got so much positive feedback from my community and quickly realized that I could not give up music. I think it is one of the songs in my discography that is relatable to so many people in so many different walks of life—it’s about chasing a better version of yourself and of your life that seems so far away sometimes.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
My biggest inspirations right now as I work on new projects are indie-folk-pop artists with really powerful lyrics. Specifically Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, Ella Jane, and Gracie Abrams. I admire them as story-tellers, but also the intensity of their production that is so authentic to themselves and connects the lyrics to the music in such a beautiful, effortless way. However, another aspect of my style is trying to create music that elicits feelings of peace, well-being, and effortlessness—similar to being in nature for me. Artists that inspire my music in this sense are Still Woozy, Florence + The Machine, BENEE, and BETWEEN FRIENDS.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Songs always begin with a short melody on my voice memos. Whether that’s in the shower, driving in my car, at dinner with my friends, or right as I’m about to fall asleep, inspiration for lyrics and melodies comes at any time, anywhere.
The rest of the song is written really quickly thereafter (usually on my piano or guitar within 20 minutes). I then send the acoustic version of the song to my producer, Cathy Ponce, and we work together with ideas and reference tracks to create the perfect production for the song. Then, I record at my local studio and send it out to be mixed and mastered.
This creative process is always so fulfilling. The idea for Untouchable You was actually born in the backseat of my friend’s car driving to get dinner in Boston. I wrote almost the full song on my notes app right there in that loud car. It was such an unforgettable experience, and I will be emotionally connected to that song forever!
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
My upcoming music is all written during my first year in college as a freshman. It was a year full of intense ups and downs for me—ending a long-term relationship and beginning a whole new life in a completely different state 2000 miles away from home. This music I feel really encapsulates not only the struggles of interpersonal relationships as a young person but can be relatable to people in all stages of life who are in an intense period of growth and change. Anyone who has experienced that knows the intense highs and lows that accompany it—and that is what I tried to capture with my upcoming projects.
My next release, “What Could’ve Been,” was inspired by the feelings of wondering if one of my past relationships was really “the one,” and digesting the fact that they may not be having those same thoughts and worries! It also was inspired by my desire to create music that is fun and easy to listen to but also contains great depth and storytelling.
What are your plans for 2023?
My plans for the rest of 2023 are to release as much great music as possible and to grow as an artist as much as possible. I want to put everything and all I have into this passion and my fans, and I want to grow in my authenticity and style as an artist.
Have any shoutouts?
Shoutout to my incredible producer Cathy Ponce! I would not be able to make any of this possible without her.
Lilly Bedard’s artistic journey, imbued with intense personal experiences and raw emotions, offers a powerful narrative of growth and authenticity in the music industry. Balancing the challenges of an independent artist in the digital age, she remains fervently dedicated to her craft, producing music that resonates deeply with her audience. With an undying passion for songwriting and an eye for releasing more compelling music, Lilly’s journey through 2023 is sure to captivate the hearts of many. Her story serves as an inspiration for all aspiring artists, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, dedication, and staying true to one’s passion amidst the noise of the world. Tune in to Lilly Bedard on Spotify or wherever you stream music online.