#BlackAltBae: Lilith Ai
Congratulations on Serial Killers Prefer Blondes. I was honored to get access to your private playlist. How are you feeling right now?
About the album? Or generally? I feel proud that I did it, completed it you know with almost zero funds and then made a vinyl. It was a blessing meet the individuals that helped me in the ways they did to make it happen. I very great full for that.
You're on vinyl too? Impressive. How does one even make that happen this day in age?
I met Kimya Dawson and she introduced me to this dude Clyde that runs a tiny label in the US. They made the vinyl; it's a super small run. It's been amazing; I'm so happy with it. Also Kimya Dawson is the nicest person on this planet. I swear she is so, so, so cool. I die.
I want to thank you. One of my favorite things about our Black Alt Renaissance is that while some artists are toying with new sounds, others trigger nostalgia with their classic styles. Your album really took me back to my teenage years in the 1990s. And while I do love the whole album, a couple of my favorite tracks are "Teenage Brain" and "Black Cherry" (you had me laughing with "McDonald's Money", by the way). What was the inspiration behind this album?
It a reflection of the world how I see it, and navigate it, survive it. There's a lot about capitalism which is a gallows and misogynoir is a rope.
As I said in my message, you've been on my wish list for a while now, so I want to know everything about you. Where are you from and where are you currently based?
London and still London.
London, huh? Pricey. I've always wanted to visit. How are you navigating the cost of living there?
I live in the same place I'm from so it doesn't feel like a thing. Like, I didn't move here, I'm just still here. I have no idea want I'm doing; it's a hand to mouth, empty pocket vibe.
How long have you been in music? When did you first start and how many instruments do you play?
I've been making music since like the beginning of time. I only play guitar really; I can do a few other bits but not particularly well. My first instrument was clarinet, then piano. I was dreadful at both those though. I wanted to play saxophone but it was too big and then it never ended up happening.
Which artists have you worked with so far?
Mostly just pals of mine, then Kimya Dawson on "Fawn", and Balderdash is on a few of my songs.
Who would you like to work with?
There are so many artists I love. I mean would love Rachel Chinouriri, Remi Wolf, Bob Villan, Willow, Kenny Hoopla, Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins, Conan Gray, Olivia Rodrigo, Cavetown, Big Thief.
Which Black alternative artists do you recommend?
All of them. Oh, man I should have told you about this one time I got cat-fished but a fake Kenny Hoopla. But I guess that will need to be another day.
You have this throaty, husky yet full-bodied voice that alternates between soulfully grunge and ambient soft. Who are your influences?
Oh, it's kinda interesting cos I just have this voice I'm not sure my influences influence it. Maybe they do. I wish it wasn't soft , then I could express anger better. It is soft, and I'm tired all the time so it just comes out like that. Like sadness.
You sound amazing. Your live performance is chef's kiss. And I do sense that sadness you mentioned; so many of your songs are haunting. If I you don't mind my asking, is there any specific anger or sadness are you trying to explore in your music?
I don't want to trauma dump, a bunch of messed-up things have happened but I'm sill here and trying and that's what's most important.
So what's the plan now that the album is dropping? Can we expect a tour?
I just finished a UK tour yesterday. It was so lit. Omg. It was so fun. Small venues, but full of the most lush humans. I really want to support bigger bands next year and play more. Playing live is my favorite thing ever. I need to get a booking agent or something cos I'm not pretty bad a doing it myself, but I did and I'm proud.
And we are proud of you. Lilith, it's been a pleasure.
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