Lilia Asha: “I think David Bowie’s Hunky Dory is the best album of all time ”
At just fourteen years old, Lilia Asha is proof that age simply has no bearing when it comes to one's songwriting instincts. Based in the UK and Shanghai, the singer/songwriter recently delivered an utterly beautiful tune called Gaslighted, and it showcases an artist whose musical maturity feels far beyond her years.
As Lilia's third official single, Gaslighted felt like the perfect moment to approach the musician for an interview before the spotlight grows even bigger on her artistry. Thankfully, she was keen to chat!
Sharing with us just how much her new single means to her, how the recording process can often be very tiresome, and why she believes David Bowie's Hunky Dory is the best album of all time, please welcome our new friend Lilia Asha!
Hi Lilia, it's an absolute pleasure to have you here, and I can't wait to introduce you to our ever-growing audience!
Let's kick things off with an easy one...Who is Lilia Asha, what first drew you to music, and how did you discover your passion for it?
If I knew who I was, I probably wouldn't be an artist......
I think iconic artists first drew me to music. My first obsession with rock music was Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard. When I was 8, I joined a rock band, learned to play the bass and guitar and really discovered my passion for performing.
From there, everything just kind of happened. I also wrote my first song when I was 8 and won the Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition (International 8-12 year category) with that song. I have never stopped writing since.
OK, let's get straight to Gaslighted, your most recent single!
A tune you first wrote when you were eleven, and performed at the Sydney Opera House at just twelve, I'm wondering what inspired you to revisit it now and reintroduce it to the world in a more mature form?
I have always loved Gaslighted, and it has always been one of my favourites. When I was 11, I knew what I wanted to write about, but I was too young to put "being gaslit" into the right words. There were too many images in the 11-year-old song, and I narrowed it down to what makes sense to me now. I really had to grow into this song, and I am very proud of it as it is now. I think the concept of "Gaslighted" is clear and relatable.
Listeners are clearly being drawn to Gaslighted, with the tune having received over 9,000 Spotify plays in under three weeks.
How on earth does it feel to know that so many people are listening to and, perhaps more importantly, resonating with your music?
It is hard to believe, but it does feel amazing and crazy at the same time! I am actually really happy that people connect with the song and that they find meaning or beauty in it.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
Some of my biggest influences are David Bowie, Conan Gray, and Phoebe Bridgers. David Bowie because he has SUCH a way with words. Conan Gray, for the honesty in his lyrics. Phoebe Bridgers, because her lyrics speak to me.
Under my "Recently Played" you would see Evanescence, System of Down, Slipknot, Maneskin, Phoebe Bridgers and funnily enough, High School Musical. Right now, I am switching between musicals and some metal.
What aspects of being a musician do you cherish most? And on the flip side, what would you say have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
I love writing songs, and I have written over a hundred. I mostly write in my bedroom with my guitar - most days.
I find the recording part difficult because sometimes you have to do the same part again and again and again and again. It can be very tiring.
If you walked on stage one night and everyone in the crowd was wearing a T-shirt with one of your lyrics on it, which line or lines would you love to see?
"mad forsaken fools" - this lyric is from a song that has not been released yet. It would be AMAZING if everyone shouted out that lyric together. Hopefully, it will be released one day.
OK, Lilia – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you go with and why?
1. Strangers in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers. I believe this is one of the best albums of all time. The emotional impact of this album is huge, and the lyrics are very poetic. I love writing poetry myself and will never get tired of listening to this album.
2. Hunky Dory by David Bowie. I think this IS the best album of all time. It has got such a fun and whimsical side to it. I think I have listened to the album more than 50 times, and I know every song by heart. Just love it!
3. Found Heaven by Conan Gray. This is the most fun album EVER. It has the right amount of really heartfelt lyrics and goofy moments. Saw this live in Korea, and it was a blast.
Lilia, it's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you better! Thanks again for taking the time.
Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically, and do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to leave us with?
I am writing every day, and there will be a new release in August. I have some shows coming up in Shanghai and am attending the Song Academy camp in England in the summer.
I am also in the school musical, preparing for the role of Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman. I think it is important to follow your passions and not let school get in the way!
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