Lily Fitts is an artist with the most incredible backstory. From performing covers online and being spotted by The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, to a few months later joining Zach Bryan on stage, Lily has made her mark on the industry, and the world has fallen in love with her. After touring with Max McNown on his debut European tour earlier this month, we caught up with her to chat about all things collaborative, British country differences, and what the future holds after a non-stop two years of music.
I must admit, this is a fascinating chat for me. I feel like it was only a short time ago we were watching you in the UK support Noah Kahan at Hyde Park in London. Does it feel like you’ve been away from the UK at all?!
Honestly, yes, when I left, I was like I want to come back – it was such an incredible day and such a wonderful place. I knew I needed to return.
Well, I will admit, I was there, and I feel it is my duty to tell you – that is not British weather – you saw the best summer we had in YEARS.
It was so beautiful, such a perfect day!
How do you find the crowds over the pond? Is there a difference?
Yes! 100% I feel over here the crowds are just so much more respectful and so kind, I did a headline show in London just before I did Hyde Park and I was like.. Wow people are really here for the music – I feel so much more appreciated here!
It’s funny whenever I speak to non-British artists, they always say – we ‘listen more intently’ over here -, but when I’m at a concert, I feel like everyone’s too loud?!
No, it’s a perfect mix here, everyone’s in the moment, having fun but ultimately respectful of your music and what you’re putting out. I love it!
The last time you were here, your album was a week old, a total baby. It’s been SIX MONTHS now – how has the record been received over time?
I’m really blown away with how it’s been taken – as my debut record came out I had no expectations at all I was just glad it was out for the world and I was so proud of it and of myself and now hearing people know the lyrics is so wonderful – I’m so happy with how it all came out and i’m so proud of how it came out.
It’s a beautiful record – I’ve screamed parts, I’ve sung parts, I’ve had a tear here and there – but was there any track in particular that struck a chord with the fans that you didn’t expect?
Honestly, my track Troubled Water – I wrote it and loved it, and knew I wanted it on the record but the reaction I got from it blew me away – I remember I posted a clip of it on TikTok – I try not to put so much pressure on myself when I post but the reaction I got from it was incredible and then I realised wow.. People really love it, and it’s also my dad’s favourite song on the album – so he hit me with the ‘I told you so!’
I love that – he’ll hold you to that forever!
Haha absolutely!
You’ve collabed with some incredible artists, I mean, Zach Bryan, what a way to kick off the live debut, and I adore your track with Sam Barber – but who’s in your eyeline that you’d fancy joining forces with?
There are so many dream collabs – my biggest one is Stevie Nicks – she is my absolute icon, and obviously Noah Kahan is a huge inspiration. I don’t know if you’ve heard of Joshua Sloane; he just released a record, and I cannot stop listening to it.
There’s an artist here in Britain that I would love to see you collaborate with called Maya Lane.
I caught her at Hyde Park. She is amazing!
It’s a question as old as time, but what is your process when it comes to writing tracks and crafting your music?
It really depends on the day – sometimes I go into a session with an idea and we hit it – and then other days I’ll go in and it will pivot into something different – recently I’ve been writing a lot on my own and they start out as poems and lines I’m spilling out in my journal, I’m constantly writing things down in my notes app, it’s chaos but it’s organised chaos, and I’m such a lyrics person so a lot of my songs start there with the lines and the melodies follow as I pick up the guitar or play the piano – so there isn’t a methodical process to it, it’s all over the place but all comes together at the end.
That’s the thing – however, the journey gets you there! You touched upon Stevie Nicks as being an influence earlier. Is there anyone else whom you like to embody when it comes to creating lyrics?
Honestly, any artist I’ve been able to open up for – Max McNown, Michael Marcagi, Myles Smith, Sam Barber – all of their writing I’m so inspired by – so many incredible new artists up and coming – and being in an environment where it’s so collaborative and open. It’s so inspiring.
Especially in the Americana scene, we’re seeing a rise in women artists, which we LOVE – over into the country scene too – this must be such an exciting time to be like.. Damn, I’m a part of this era in history – is there anyone in the charts at the moment where you’re like damn.. That’s so cool, our names are on the bill at the same time.
I am OBSESSED with Ella Langley. She is everything – I’ve been listening to her nonstop when I’m getting ready, about to go out with my friends – all the time – I’ve been so inspired by her. Also, Carter Faith, I love it!
There’s another artist called Ava Hall – her voice is insane – so many incredible women right now, I’m so honoured to even be a small part of it.
Recently toured with Max McNown across Europe, has it given you the itch to be like.. Oh.. I fancy my own little run across some venues here.
You know, there might be some things in the works – I would love to come back and do my own series for sure.
We want you back as soon as possible! We’re so close to 2026 now, so I have to ask, what does next year hold for you as 2025 has been BUSY for Miss Fitts!
Absolutely, after Christmas I’m going to hibernate in the studio and record my next record – I’m excited for this new kind of era and keep growing and evolving – but also staying true to myself and be authentic – and hopefully coming back
I love that – new era too, is down to life experiences or the way your sound has developed?
I think its been a mix – I started all of this just making videos on my porch with my guitar where I still write the most of my music and feel myself, back in New England, so I think my next project is just keeping that New England sense of home and I feel I touched on a lot of my relationships in my last record, which there still is in this new one – but there’s a lot about reflecting on myself and how we can grow and experience life everyday.
I’m excited already! One question I ask everyone I speak to, as it’s tough getting your name out there in the industry, who is someone on your radar that more people deserve to listen to?
Honestly, Elias Hix supported my headline tour, and his writing is amazing, his voice is beautiful, and he is such a kind soul. Definitely check him out.
Interview by Lauren Page
