Lilian More in Conversation with FAULT Magazine
Lilian More
Lilian More is an Italian rock musician inspired by the early ’00s alt-rock scene in America and, later, in the UK. After performing for a sitting Pope (yes, you read that correctly), Lilian has toured with the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Kasabian, played festivals across Europe, and now released an alt-country track, ‘The Best You’ve Ever Known‘.
We caught up with the multi-faceted singer to discuss her career so far, her latest single, and what the future holds for Lilian More…
FAULT: Is it true you started teaching yourself guitar at 9 years old?!
Lilian More: Absolutely! I was captivated by Green Day during that era. Seeing Billie Joe Armstrong on MTV perform ‘American Idiot’ sparked something in me. I found an old guitar at my parents’ and started teaching myself at 9. By 13, I formed my first cover band, playing hits from bands like System of a Down, Sum 41, MCR, among others. Over time, I’ve been part of various groups, dabbling in metalcore and some super pop projects.
Your bio is the first I’ve seen that starts with Green Day, highlights performances at blues festivals, and casually drops in a concert in honour of a sitting Pope. Is it fair to say that your musical journey and career so far has been a bit eclectic?
Most definitely! [laughs] I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music, constantly exploring different genres. This curiosity has made my music ‘multifaceted,’ mirroring my own diverse nature—polyhedral, witty, self-deprecating, aggressive, emotional, energetic, and sensitive. Writing across different sounds and styles allows me to reach a wide audience and perform in varied settings.
How would you describe your sound?
My music is an authentic reflection of myself, intertwined with the myriad of musical influences I’ve absorbed over the years. I’m grounded in pop-punk, embellished with catchy pop melodies and folk elements. I strive to infuse my music with a unique element that sets it apart, ensuring it resonates distinctly with first-time listeners. My songs, deeply personal, are like my offspring.
Like my new single “The Best You’ve Ever Known”, which you should most definitely check out right now!
It’s a subconscious (meaning that it was not intentional) mix of styles: country, folk, pop mixed with a punk ‘fuck you’ attitude. An anthem to reclaim your power back when you’ve lent it temporarily in the wrong hands. But so is love. You live, you learn.
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
Emotion drives everything I do. It’s about channeling my feelings, experiences, and perspectives into my music. Without music, I’d feel lost and purposeless. Songwriting isn’t just an outlet; it’s vital for my survival. My lyrics delve into deep emotions but are also inspired by films, dreams, imaginations, or real-life events. Experiencing new emotions through travel and discovery is crucial for me.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I treasure emotional moments more than milestones. Touring with bands like Kasabian and Catfish & the Bottleman has been incredible. My dream is to travel and play music for the rest of my life! To live through music, sharing it worldwide, leaving a piece of myself with others, and hopefully inspiring someone just as others have inspired me
You’ve collaborated with some really high profile producers so far in the shape of people like The Prodigy’s Olly Burden and Dimitry Tokovoi and Tomasso Colliva (producers for Placebo and Muse respectively). Beyond that, who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I’d love to collaborate with Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, who’s my idol. Of course. Also, artists like Yungblud ( pure energy), Fletcher (damn, I adore her), and Luke Spiller from The Struts (I have a crush on him for his beautiful voice) are on my wish list. They’re artists from the new music scene which I find phenomenal: they communicate a lot on stage and you can feel their charisma so hard.
Your roots are in Italy, you live and perform there, and yet, other than on the notable ‘Antieroi’, you write and sing in English. What are the reasons for that?
Growing up, I was immersed in American and English music. Curiosity about the lyrics of my favorite songs led me to translate them myself, helping me learn the language early on. I naturally think in English when writing songs, finding the language itself musical and fitting for my genre. Living in London for over two years made me fall in love with the city and its vibrant live music scene and appreciation for new artists.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else! If not for music, perhaps I’d have been a secret agent, or more realistically, a makeup artist for cinema or theater. I’ve always been drawn to the art world.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
I’m excited about releasing new music and albums, including a 11 tracks-never-before-released dark and grunge album from 2016 titled ‘IN BLOOM,’ exploring themes like depression, death, insomnia, and love. I’m eager for everyone to hear the new music I’ve been working on and also to what I have written in the past and that is still locked in a drawer, maturing slowly, like good whiskey.
What is your FAULT?
My fault is that I feel too deeply. My sensitivity is a double-edged sword; it’s the source of my creativity but also brings me profound pain at times.
