Music & Me with … Lilli A
- 01 Mar 2023 -
Image: Lilli A, 14-year old singer /songwriter from Stuttgart in Baden Württemberg
Elizabeth recently chatted to award-winner Lilli A – with permission from her parents. And here is our interview.
When were you first introduced to music?
I have always loved music and singing has always played an important role in my family. We sing a lot, especially my grandmother and my grandfather, who was a tenor in a small choir. I often sing with my older cousin. Busking is a hobby of ours. I used to be part of a choir at my former school. It was a lot of fun to sing there. Unfortunately, my choir teacher died unexpectedly. We had had a concert and she didn’t come. That’s when we knew something must have happened. At her funeral we sang for her and made a big concert in her honor. From that point on – I was 9 years old – music was much more to me than singing: I associate strength, sadness, joy, hope, and much more with it. Music is the key to my soul.
Tell me about your favourite teachers
I have already told you about my choir teacher. I have never taken singing lessons. One of my current teachers at school taught me how to write music myself. He heard me sing and asked me if I were interested in writing songs myself. At that time, I was 12 years old. He taught me to turn my thoughts into my own songs, and he still helps me today. Without him I would never have dared. At this time my first song “Ein Andermal” was created. It is about the loss of losing someone – about believing in oneself – putting aside doubts and not postponing chances to another time. I dedicated the song to my choir teacher. When I decided to take part in a songwriting competition, my grandmother died. I was invited to the finals, and I stood on stage singing the song about loss and pain and confidence…But this time, I sang it for another person: my beloved grandma. As luck would have it, I won the Youngster Award 2022 for myself, but also for my grandmother, and I’m very proud of it.
What are your fondest musical memories?
With my cousin, we spontaneously played music on the street once. We just sang a song, and a passing woman gave us a written note and had tears in her eyes when she left. The note said that her late husband had always sung this song for her, and she thanked us for this moment that brought back memories of her spouse. That was very emotional for us. Another big moment was to record my first own song in a real studio and then hearing the final result for the first time. Additionally, it’s always a special moment to stand on a stage and hear people’s reactions.
What is your favourite TV theme tune or film soundtrack?
All The Stars / Kendrick Lamar, SZA
What was the last music download/CD/vinyl that you bought?
Corinne Bailey Rae / Put Your Records On
Imagine you have been given £250/$300 to spend on anything music-related. How will you spend it?
My own microphone and maybe an amplifier — that would be my biggest dream.
How do you balance music with your other obligations?
I’m in high school right now, so school clearly comes first. It is important for me to do well in school and give my best to get a good grades. Music is my balance, my passion.
Happiness is … being able to make others happy. To be healthy and to have people around me who like me for who I am and to support me and believe in me.
LINKS:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTESOfJUat0
YouTube: youtu.be/3K2bgLnS8rM
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-516744250
Instagram: @lilli.a_____