Americana, blues, and country singer-songwriter Lylie Mae opens up about her musical upbringing, influences, creative process, and much more.
What first got you into music?
As a Kid, I was enamored with my dad’s studio. He made beats and played piano. I took interest in flute in 6th grade, however when it broke, I never turned back. I received my first violin after hearing the thong song, (thank you Bruce Dukov). My first guitar was around 8th grade. I learned maybe 4 tunes till 2017. Becoming a Sound tech made music effortless.
Who are some of your influences?
My parents played and allowed everything in the house from Gospel, to Soundgarden, Prince, the Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, The Men in Black soundtrack, and Selena. As we grow, individuality is created by our interest in what in unfamiliar. I personally listened to heavy metal, experimental, foreign music and lots of soundtracks from movies and videos games. So, Depends on what I’m channeling.
What draws you to your preferred genre?
My mood/activity, or the perception of how I’m throwing my mood on my audience.
Like fog settling through a soft light and your heart is where sundown starts and dawn begins
What is your creative process like?
It’s always different. My point is to convey emotion, or evoke sensations in others, through the consideration of my own honesty. Sometimes its pops out, sometimes, its a blip some one says in conversation. At times I write the lyrics first then the tune or vice versa. More importantly is, what does an artist “non creative” process look like. Writing music depends on how honest I feel like being with myself in a moment. “You gotta live your whole life to figure that out, Dewy!”
Do you have any favorite personal songs you’ve written, and why?
“Do it now.” It’s about being present. Physically, the picking pattern is somatically gratifying. Like fog settling through a soft light and your heart is where sundown starts and dawn begins. Smells like Laundry.
How did you get started in the Savannah music scene?
One of my closest friends offered me a gig, during brunch on River Street, to introduce me to the scene. I am eternally grateful to them for that moment.
I have had the pleasure of performing with Rachael Shaner, and I always felt like a rock star when I did
What are some of your favorite local Savannah places to play, and why?
The Artillery, Das Box, Foxy Loxy. They are, or are like Listening rooms, rather than “Places that have music.”
If you could play anywhere in Savannah, any location, no matter how weird, where would it be and why?
St. John the Bishop Basilica. It’s structurally built for music.
Name a Savannah artist you’d love to collaborate with, and why?
I’m oddly shy about playing with others. I have had the pleasure of performing with Rachael Shaner, and I always felt like a rock star when I did. Not all rock stars feel like stars, so that’s big to me.
If you could create an All-Star local band, who would be in it?
There are not enough drummers is this town to answer this question.
What are your thoughts on the current status of the Savannah music scene?
More Listening Rooms. With more opportunities for locals to be showcased & for tourist to be exposed to them, not the other way around. We live here, and we want to host them. Tourists want a local experience. Some people leave beautiful places to discover our history, and all they are arriving at, is what they left. A lovely place, where everything is shiny and new. The history is getting kicked out instead of refurbished.
I’ve been over-thinking things I could have just had fun throwing out
Do you have a secret music indulgence that you might want to admit or share?
Not really.
What is the best career advice you’ve been given?
The more reliable, and invaluable, you become, the faster you must be replaced.
What’s next for you?
No longer taking life so seriously. More music releases, and a music video. I’ve been over-thinking things I could have just had fun throwing out. I’m having fun again.
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