PRIDE 2023: LILY ROSE

In 2020 Lily Rose (Big Loud/Black Book Music/Republic) broke out of TikTok and onto the country music scene with “Villain.” Propelled by her gutsy R&B-tinged vocals, the track hit #1 on iTunes’ all-genre chart and blew up on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

Rose’s 10-song follow-up, Stronger Than I Am, produced by Big Loud president Joey Moi (with able assistance from Matthew Morrisey and Julian Bunetta) earned her a 2022 ACM nomination for Best New Female Artist and recognition that year as Outstanding Breakthrough Artist at the GLAAD Media Awards.

With recent television appearances on Good Morning America and The Voice, a collab with Diplo and upcoming stints on the road as part of Sam Hunt's Summer on the Outskirts and Shania Twain’s Queen of Me tours, we’re not sure how she managed to find time to chat with us. Or if, in retrospect, it seemed like such a good idea.

Congratulations on your recent nuptials.

It was truly the best day of our lives. Having the 175 closest family and friends in the same room, all because of their support for us, was something we’ll cherish forever!

You just performed “Sad in the Summer” with Diplo on the finale of NBC’s The Voice. How did the collaboration come about?

The song has been in the making for over two years. [Big Loud boss] Seth England sent over an early version when I first signed with Big Loud, and after sending vocals back and forth and getting a version from Wes [Diplo] himself, we knew we had a hit on our hands. This whole experience has taught me so much about how to think of others and pay it forward. The finale of The Voice—which was also Blake Shelton’s final episode—was easily the coolest night of my life.

Speaking of national television appearances, you just kicked off Pride Month on ABC’s Good Morning America.

I was so honored. I try to remind everyone that living your truth and feeling proud all year long will help you find peace and happiness. Unfortunately, the world still has closed-minded people, and we still have kids and adults afraid to come out as their authentic selves. I love that in June we get to be extra proud, recognizing the pride we have in living our lives exactly how we were born to.

Any thoughts on living in a state targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community?

Nashville itself is a community of liberal-leaning, open-minded folks. I’m happy to carry the flag, literally and figuratively, for change and remind everyone to show compassion for each other. Even though it might be hard to feel day to day, change is happening, and I have hope for our state and legislators that the needle will move in the coming years. We just have a long way to go.

This year you’re hitting the road with Sam Hunt and Shania Twain. What kind of feedback do you get from country music fans regarding your activism?

I’m so stoked for Shania and Sam and grateful that they’re giving me the opportunity to get the show going for their fans. My goal has been to show people—especially young people—that your dreams can come true by being authentically your true self. I think a lot of hate is fear-based. Hopefully, I can help someone see there’s nothing to be afraid of.