We’ve got a feeling Summer 19′ is going to be a big one, so it’s time to inject your playlists with some sun, sea and all-round good vibes because “numb” is the BEST song to get you through it.
Whimsical electro-psych pop artist Lila Drew just released her latest single called “numb “, that’s going to be featured on the Netflix original romantic comedy called The Last Summer , starring with K.J. Apa, Maia Mitchell, Jacob Latimore, Halston Sage, and much more. The movie arrives on Netflix on May 3rd and you can get a peek in the trailer below, but if you want to watch something right now, be sure to check it out.
Lila Drew has arrived to jolt us from our slumber, taking her musical influences and turning them into something fresh, sophisticated, and above all else,authentic. Having spent most of her childhood and teens living between London and Los Angeles, 18-year-old Lila Drew’s vast musical influences started by soaking in the blueprints of all things Hip Hop, Rock & Roll, Motown, Folk, and R&B (and everything in-between), from both sides of the Atlantic and primarily thanks to her fathers extensive record collection. Having started playing classical piano at 4-years-old,writing her own music at 8, and producing her own demos throughout her teens, Lila’s music is an autobiographical road map,wending her way from childhood innocence to the challenges of adulthood. Her first official single “faded/2am” feat Goldlink was co-produced with Michael “Mighty Mike” McGarity (Lana Del Rey, FKA twigs, MIGUEL among others) and mixed by Top Dawg Entertainment’s Grammy Award-winning Derek “Mixed by Ali” (SZA, Kendrick Lamar) and is the first of many stellar, self-penned tracks to be released as part of her highly anticipated debut EP. With a wide array of musical influences ranging from Amy Winehouse to Frank Ocean, Lila Drew’s sound embraces intricate elements of indie, electronic, hip-hop, R&B and soul, and is etched with a vulnerability and honesty in her lyrics as if they were plucked right out of her diary. Lila Drew will be releasing her debut EP in 2019.
Lila Drew is definitely one to watch.
Today we premiere Lila’s single and chat with her about her music ventures.
What is your musical background?
I grew up playing piano and a bit of guitar, but my real love for writing started when I was around 8 years old and discovered Garage Band. I had been singing since I was 6 and I loved reading, so when I found a platform that I could use for singing, writing, and making my own music, I was really blown away. I am also so lucky to have parents who are true fans of all kinds of music, so I was exposed to a lot of different genres and styles from a young age — everything from Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed to Lauryn Hill and A Tribe Called Quest to Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye.
How would you describe your sound?
I never really know how to answer this question, my sound is constantly evolving which has taught me a lot about what I sonically gravitate towards. Overall though, it’s a blend of indie songwriting, pop-leaning melodies, and more r&b beats. It’s so cool to me that more and more artists are making projects that cross genres and I definitely see myself doing the same.
What else do you do on your downtime besides music?
I actually am about to finish high school which is so crazy, so most of my time this year has been spent doing schoolwork, applying to college, and working on music and visuals. When I do get some free time, I like to spend as much as I can with my friends and family. My friends and I love art cinema so we do a lot of movie nights and we occasionally go out. I honestly spend a lot of time writing music and working on video concepts in my room! I think I’m kind of an introverted extrovert in that way.
What or who are your biggest inspirations in your music?
Like my sound, my inspirations are always changing, but one constant is always Frank Ocean. I love his scrapbook-style approach to writing and I really connect with his use of nostalgia (which I write about as well). Other inspirations right now are Phoebe Bridgers (and Better Oblivion Community Center!), Blood Orange, Ariana Grande, Paul Simon, and Solange.
Just heard your new song Numb and we are obsessed! Perfect song for this upcoming Summer. What was the process like? How did it feel when you found out this song will be featured in new Netflix original movie “Last Summer” starting biggest stars such as KJ Appa and much more?
Thank you! I actually wrote this song at the end of the summer before 11th grade, which feels like a lifetime ago. I really love to juxtapose lyrics and music in my songs, and numb is definitely a summery, fun, dance-able song with dark and angsty lyrics about dissatisfaction and the feeling of being forgotten or unimportant. I was so excited when I heard that numb was going to be in “The Last Summer!” I’m such a sucker for a good romcom and it was really coincidental that “The Last Summer” was coming out in my last summer after high school. I just saw the movie for the first time the other day, and it is really cute and funny and I can’t wait for more people to see it and relate to the characters and the story, as well as hearing my song in it!
Do you have an album or projects in store for the new year? Could you indulge us in any information or small hints?
I have two EP’s coming out soon! The first release will include my two singles that are out now (“November” and a special extended version of “faded/2am” feat. GoldLink) and four new songs. These EPs are primarily about the importance of childhood memories and are kind of a way for me to say goodbye to my high school days and move into a slightly older and slightly more mature time in my life. These songs are really special to me and I am definitely ready for them to be released into the world.
“numb” is OUT NOW.
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