Lily Konigsberg is a wildcard who marries Avril Lavigne’s rebellion with Elliott Smith’s melancholy and makes it sound sick. Today, she spills some tea on writing a debut album, being a child spy and deleting money from the music industry.

Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Hi, I'm Lily K, I'm from Brooklyn and I make songs about personal experiences and fictional experiences. I'm currently working in the pop/rock/electronic genre but that will probably change. 

What first got you into music?

I started fantasizing about music and stardom when I was around 2 years old. I grew up listening to Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair, and Elliott Smith. I still think they may be the most influential artists to me. Now I am not so obsessed with being a popstar and just like being alive and making music when it feels right. 

How does it feel to be releasing music solo after being a member of Palberta? 

I've been writing since I was pretty little so it feels normal to release music. I think that part of me wasn't as much on the radar as it is now so a lot of people are surprised by how different it is. It's kinda wild to me that this is my debut solo album since it's been a part of my life for so long, but I'm really excited to share it. It's special to me. 

What is your creative process like?

I go through intense writing periods and then very dry periods. I am currently in a dry period. I've learned not to worry so much during these times because that tends to extend the dry period. I know I'll be writing again, especially since my life is changing so much right now in a positive way. I often start with melody and build upon that. Sometimes I start with a concept… like I have this idea to write a song based on this concept/sentence that's been stuck in my head, "I won't let me be a popstar". You may be listening to this on the next album who knows. 

How was the album produced? 

This album was done in two sections, the band session and the bedroom session. Nate Amos (Water From Your Eyes, My Idea, This is Lorelei) produced and guided me through the process of giving these songs life and making them sound fuller than any of my prior releases. We recorded the band (Nina Ryser - drums, Charlie Dore-Young - bass and Hugo Stanley - lead guitar) with Sasha Stroud at her studio in a couple of days and they slayed it. Nate played a ton of  instruments on the album and I truly couldn't have done it without him. Also, this album probably had 10 different orders and so many songs got slashed. I think it ended up the way I wanted it. 

Can you tell us more about the themes on Lily We Need To Talk Now?

Looking at it now, this is a breakup album. I never thought I would write one of those! The songs are pretty much all about different phases of living through a rough time and therefore can be pretty relatable to anybody that's experienced any type of loss I'd say.

Who were some of your biggest influences on the album? 

I wasn't consciously influenced by anything but I know that 'Bad Boy' was influenced by MGK's new album Tickets To My Downfall. That album rocks. 

What’s it like working with Wharf Cat Records?

It's great! I've known Trip, Doug and the team for a long time now between Palberta and my solo work. They have grown tremendously while still being a family to me. I'm proud of them.  

Do you have a favourite song from the new album? 

I think it's between ‘I Can Make You Sweat Forever’ and ‘Hark’. 

What do you hate right now?

The fact that anti-vaxxers are paying to be injected with horse medicine and taking up hospital beds. It really seems like it should be fictional. 

What do you love right now?

Friends, animals and family. 

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I've gotten in trouble many times honestly. I make weird choices sometimes but I'm working on that. I got in deep trouble in 5th grade when I convinced my two best friends at the time that I was a spy and that a villain named Al Vigt was after us. I wrote ominous letters addressed to them from Vigt and scared them so intensely that I got in trouble with the school and their parents ended our friendship. Harriet the Spy ruled my world at that time. 

If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be? 

Oh my god. So much. I would like to delete money from the equation and give the underrated, talented people forced to be underdogs priority. Even though I'm often called underrated, I'm not talking about myself. The music industry is racist and classist just like every other industry. I am aware of my privilege and how that benefits me. There are so many people who have no chance to explore their talents because their whole life is working to survive. 

Is there any new music from 2021 you’re enjoying? 

I really like what my friend and bandmate Ani Ivry-Block has been making since quarantine began. You can find it at annieblech.bandcamp.com. She is a powerful songwriter and is just getting better. 

Do you have any plans to perform live? 

I recently performed with P.E. and Decour at Trans Pecos, which was a blast. I can't announce what's happening next yet, but I'll be sure to keep people updated on my Instagram and social media in general.