Armed with turntables and a baby bump, Lily McKenzie is redefining the sounds of resilience.
The South London-based DJ, producer and singer-songwriter recently released Pressureher debut EP, via Warner's Major Recordings label. Influenced by impending motherhood, the project pulses with the raw energy of creation, both musical and maternal.
In PressureMcKenzie creates captivating yet energetic dance music that reflects the complexities of her dual role. With a growing life internally and a flourishing career externally, she is turning pressure into power and vulnerability into art.
The rising triple threat, which recently acted twice On her new album, the British singer, who was pregnant at Glastonbury, tells stories of self-worth and perseverance. Through the sensual slide of “Satellite” and the aching twang of the UK garage-inspired “Middle,” among other songs, the EP serves as a reminder that we are much more than the sum of our struggles.
McKenzie is currently riding high on her success after gaining support from Capital Dance, as well as BBC Radio 1’s Future Sounds and Future Dance with Sarah Story. She has also appeared on major playlists including Spotify’s New Dance Revolution and The Loft.
We caught up with McKenzie to talk about her new EP and the adversity that comes with navigating the music industry as a pregnant woman.
EDM.com: Before we talk about the new EP, let's talk about Glasto. What was your experience like playing not once, but twice this year?
Lily McKenzie: Glastonbury was incredible. It's always a privilege to play there and I always find that anyone I speak to, no matter what stage of their career they are at, feels a huge honour but also pressure to put on a great show.
I played at Stonebridge Bar, which was packed and had a great energy. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get on stage because it was so packed! I also played at The Temple, which is one of my favourite venues, so it was definitely a gig to remember.
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EDM.com: On this EP, it’s all in the name. How does the concept of pressure relate to your personal and professional life, especially in the context of your current stage as a pregnant woman?
Lily McKenzie: Pressure It’s about navigating your way through the stresses of life, particularly within the music industry. I definitely feel those pressures, and being pregnant, your emotions and hormones are heightened, so that adds another layer!
The EP explores these concepts, but it's about knowing that you are enough, seeing beyond what doesn't serve you, and coming out stronger. When you're true to yourself, everything balances out and you're able to thrive under pressure.
EDM.com: The song “Satellite” explores detachment and our sometimes desperate pleas for human connection. Where did you get the inspiration to write such profound lyrics?
Lily McKenzie: I think we all feel a little lost sometimes. The world can be so noisy and it can be hard to feel connected. I wrote this song with two amazing producers, Andy Sheldrake and Ross Quinn, and after chatting for a while we discovered that we had all experienced these feelings at some point in our lives. We recalled times when we had felt that way and the lyrics just flowed from there.
EDM.com: There are increasing discussions about the stigmas pregnant artists face in the music industry. What have been some of the biggest obstacles you've encountered and how have you overcome them to stay true to your vision?
Lily McKenzie: At first I felt like I had to hide my pregnancy for as long as possible because I was worried that people would think I wouldn't get booked for gigs or that I wouldn't be able to release music. But to be honest, the response has been very positive and I think there's been a change.
As soon as you prove that you can do it (literally, act pregnant), it will become normalized and hopefully the opportunities will continue to come. Women are proving that we can do it all and I think that is a very powerful and inspiring thing. For my part, I feel very encouraged when I see other women doing the same.
EDM.com: How have you been managing the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy along with the demands of your burgeoning career?
Lily McKenzie: Pregnancy has been physically and emotionally challenging for me and I've had to pace myself. I've made sure to be kind to myself and take breaks when I've needed to. However, keeping busy with my career has helped as it's been a distraction when I haven't been feeling my best. It's important to stay positive and music has always been my happy place too.
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EDM.com: What advice would you give to other upcoming musicians exploring this territory?
Lily McKenzie: I would say there are no rules. Everyone has different experiences and the priority is to make sure you and your baby stay healthy. Nine months is a very short period if you look at the big picture. You can only do what you feel strong enough to do.
I've been very lucky to have great people around me at my shows or in my studio sessions, so if I've been tired or under the weather, they've been very understanding. I would say that's very important, to make sure that the people you're working with on this journey have that same understanding and compassion.
EDM.com: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you think motherhood can have on your art? Do you see yourself approaching lyricism, production, or other processes from a different perspective?
Lily McKenzie: I write from a very honest and sensitive place and I think if anything can make it better, it's motherhood. I don't expect my sound or my process to change too much as that's a big part of me, but this is the first time I'm having this experience so I'm sure I'll notice the changes as I go along.
EDM.com: What's next for you? Without going into too much detail, is there anything interesting about Lily McKenzie's project that you can reveal to our readers?
Lily McKenzie: The EP has definitely been a very intense process, which has been great, but I'm definitely going to take the next few months to enjoy being a new mom. It'll also be nice to spend that time listening to music and digging through drawers at a slower pace.
I've been writing a lot of new music that I'm excited about and I'm planning on releasing some new records towards the end of the year. I've also started booking some shows for then, so it'll be nice to come back after a little break with a fresh perspective.
Follow Lily McKenzie:
UNKNOWN: x.com/lilymckenzie
Instagram: Instagram.com/lilymckenzie
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lilymckenziemusic
Facebook: facebook.com/lilymckenziemusic
Spotify: smallurl.com/2s4pjx3t
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